WINGED VISITORS NEED YOU THIS SUMMER
House sparrows are frequent visitors, staring through tinted glass with quiet hope, while pigeons seem to carry on undeterred, even during the peak heat hours.
Bright blue Indian Rollers add a splash of colour to the otherwise sun-bleached scene. In Oman's intense summer, birds face extreme challenges: searing temperatures, dehydration, and reduced food availability.
Birdwatchers and conservationists alike stress the need for accessible water. A simple, shallow dish under a tree or on a balcony can become a life-saving oasis. One company created such a haven under a peepal tree in its parking lot — dozens of pigeons now gather around the shaded water bucket in contentment.
Providing shelter through native trees like the ghaf and sidr, or using shade nets and shrubs, can offer vital cover.
Equally important is offering appropriate food — grains, seeds or fruits — while avoiding processed items that harm birds.
Observer spoke with Nasser al Kindi, bird-watching expert and author of 'Birds in Oman', who emphasised the importance of habitat and water.
He explained that while some migratory birds pass through, others like the European Roller and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater spend parts of the summer in Oman. Dhofar, with its monsoon clouds, becomes a seasonal home for species like the grey-headed kingfisher and the Diederik Cuckoo.
Nasser recommends cultivating gardens with native plants and avoiding pesticides to attract birds and other beneficial species like butterflies and dragonflies.
He adds, 'Support birds by providing water, and remember to clean the dish with soap at least once a week to avoid disease spread.'
Three simple ways to support birds this summer:
#Provide fresh water daily in shallow dishes placed in shaded spots — and clean them weekly with soap.
#Plant native trees and avoid chemicals in gardens to create safe, natural habitats.
#Spread awareness in your community about how to protect and support local wildlife.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
20-07-2025
- Observer
Students urged to review choices ahead of final admission phase
MUSCAT: As the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) prepares to launch the Programme Reordering Phase on Tuesday, July 22, students are being strongly encouraged to revise and prioritise their programme choices to improve their chances in the upcoming First Allocation Phase. In an exclusive interview with Observer, Nada bint Mohammed Al Kiyoumiyah, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, emphasised the importance of this final stage before allocation results are released. 'This is a decisive phase where students can re-evaluate the order of their selected programmes,' Al Kiyoumi explained. 'The system allocates study opportunities based on the final order submitted and on merit-based selection criteria.' She noted that many students made avoidable mistakes during the Trial Allocation, such as limiting their programme list or focusing too narrowly on popular majors. Students urged to review choices ahead of final admission phase 'Some high-performing students submitted only a few programme options, despite the system allowing an unlimited number,' she said. 'Others - particularly female applicants - tended to prioritise high-demand fields like education, leading to increased competition.' Health-related programmes also continue to be among the most sought-after due to their perceived job market value. However, Al Kiyoumi warned that even students with high scores could miss out if they limit their options. To guide applicants, HEAC has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign through social media, radio, TV and direct communication, helping students understand how to optimise their choices. Regarding fluctuating admission cut-offs, Al Kiyoumi explained that these vary each year based on General Education Diploma results and applicant preferences. The competitive score is calculated using a formula that weighs 60 per cent of relevant subject marks and 40 per cent of the general average. Nada bint Mohammed Al Kiyoumiyah 'Naturally, when competing students have higher scores, the admission thresholds rise,' she said. On transparency, she reaffirmed the system's integrity since its inception in 2006, highlighting that all applicants are assessed through the same formula, and that programme cut-off scores are publicly available for comparison. For students wishing to contest their results, a well-defined appeals process is in place. Al Kiyoumi confirmed that a neutral committee, independent of the ministry, reviews all appeals to ensure fairness. This year, for the first time, appeals can be submitted via the government's unified services portal ( as part of a broader national effort to streamline digital services. Looking ahead, she shared plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and data analytics into the admissions platform, aiming to enhance user experience for students, guardians and system administrators alike. 'We are committed to continuously improving the system's fairness, accessibility and responsiveness,' she said. Al Kiyoumi concluded by urging students to make thoughtful, realistic choices and to learn from the trial results: 'This is your chance to secure a place that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Take it seriously, review your options carefully and diversify your selections.'
Observer
21-06-2025
- Observer
WINGED VISITORS NEED YOU THIS SUMMER
A glance out the window on a summer afternoon might reveal birds seeking refuge on the windowsill — resting in the shade, searching for food, and most importantly, water. It's bird-watching of a different kind — less about spotting exotic species and more about observing resilience and survival. House sparrows are frequent visitors, staring through tinted glass with quiet hope, while pigeons seem to carry on undeterred, even during the peak heat hours. Bright blue Indian Rollers add a splash of colour to the otherwise sun-bleached scene. In Oman's intense summer, birds face extreme challenges: searing temperatures, dehydration, and reduced food availability. Birdwatchers and conservationists alike stress the need for accessible water. A simple, shallow dish under a tree or on a balcony can become a life-saving oasis. One company created such a haven under a peepal tree in its parking lot — dozens of pigeons now gather around the shaded water bucket in contentment. Providing shelter through native trees like the ghaf and sidr, or using shade nets and shrubs, can offer vital cover. Equally important is offering appropriate food — grains, seeds or fruits — while avoiding processed items that harm birds. Observer spoke with Nasser al Kindi, bird-watching expert and author of 'Birds in Oman', who emphasised the importance of habitat and water. He explained that while some migratory birds pass through, others like the European Roller and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater spend parts of the summer in Oman. Dhofar, with its monsoon clouds, becomes a seasonal home for species like the grey-headed kingfisher and the Diederik Cuckoo. Nasser recommends cultivating gardens with native plants and avoiding pesticides to attract birds and other beneficial species like butterflies and dragonflies. He adds, 'Support birds by providing water, and remember to clean the dish with soap at least once a week to avoid disease spread.' Three simple ways to support birds this summer: #Provide fresh water daily in shallow dishes placed in shaded spots — and clean them weekly with soap. #Plant native trees and avoid chemicals in gardens to create safe, natural habitats. #Spread awareness in your community about how to protect and support local wildlife.
Observer
17-06-2025
- Observer
Oman marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
The Sultanate of Oman has called for intensified afforestation and land restoration efforts as the world observes World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. Speaking to the Observer, Masoud Sulaiman Abood al Azri, DG of Marketing for Agriculture and Fisheries and spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR), emphasised that desertification is a critical environmental challenge facing nations worldwide. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for nutritious food and clean water is increasing rapidly, making land restoration an urgent priority rather than an option. 'In Oman, we have devised multiple strategies to combat desertification through various projects and initiatives,' the official said. 'These include reforestation, rangeland restoration, awareness campaigns and active collaboration between public and private sectors.' He noted that Oman has integrated desertification control into its national strategy, with a focus on environmental protection, sustainable land use and natural resource management. Among the major initiatives undertaken by Oman are: Tree planting in arid regions such as Al Rumayl and Hayal to increase vegetation cover; Rangeland restoration projects in Dhofar targeting issues such as soil erosion, biodiversity loss and vegetation decline; Community awareness campaigns promoting sustainable agriculture; and Support for water-efficient crops and eco-friendly farming technologies. 'These efforts are essential in promoting food security, conserving biodiversity and building climate resilience,' Al Azri said. Globally, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 is being led by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This year's official observance is taking place in Bogotá, Colombia, where policymakers, civil society organisations and indigenous representatives are gathering to advocate for land restoration as a cornerstone of sustainable development and lasting peace. Held under the theme 'Restore the Land; Unlock the Opportunities', the event highlights the economic, social and environmental benefits of restoring degraded lands for both people and the planet. A UNCCD statement said: 'Every $1 used to restore land yields a return of $7 to $30 through enhanced ecosystem services and livelihoods, making for an investment case that the world cannot afford to overlook.' The organisation estimates that to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, the world must invest approximately $1 billion per day. In alignment with this vision, Oman's afforestation and restoration efforts demonstrate how local initiatives can contribute meaningfully to global goals — ensuring food security, preserving ecosystems and fostering sustainable economic growth for future generations.
