HOW TO START BIRDWATCHING IN OMAN
If you are considering taking up birdwatching in Oman, then you find yourself in one of the most fascinating, exciting and extraordinary countries in the world to give it a go!
Oman provides year round excellent birding, with great seabirds, plenty of migrants and wintering species, shorebirds aplenty, and some superb breeding and resident species.
What is Birding?
Birding is the identification, observation and recording of birds in the wild and their natural habitat as a recreation activity.
For most participants, birding is a hobby that helps bring them closer to nature and this is a key part of the activity.
For others, the logging of specific details is the most enjoyable part, the data can be shared and used to determine if a species of thriving or declining in a given area.
Whichever aspect of birding tickles your interest, we are sure you’ll find it educational and enlightening.
While birding is a hobby that anyone can enjoy, some may find it a little intimidating for beginners.
Getting started with birding is easier than you may think.
WHERE TO START.....
It’s one of the first eye-openers for people who are just starting to pick up birdwatching: the experience of hearing a birder call out names of birds in quick succession as a flock passes by, seemingly without looking. But like anything, it’s mainly practice—and it’s surprisingly easy to learn. You can watch (and listen to) birds pretty much anytime you’re outside. You mainly just need patience, careful observation, and a willingness to let the wonder and beauty of the natural world overtake you. Here are some tips on how to get started:
WHAT WILL I NEED...?
Binoculars - Your enjoyment of birds depends hugely on how great they look through your binoculars, so make sure you’re getting a big, bright, crisp picture through yours. In recent years excellent binoculars have become available at surprisingly low prices.
You may have to try mail order from overseas if there's nothing available locally. Brands such as Bushnell and Vortex offer really good value for money and would be an excellent first binocular before reaching for the dizzy heights of Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski makes.
Fortunately Oman has a really good field guide.. See this link
Get a Notebook - As a birder, you will need to keep a log of the birds that you encounter and their unique features also where you saw them. The notebook entries can be made seasonally because you will encounter different species of birds during different months. Some people, however, prefer to keep a life list of all the birds they have ever come into contact with. The notebook also acts as proof of your birding activities and can be used to share and compare stories with fellow birders. Make sure the notebook is weatherproof because you will encounter different climates while birding
Once you’re outside and surrounded by birds, we recommend practicing a four-step approach to identification. First you judge the bird’s size and shape; then look for its main color pattern; take note of its behavior; and factor in what habitat it’s in.
We’re not saying you need to become a lister—a birding term for people who love (some might say are obsessed with) compiling lists of the species they’ve seen. But writing down what you see can yield great benefits—think of notes as a kind of diary with a focus, chronicling the days of your life through the birds you’ve seen and places you’ve been. Many people keep their records online in our free eBird project, which keeps track of every place and day you go bird watching, allows you to enter notes and share sightings with friends, and explore the data all eBirders have entered.
If you have a smartphone, you can carry a bookshelf in your pocket. Many field guides are available as apps. Merlin Bird ID can help you ID more than 7,500 species across the planet and can even identify birds by their songs in some parts of the world. eBird Mobile can keep track of your checklists and help you find your way to birds you want to see.
Birdwatching can be a relaxing solo pursuit—a walk in the woods decorated with bird sightings. But birding is also a social endeavor, and the best way to learn is from other people. Get connected with your local birding club—there’s a decent chance that someone’s leading a bird walk near you this weekend—and they’d love to have you come along.
THE DO'S and DONT'S OF BIRDING
As with any sport or hobby, there’s always an etiquette to follow and birding is no different.
While in the wild, it’s essential to maintain silence or at least a certain degree of quietness so that you don’t spook away the birds.
Wear appropriate clothing and try to blend in with the environment.
Plan your trip in advance and try to stay on tracks and paths as much as possible.
Be respectful to others, ie cyclists, hikers and other birders etc.
Don’t be afraid to bring your field book with you to see if you correctly identified a bird.
Don’t approach or stress out nesting birds.
Don’t trespass on private property.
Put your phone on silent.
Take your waste home with you.
And remember, birding should be fun wherever you are!
Check these links for more info:
How to Start Birding
YouTube Video on Starting Birding
If you're based in Muscat, there's a really great reserve you can go to and see a wide variety of birds - Al Ansab Lagoons. This would be an excellent place to begin and learn about your local Omani birds and possibly meet other birders.
They have telescopes available at the Visitor Centre which will give you a unique insight into the ducks, & waders that inhabit the lagoon below you. From October to February would be a perfect time to visit here.
See our info on making an appointment to visit here - Visit Al Ansab