The Seasonal Spectacle of the Socotra Cormorant in Musandam

Observer

15-07-2025

Photos by Ali al Harbi
Each year, between July and September, the coastlines of Musandam are transformed into a breathtaking scene, one that occurs only once annually and captures the hearts of nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike. It is the season when the elusive Socotra Cormorant makes its way to the shores of Oman, turning the northern tip of the Sultanate into a living stage for a rare natural performance. For birdwatchers and photographers in search of extraordinary moments, this seasonal migration is nothing short of a gift, one that draws lenses and eyes from all corners of the country and beyond.
This dark-feathered seabird, known scientifically as Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, is named after Socotra Island in Yemen but migrates across specific regions of the Arabian Gulf. Standing up to 80 centimetres tall, the Socotra Cormorant is distinguished by its shimmering black plumage and graceful movements. Oman's Musandam coast serves as one of the bird's key seasonal stopovers and one of the most remarkable, as the species is globally classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List. What makes this bird particularly captivating is its synchronized behaviour. It travels in flocks that can number in the tens of thousands, swimming in perfect harmony as if composing a moving artwork across the sea's surface. Underwater, the cormorant displays agile hunting techniques, diving up to 15 metres deep and remaining submerged for more than three minutes while pursuing sardines, anchovies, and other small fish — an extraordinary feat among seabirds of the region.
Musandam's isolated and quiet beaches provide the ideal sanctuary for the cormorant's summer migration, which typically begins in July and lasts until late September or early October. During this brief window, the coastline becomes a hub of ecological activity. Studies have recorded as many as 45,000 birds congregating along the shores of Musandam during the summer months, making it one of the largest and most vital gathering sites for this species in the world. For photographers, researchers, and birding enthusiasts, this gathering presents a rare opportunity to observe and document the bird's natural behaviour without the need to travel to remote islands or restricted reserves.
What astonishes many observers is not only the sheer size of the flocks but also the bird's endurance and flight capabilities. Despite having relatively narrow wings, the Socotra Cormorant is capable of travelling vast distances with remarkable efficiency. One of the most visually stunning moments happens at sunrise and sunset, when thousands of birds take flight or land in synchronised waves, casting dancing shadows across the ocean in a spectacle that seems almost choreographed by nature itself.
Recognising the ecological and tourism value of this annual phenomenon, Oman has taken deliberate steps to protect the Socotra Cormorant and its natural habitats. National efforts include monitoring migratory populations, restricting disruptive human activities during the migration season, and designating areas of high ecological importance for special conservation oversight by entities such as the Environment Authority. Moreover, Oman's vision for sustainable eco-tourism increasingly embraces such natural spectacles, aiming to transform them into meaningful experiences that support local communities whilst preserving biodiversity.
For photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to rare and fleeting wonders, the presence of the Socotra Cormorant on Musandam's shores is an open invitation. This majestic and mysterious bird calls on you to witness its journey, to capture moments that cannot be replicated, and to become part of a quiet celebration of nature's artistry. Its presence is more than just a seasonal migration; it's a symbol of the delicate balance between nature and humanity, a reminder that some treasures, once lost, may never return.
In the end, the migration of the Socotra Cormorant is not merely a biological event. It is a silent festival of life, a visual symphony that touches the soul of every person who believes in the beauty of the natural world. With every new season, this bird reminds us that Oman is home to some of the planet's most extraordinary ecological treasures, gems worth protecting, cherishing, and sharing with the world.