3 days ago
Oman is An Ornithologist's Paradise
As someone who has harboured a lifelong passion for birdwatching, Oman represents one of the most remarkable ornithological destinations on earth. Back in England, we birdwatchers are affectionately known as 'Twitchers', a term whose origin remains a mystery to me, though it perfectly captures the excitement that courses through us when spotting a rare species.
Oman's avifauna is truly extraordinary, with a total of 556 species recorded, making it a treasure trove for anyone passionate about birds. This incredible diversity stems from the country's unique position at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, combined with its varied landscapes ranging from coastal plains and desert oases to mountainous regions and monsoon-fed southern areas. During the summer months in Oman, I'm treated to a spectacular display right from my bedroom balcony.
A small group of Bee Eaters regularly perches on my balcony wall, creating a living rainbow with their brilliant plumage. These magnificent birds have a beautiful array of colours – emerald greens, sapphire blues, golden yellows and rich rust-reds that shimmer in the sun. Their hunting technique is worth watching: they zoom down with incredible precision to snatch a bee from the air, then return to their perch to methodically beat their prey against my balcony wall before swallowing it whole.
This behaviour removes the bee's stinger. The contrast between birdwatching in England and Oman couldn't be more striking. In the UK we Twitchers will eagerly travel a hundred miles or more for the mere chance of glimpsing an Osprey, a bird so rare and magnificent that its appearance generates excitement throughout the birding community. These large hawks are slender, with long, narrow wings and long legs. Ospreys fly with a marked kink in their wings, making an M-shape when seen from below. I was astounded to spot an Osprey during a visit to the Al Mouj Golf Course, watching in awe as it performed its spectacular fishing dive, plunging into the sea with deadly accuracy to emerge triumphant with a silvery fish clutched in its talons. The Marsh Harrier, another species considered rare in England, regularly graces the skies above my home in Oman. Their distinctive loud shrieking calls announce their presence as they soar overhead, hunting for prey with their keen eyes and impressive aerial manoeuvres. What would be a red- letter day for any British birdwatcher has become a part of my daily routine in Oman. Driving along November 18th Street has become an unexpected birding adventure, where I frequently spot magnificent raptors that would be the highlight of any European birding expedition. Spotted Eagles, with their broad wings and distinctive plumage patterns, are regular sights during these journeys.
One particularly memorable encounter occurred at dusk when a Barn Owl swept across the sky just ten metres above me, its ghostly white form cutting through the evening air silently. My garden has become a natural aviary, particularly enchanting when the brilliantly bright Arabian Purple Sunbird darts from flower to flower. These tiny gems move with hummingbird-like agility, their iridescent plumage catching the light as they probe deep into blossoms for nectar. When I first saw one I thought it was a hummingbird because watching them feed is like observing a hummingbird dancing amongst the flowers. I saw one only yesterday. There are approximately one hundred different coloured Sunbirds. Oman's natural heritage extends far beyond its remarkable bird life, encompassing creatures that I find beautiful rather than frightening. I particularly enjoy picking up and holding a tiny gecko. They have remarkably large eyes and the beneficial habit of consuming those pesky mosquitoes. While many Omanis remain inexplicably fearful of these harmless creatures, I find them charming. Oman's snake population is largely harmless, though sadly many people's first instinct is to kill these magnificent creatures rather than carefully relocating them to their natural habitat. The late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was renowned for his deep love of all animals, and his compassionate philosophy has helped create an environment where Oman's diverse wildlife can flourish. As we observe and appreciate Oman's wildlife, it's important to remember that we and they are all God's creatures, deserving of respect and protection. Rather than fearing or destroying the wildlife that shares our environment, we should cherish these living treasures that make Oman such an extraordinary ornithologist's paradise. So the next time you walk near trees look up at the sky and you might be lucky enough to see an Omani Indian Roller. It has unmistakably striking blue colours in flight and is not uncommon. The bird is a resident of Oman, not a migrant, meaning it stays here year-round, though it may be more common in winter than summer.
