Quriyat is a haven for pink and white flamingos
Published: 03:09 PM,Sep 11,2023 | EDITED : 07:09 PM,Sep 11,2023
In the picturesque coastal region of Muscat Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman, a mesmerising spectacle awaits those who venture to its shores - the elegant and enchanting flamingos. These beautiful birds, known for their distinctive pink and white plumage, grace the serene waters of The Flamingo Lake in Quriyat, amongst other locations across Oman, including Al Mughsail Beach in Salalah and Al Suwaih in South Sharqiya.
Standing gracefully in the shallow, salty waters with one leg raised and sporting striking white-black bills, these flamingos are a true marvel of nature. Their vibrant pink colouration results from their diet, primarily shrimp and algae. Along the shores, one can often witness these graceful creatures taking flight in groups, their long legs and stretched necks allowing them to effortlessly capture fish from the waters below. With their large wings and short tails, they navigate the skies with remarkable finesse, making them both powerful swimmers and agile fliers.
For photographer Ahmed al Wahibi, weekends are a special opportunity to capture the beauty of the flamingos at the Flamingo Lake in Quriyat. After the Al Fajr prayer, he embarks on a journey approximately fifty minutes from Muscat city along the main road. Armed with his trusty Sony camera equipped with a 200-600 mm lens, Ahmed captures these magnificent birds in all their glory.
Ahmed shares his deep admiration for the location, saying, 'The place was spectacular, and I felt as though I was transported outside of Oman for a moment. I make it a point to visit every vacation because I love the place.'
As the flamingos take to the skies in flocks, their outstretched legs and gracefully curved necks create an awe-inspiring sight. It is common to see them standing on one leg, a behaviour that has intrigued scientists for years. Some believe it regulates their body temperature, while others speculate it is an energy-saving technique or a way to dry their legs.
The word 'flamingo' finds its origins in the Spanish and Latin term 'flamenco,' which means 'fire.' This name aptly captures their fiery-coloured plumage. Flamingos are categorized as 'wading birds' and have a lifespan of twenty to thirty years in the wild. They are filter feeders, using their unique feeding technique: they dip their heads underwater, turning them upside down to consume food. Then, they deftly swing their heads, employing their tongues to pump water in and out of their bills. This creates a water filter along the edge of their bills, effectively trapping their food.
Ahmed al Wahibi immortalises his Flamingo Lake experiences through stunning imagery, which he shares across social media platforms. He aims to inspire Omanis and tourists alike to explore the unspoiled beauty of Oman's natural landscapes and witness the captivating spectacle of flamingos soaring in flocks along Oman's pristine lakes and coastline.
Standing gracefully in the shallow, salty waters with one leg raised and sporting striking white-black bills, these flamingos are a true marvel of nature. Their vibrant pink colouration results from their diet, primarily shrimp and algae. Along the shores, one can often witness these graceful creatures taking flight in groups, their long legs and stretched necks allowing them to effortlessly capture fish from the waters below. With their large wings and short tails, they navigate the skies with remarkable finesse, making them both powerful swimmers and agile fliers.
For photographer Ahmed al Wahibi, weekends are a special opportunity to capture the beauty of the flamingos at the Flamingo Lake in Quriyat. After the Al Fajr prayer, he embarks on a journey approximately fifty minutes from Muscat city along the main road. Armed with his trusty Sony camera equipped with a 200-600 mm lens, Ahmed captures these magnificent birds in all their glory.
Ahmed shares his deep admiration for the location, saying, 'The place was spectacular, and I felt as though I was transported outside of Oman for a moment. I make it a point to visit every vacation because I love the place.'
As the flamingos take to the skies in flocks, their outstretched legs and gracefully curved necks create an awe-inspiring sight. It is common to see them standing on one leg, a behaviour that has intrigued scientists for years. Some believe it regulates their body temperature, while others speculate it is an energy-saving technique or a way to dry their legs.
The word 'flamingo' finds its origins in the Spanish and Latin term 'flamenco,' which means 'fire.' This name aptly captures their fiery-coloured plumage. Flamingos are categorized as 'wading birds' and have a lifespan of twenty to thirty years in the wild. They are filter feeders, using their unique feeding technique: they dip their heads underwater, turning them upside down to consume food. Then, they deftly swing their heads, employing their tongues to pump water in and out of their bills. This creates a water filter along the edge of their bills, effectively trapping their food.
Ahmed al Wahibi immortalises his Flamingo Lake experiences through stunning imagery, which he shares across social media platforms. He aims to inspire Omanis and tourists alike to explore the unspoiled beauty of Oman's natural landscapes and witness the captivating spectacle of flamingos soaring in flocks along Oman's pristine lakes and coastline.