Winged wonders of Salalah

In the misty mornings of Salalah’s Khareef Dhofar Season, while dragonflies skim over the still waters of Wadi Darbat, Sajid Hussain sits motionless, camera poised. A management professional by day, he has found his truest calling in wildlife photography — especially in the kestrel, the small but fierce raptor that hovers mid-air before plunging to strike its prey.
“Kestrels fascinate me because of their elegance and resilience”, Sajid says. “Unlike larger raptors, they are small, fast and incredibly agile. What drew me most is their unique hunting style — hovering mid-air with precision before diving. Photographing them is difficult, but every successful shot feels like a reward”.

The challenge, he explains, lies in their size and speed. “Their movements are erratic. You need patience, quick reflexes and precise timing. Even the smallest disturbance can make them flee. Sometimes, I wait for hours without a single photo. But those quiet moments sharpen my observation and remind me why I’m there”.
The first time he captured a kestrel in flight remains unforgettable. “Freezing that instant against the wind gave me a rush of excitement. It was more than an image; it was proof of persistence and a deep connection with the wild”.

Sajid often ventures into Dhofar Governorate’s hills and wadis — from the rugged escarpments of Jabal Samhan to the lush valleys of Wadi Darbat and Wadi Nahiz. With his Nikon Z9 and a 500mm lens, he positions himself quietly, sometimes guided by biologists or local herders who know the birds’ habits. “Everything begins with observation”, he says. “Learning their patterns — feeding times, hunting grounds and migratory paths — makes all the difference. But the comfort of the bird always comes first. A photo should never come at the cost of its safety”.

Kestrel photography, for Sajid, is about more than equipment. “Patience, field craft and understanding the bird’s behaviour matter more than gear. The ultimate image I dream of is two kestrels locked in an aerial duel — wings outstretched, talons ready. A photo should tell a story of survival and grace”.

Yet his lens is not only trained on raptors. During the Khareef Dhofar Season, when migratory species flock to Dhofar, he has captured striking portraits of the Diederik cuckoo — its red eyes and iridescent plumage glowing against the monsoon greenery. “The cuckoo is elusive”, he notes. “Often heard more than seen, but when it perches mid-flight or clutches an insect, it tells its own story of adaptability”.

Equally captivating are the bright flashes of weaver birds, busily constructing their intricate hanging nests. “Their artistry is extraordinary”, Sajid says. “Frame by frame, you see devotion, motion and love woven into grass and twigs. They remind me that even the smallest bird carries a grand design”.

Through these hours in the field, he has learned more than photography. “I’ve trained myself to move silently, read tracks, recognise bird calls and respect the rhythm of the wild. Nature teaches patience, resilience and humility. Ultimately, it’s about being present and finding peace in unpredictability”.
For Sajid, the kestrel remains the heart of this passion — a bird that hovers with defiant grace against the Salalah winds, much like the photographer himself, holding steady, waiting for that fleeting moment when nature allows him in.