Birds open windows to a different world and unlock secrets of nature. Unlike other hobbies, birdwatching is only a pleasure only for its practitioners. For others it is a waste of time.
The birder feels touching the feathers of the bird, even if he or she is meters away from it. One needs patience and passion in equal measure to pursue this hobby.
Some birders prefer to watch seabirds, while others enjoy observing birds of prey while they are tamed and trained. Some who are known as twitchers travel long distances to see rare species and their habitats.
Birdwatching is becoming increasingly popular among European tourists. Birdwatching tourism or avitourism refers to travel where the main purpose is to observe birds in their natural habitat. It is very much related to nature tourism and adventure tourism. Therefore, many tour operators offering birdwatching tourism also offer nature and adventure-based trips.
Globally, around three million international trips are dedicated to birdwatching every year. It has been a rapidly growing market, with the largest share coming from Europe. At least 20 per cent of European travellers that engage in wildlife tourism are interested in bird watching activities as well.
Thanks to technological development and the use of modern tools for monitoring birds. Bird watchers today are able to distinguish between their species, identify their sounds, and know the angles of their movement and the nature of their behavior. Therefore, birders today see themselves as the most knowledgeable people about the details of bird life, and they have become one of the primary sources that provide a long list of data on bird life and their locations in various countries of the world.
Oman is a popular bird watching destination. Citizens and residents often combine hobbies birdwatching and photography. During the winter season, Oman’s natural reserves, oases, swamps, islands, creeks, and mountains see the arrival of migratory birds from Europe, West and East Asia.
Official statistics conducted by the Environment Authority indicate that “more than 400 species of birds visit these sites during the winter season. Migratory birds constitute more than 80 per cent of the total number of birds recorded in Oman. The country sits on the Central Asian Path, which is the second largest bird migration path in the world.
In addition to field studies and identifying protected areas to enrich environmental tourism and secure the lives of resident and migratory birds, the government has been keen to issue many environmental laws and legislation that contribute to reducing risks to bird life.
Oman’s commitment to conservation is reflected in the setting up of many nature reserves and its accession to international pacts like the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
To encourage avitourism, the Environment Authority has identified around 70 sites as important bird nesting areas in the Sultanate. The most important of these sites are Al Daymaniyat Islands, Al Hallaniyat Islands, Barr Al Hikman, Duqm coast, Al Shuwaymiya, Ras Al Hadd, Al Batinah Coast, Masirah Island, wadis and mountains of Dhofar Governorate, Al Ansab lake, in addition to the dumping sites that provide main meals for birds of prey namely Egyptian Vulture.
According to the latest statistics, there are more than 546 bird species in marine and mountainous environments, whether for breeding or resting. The most important birds that are easy to see are flamingos, herons, sea gulls, bulbuls, sparrows and grey-headed kingfishers.
Birdwatching is not an expensive hobby. One needs a pair of binoculars, sunglasses and books like Common Birds in Oman by Hanne & Jens Erikson. One can also find plenty of reading material on the internet and social media on birdwatching.
For those who wish to take high-quality photographs, one must have a DSLR camera with a telephoto lens. If you respect the birds’ privacy and are patient, you can learn about these avian friends.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
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