Welcome to the Oman Birding Website.
Our aim is to provide detailed info on sites, latest birding news, rarities reports, as well as help in planning a birding tour. We want to build on the excellent website by Jens Eriksen, Chairman of the Oman Birds Record Committee, that was the standard reference for Oman and offer info and advice to help visiting birders.
We are currently a work in progress and new features will be added frequently.
Here's an overview of the period from mid-October to the end of November 2024 including Sykes's Nightjar (2nd for Oman), Malachite Kingfisher, Fulvous Whistling-Duck (2nd for Oman), Amur Falcons, Yellow-throated Sparrows and more!
Checkout images from our contributors.
We are adding relevant identification articles all of the time.
THE OMAN BIRDING TRAIL
Most birdwatchers begin in Muscat, visiting Al Qurm Park and beaches, as well as take a boat trip out to Al Fahal Island for Sooty Falcons. Moving on to the Sayq Plateau and Al Ajar Mountains before driving south to Barr al Hickman & the amazing shorebird-fest. Then swinging inland across the desert to Haima, Al Ghaftain, Muntesar Oasis and Qatbit Gardens. Further south is Al Beed Farms and Shisr Fields, before reaching the Hypocolius wintering area of Mudday. Finally, Salalah is the jewel in the crown with numerous birding sites all within short drives and provides the pinnacle of Omani birding. See here for full info: Oman Birding Sites
FOCUS ON AL ANSAB LAGOONS
Al Ansab Wetland (RAMSAR Site) is an artificial wetland 15 kilometres from the centre of Muscat. The connected water treatment facility releases treated water into a series of surrounding ponds. This process provides a water source otherwise unavailable in the surrounding desert, creating a habitat for 305 recorded species of resident and migrating birds.
For full info just clock on this link - Al Ansab Wetland Reserve Info
Meet the team responsible for contributing to this website
There are a number of excellent books to consider when preparing for your biding trip to Oman
Desert Owl is one of the key species of any visit to the Dhofar region in southern Oman. Most birders head into Wadi Mughsayl for it and it can get rather crowded some evenings during November- so be prepared. At other times of the year, you will most likely have the place to yourself.
OMAN ROCKS!
We hope you like our website and consider visiting Oman at some stage. But it's not all about coming in November, why not visit in Spring (late March - April) or Autumn (September- early October) and find something mega?
Photo of Small Pratincole © Nick Bray
