Migratory birds cross borders, connect ecosystems

MUSCAT: Twice a year, millions of migratory birds cross national borders without passports, following ancient routes that connect continents, ecosystems and communities.
Their remarkable journeys offer more than a spectacle for birdwatchers. They are a reminder that nature recognises no political boundaries and that the protection of wildlife depends on cooperation across countries.
Oman, located along the West Asia-East Africa Flyway, is an important stopover for migratory birds travelling between Europe, Asia and Africa. Oman’s varied landscapes, from wetlands and coastal areas to mountains and deserts, provide vital feeding and resting grounds for numerous species.
According to the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Oman is home to more than 30 species of raptors that occur as passage migrants, winter visitors or resident breeders.
The country regularly receives species such as greater flamingos, crab-plovers, steppe eagles, ospreys, harriers, sandpipers and plovers, as well as a variety of warblers, shrikes, European rollers and bee-eaters.
Wildlife photographer, ornithologist and author Jens Eriksen, who lived in Oman for many years, describes Oman as an exceptional destination for birdwatchers.
“Oman is a truly amazing birding destination,” he says, noting that hundreds of resident and migratory birds can be observed around mountains, green oases, wetlands and beaches.
Among the migratory species that attract particular interest is the Taiga Flycatcher (Ficedula albicilla), a relatively rare visitor that can be spotted in Oman during the cooler months.
Eriksen, co-author of Birdlife in Oman with Hanne Eriksen, says the country’s birdlife includes large numbers of waterbirds and waders, as well as raptors and landbirds that arrive seasonally.
The extraordinary journeys of migratory birds are not without risks.
“Human development and destruction ruin vital resting spots, resulting in habitat loss, while pollution, war, military conflicts, noise and industrial activity disrupt their ancient flight paths,” Eriksen says.
Extreme and unpredictable weather is also making long-distance migration increasingly challenging.
Protecting these birds therefore requires cooperation across borders and the conservation of the habitats on which they depend. Their journeys connect ecosystems thousands of kilometres apart, making the health of one wetland, coastline or forest relevant to conservation efforts far beyond national boundaries.
Oman’s rich avian diversity also offers significant opportunities for sustainable tourism. The country has recorded more than 500 bird species, with several locations attracting both professional ornithologists and amateur birdwatchers.
The Al Ansab Lagoons near Muscat provide accessible opportunities to observe waterbirds, herons and migrant waders. Barr Al Hikman and Masirah Island are important coastal habitats, supporting hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, including crab-plovers and other migratory species.
Dhofar, with its seasonal greenery, lagoons and wadis, offers another distinctive birding environment, while the Al Hajar Mountains provide habitats for mountain species and the endemic Omani owl.
Among the species that can be observed in Oman are grey francolin, moorhen, little stint, common snipe, green bee-eater, European roller, bulbuls, pale rock sparrows, greater flamingos and night herons.
For visitors, birdwatching offers more than a search for rare species. It provides a way to experience Oman’s landscapes at a slower pace while connecting nature with the country’s cultural and environmental heritage.