BIRD MIGRATION SEASON ( Muscat, Al Batinah, Musandam, and Al Shariqya Governorates)

Bird watching is one of the favorite attraction for the tourists visiting Sultanate, owing to the remarkable diversity of avian species, which has been documented to include 486 varieties in numerous specialized studies and reports. The Muscat Governorate serves as an excellent starting point for bird watching enthusiasts, with Qurum Nature Park standing out as a prime location for observing common bird species year-round. Visitors can marvel at a plethora
of birds such as the yellow bulbul, osprey, graceful warbler, laughing doves, small oriental warblers, and Asian tamarinds. Coastal areas offer sightings of herons, flamingos, gulls, and hawksbills, while water monuments’ ponds are ideal for observing eagles and water birds. For birdwatching enthusiasts,           Al Ansab lagoons, also referred to as Ansab Wetlands, and Qurum Natural Park, in Muscat offer prime locations on the mainland. These sites host a variety of breeding birds native to Oman, providing ample opportunities for sightings. Among the commonly observed species are the grey francolin, red-wattle plover,
laughing dove, little green bee-eater, yellow-vented bulbul, Arabian babbler, purple sunbird, and Indian Silver-bill. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a novice enthusiast, these spots promise rewarding experiences amidst Oman’s
avian diversity.

DAMANIYAT, SAWADI & FAHL ISLANDS (Muscat Governorate)

In Muscat Governorate, the Damaniyat, Sawadi, and Fahl Islands beckon with their diverse avian populations. The Damaniyat Islands serve as breeding grounds for various bridled and white-cheeked species, alongside common
noddies, ospreys, and western reef herons during nesting seasons. Beyond their aquatic inhabitants, Al Sawadi Island and Al Fahl Island, situated 4 km off Ras Al Hamra near Muscat, host breeding colonies of sooty falcons. Additionally, Al Fahl Island boasts nesting red-billed tropic birds, enriching the islands’ ecological tapestry with their presence.

Ras Al Sawadi along the Batinah Coast provides opportunities to observe flamingos, gulls, hawksbills, and in summer, the mesmerizing sight of sunset falcons. Agricultural lands in Sohar are favored by species like larks,
jasmines, and wagtails, particularly during migration seasons. The mangrove trees in Liwa and Shinas are home to the endemic manatee fisherman.

In the Musandam Governorate, the abundance of birds during winter and fall attracts visitors, with the Socotra sea crow frequently spotted along the coast near Khasab.

Prime observation spots include the eastern region near Ras Al Hadd, where beaches teem with seagulls and terns during migration periods. Here, one can witness the captivating sight of the red-billed sea head among the flamingos, and a flock of gnats near Khor Grama.

While a visit to the northern mountains of the Hajar range may not yield a lengthy bird list, it offers sightings of intriguing species like the majestic eared vulture soaring above.

GREEN TURTLE (Al Shariqya Governorate)

During the nesting season for green turtles, Ras Al Jinz in the Wilayat of Sur becomes a focal point for these magnificent creatures. From August through October, these turtles grace the beaches of the region with their presence, drawing the fascination of numerous visitors and establishing it as a unique tourist destination in the Sultanate, especially cherished by enthusiasts of turtle-watching. Among the five species of turtles found in the Sultanate, the green turtle, locally referred to as “Hamsa,” thrives within the Ras Al Jinz Reserve. Throughout the year, these turtles frequent the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras
Al Jinz, with nesting season peaking from May to October annually. Renowned for their distinct shape and vibrant colors, green turtles have designated Ras Al Jinz as a sanctuary for nesting, traversing vast distances along the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the shores of South Africa to lay their eggs safely on the golden sands of Ras Al Jinz, blessed with a moderate climate bestowed by nature.

The five species of turtles found in Oman are:
1. Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) – locally known as “Hamsa”
2. Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) – locally known as “Buhamra”
3. Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – locally known as “Fahal”
4. Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) – locally known as “Fawwah”
5. Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – locally known as “Safra”

Each species of turtle has its preferred nesting and foraging grounds, and their presence can vary depending on the season. Here’s a general overview:

1. Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Where: Green turtles can be observed nesting along the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz in the Wilayat of Sur, Oman. They also forage in the waters around Oman.

Season: Nesting season typically occurs from May to October.

2. Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Where: Loggerhead turtles can be found nesting on various beaches along the Omani coast, including Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz.

Season: Nesting season typically aligns with that of green turtles, occurring from May to October.

3. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Where: Hawksbill turtles are known to nest on beaches around Oman, including Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz.

Season: Nesting season typically coincides with that of green and loggerhead turtles, from May to October.

4. Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Where: Olive Ridley turtles may occasionally nest on Omani beaches, but they are less common compared to other species.

Season: Nesting season aligns with other species, generally from May to October.

5. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Where: Leatherback turtles are rare visitors to Omani waters and beaches, with sightings being infrequent.

Season: If spotted, sightings may occur during the nesting season of other turtle species, from May to October