Leader: Colin Richardson. Participants: Jeff Gordon, John Sanders, Mark Easterbrook, Andy Brannan, Diana Wilson & Patricia Stavrou. Shoppers & Sunbathers: Debbie Easterbrook & Val Sanders. Digi-Scope pictures courtesy of Jeff Gordon - Cyprus Bird Recorder
1. Introduction
Oman is a relatively new birding location, but is sure to attract further attention in the future and is certainly worthy of greater exploration and coverage. The country is accessible and the locals are very friendly. Accommodation is generally of a good standard as are the roads, but 4WD will be required to visit certain sites (see the guide to Oman). Anyone wishing to visit would be well advised to have copies of The Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East by Porter, Christensen & Schiermacker-Hansen and the Birdwatching guide to Oman by Hanne & Jens Eriksen, Panadda & Dave E. Sargeant. The guide to Oman is an excellent book that details access to all known sites within Oman. The site maps are easy to follow and should allow a good number of species to be seen. All sites referred to in this report can be found in the book.
The trip was of ten days duration split between Northern sites and Southern Sites, involving a lot of driving and an internal flight, with more time being spent in the South around Salalah than in the North around Muscat and Sohar. It was extremely hot and humid in the North. The South remained hot without the humidity and the Central desert was almost unbearably hot.
The group saw a total of 203 species, but inevitably, not everyone saw every bird for various reasons. One escaped bird is included, but it could be included, in its own right if it colonises in the future. In line with "splitting", certain sub-species are also included.
2. Daily Itineraries
Day One
The Cyprus contingent arrived early enough in Muscat to do a little birding in the afternoon. The UK contingent arrived late at night. This enabled the Cyprus party to "grip us off" immediately - very unfortunate! Sightings of note included a Black-necked Grebe, Saunders Little Tern, Arctic Skua and Red-necked Phalarope.
Day Two
Birding started in earnest around the Seeb Novotel grounds in Muscat, with some common local species being observed, such as Purple Sunbird, Indian Roller, Common Mynah and Yellow-vented Bulbul. After breakfast we moved to Al Qurm National Park. A number of interesting species were found in this varied habitat including Clamorous Reed Warbler, Little Green Bee-eater, Little Crake,Broad-billed Sandpiper and Pacific Golden Plover. The next site was Sanub Dump, which has been described by some as the Eagle capital of the world, although September was a little early to bear witness to this statement. En route and in the area at least 25 Egyptian Vultures were observed. At the dump two Greater Spotted Eagle and one Lappet-faced Vulture were noted along with a Hume's Wheatear and a Ménétries's Warbler.
Day Three
We began with a pelagic adventure to Al Fahl Island aboard a local Dhow, an adventure which one member didn't particularly enjoy, but compared with last year's Scillonian III pelagic, it was like a millpond. En route Striated Heron and Pomarine Skua were noted along with 2 Red-necked Phalarope on the sea. As we approached the Island several Sooty Falcon could be seen in the distance, good views were eventually had and an estimated 25 birds were counted. However our attention was diverted by the presence of a white bird in the distance, which turned out to be a Red-billed Tropicbird. It plunge-dived in front of us and flew over the Dhow before disappearing in the distance. 2 Tropicbirds were seen later on the trip.
We journeyed to Ras as Sawadi in the late morning, which produced 2 more Sooty Falcon, Osprey, Socotra Cormorant, Terek Sandpiper and Crab Plover along with good numbers of Lesser Crested Tern and Swift Tern.
Day Four
A visit to Sohar Sun Farms produced good numbers of waders around the cow pens, including Marsh Sandpiper and large flocks of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse in the fields. Black-crowned Finch Lark and Tawny Pipit were noted but the highlight was 12 Caspian Plover in a ploughed field. A migrating Honey Buzzard and 3 Egyptian Vulture were also noted over the fields.
It was soon time to catch the internal flight to Salalah from Muscat, but not before seeing our first Long-legged Buzzard of the trip along the road. An occurrence that caused such excitement for one member of our group, that he alighted from the car and as a consequence lost his glasses as a result.
A number of common birds were seen around the Holiday Inn Salalah gardens including African Rock Martin, Abyssinian Sunbird, Rüppell's Weaver and African Silverbill.
Later that evening I was seconded to husbandly duties - the shopping trip to Salalah and the local Souq. As my wife and I waited for a taxi, I was alerted by a strange call that I did not recognise. As I looked up I saw a bird that was dark and light, almost Owl like - although clearly it was not an owl. As it flew past me, I put two and two together - it was a Spotted Thick-knee. I reported the sighting on my return and was consequently viewed, as a "stringer" for three days, until a pair was located not 50m from the Holiday Inn, in an area of palm trees and rough scrubland. The moral of the story: Shopping isn't all bad and don't believe the leader when he says "It's just not the right habitat"!
Day Five
An early morning visit to East Khawr produced Squacco Heron, 2 Broad-billed Sandpiper and the relatively rare Sedge Warbler but not the Yellow Bittern that was hoped for. It was soon time to move on to one of the nearby Ayns. We arrived at Ayn Hamran mid morning in order to look for the Southern Oman specialities. Most were present including African Paradise Flycatcher, African Rock Bunting, which proved more confiding than Rock Bunting, Blackstart, Arabian Warbler and Namaqua Dove. A fleeting glimpse of a Didric Cuckoo was claimed and a Verreaux's Eagle along with 2 Lappet-faced Vulture glided high above us. The ubiquitous Grey-headed Kingfisher became difficult to miss, as did the numerous White-breasted White-eye.
We returned to the hotel for a quick shower before heading off toward Jarziz Farm and Ayn Sahwnoot in the afternoon. We noted that we were a few birders short. We soon discovered that the ladies, who were planning to visit Al Hosn Souq in Salalah, had formed a shopping "splinter group". As there was little chance of finding an African Scops Owl, or the Al Hosn Souq bird there, the men declined the chance of going shopping.
At Jarziz farm we added 2 Singing Bush Lark - (an adult and a juvenile), to our growing list along with a single Bonelli's Eagle, numerous waders were noted and the large numbers of Grey-headed Kingfisher became a menace.
Ayn Sahwnoot was full of migrants including Rufous Bush Chat and Whitethroat as well as the Southern Omani specialities. We had our first encounter with South Arabian Wheatear here and heard Arabian Partridge. We waited here until dusk and as predicted the African Scops Owls began calling. We paused to view 3 Rock Hyrax above us and sadly the male contingent had to admit that they looked rather "cute". After some patient searching we had arrived at a tree in the valley. Just above us we could hear an owl with its distinctive call, although armed with a torch we could still not find it. Then some movement, we followed the bird and soon the torch highlighted it. In front of us was a fantastic African Scops Owl, which continued to call as we all watched it for about five minutes - a really memorable moment, little wonder that it was voted "bird of the trip", no mean feat amongst a sea of fantastic birds.
Day Six
We visited the remainder of the Khawrs to the east of Salalah this morning. At the first, Khawr Sawli a female Cotton Teal was sighted, an excellent start to the day and September record. Khawr Taqah produced 3 Golden Oriole and our first Greater Flamingo. We drove along the beach behind the Khawr that produced superb views of at least 2 Didric Cuckoo, a Steppe Grey Shrike and fleeting glimpses of 2 flushed Quail. Later, Wadi Hanna produced a Palestine Sunbird but not the much sought after Golden-winged Grosbeak.
The afternoon was planned for sea watching off Ras Janjari and Mirbat, in any event this proved to be the major disappointment of the trip. However Jouanin's Petrel, Pale-footed Sheawater and Persian Shearwater were positively identified and one member sighted a distant Masked Booby. The highlight of the afternoon was a pod of 5 or 6 Killer Whale moving North close inshore at Mirbat. As a result birding was momentarily suspended, although an obliging Jouanin's Petrel dutifully followed the whales across the bay.
Day Seven
After our disappointing afternoon the previous day, we were determined to "nail" the final Southern specialities today. We headed off to Wadi Darbat. En route numerous South Arabian Wheatear were noted and there must have been a considerable fall of migrants, as every tree and bush seemed to contain something - Isabelline Shrike being in the ascendancy. We stopped at the entrance track to Wadi Darbat. On the wooded hillside in behind us 6 Arabian Partridge were seen quietly feeding; a good start to the day. We also noted 2 Little Green Bee-eater and an Arabian Warbler. The quiet was broken by a Black-crowned Tchagra shout. Sure enough, one was located and "scoped" well. This proved to be a popular bird with the group as it is sometimes difficult to observe well, another was soon spotted as we started out descent into the Wadi.
On our way down to the Wadi, a Rock Thrush was noted along with South Arabian Wheatear and some commoner migrants. All sense of reason was lost when 2 large dark raptors were sighted about half a mile away over a sheer rock face. Some of the party rushed off, one leaving his telescope, which did not prove popular with the ladies - who packed it away. He was later seen eating a large helping of humble pie. The culprit being the author of this report!
The result being outstanding views of 2 Verreaux's Eagle at close range, one carrying nest building material. On our way back to the vehicle our first sightings of the sometimes difficult to see Bruce's Green Pigeon or Bruce's Pig as it became affectionately known.
Our arrival in the Wadi produced a Common Cuckoo and some Common Swift, which were clearly darker than the "Dhofar" Swift Sp. A Little Bittern was also noted and finally stunning views of Bruce's Green Pigeon were had - the morning had been a great success.
Our afternoon journey took us toward Tawi Atayr, the only known site in Oman for Yemen Serin. We soon had to make a stop to view 4 drifting Lappet-faced Vulture along with many Fan-tailed Raven. Our arrival at Tawi Atayr was greeted with very close views of 5 Long-billed Pipit before we made the descent into the sinkhole. Sadly three members of the group were unable to make the rather difficult descent.
The remaining members arrived at the viewpoint and waited. It was not long before a Yemen Serin was sighted, drinking from a rock pool on the other side of the sinkhole - not a particularly stunning bird or acceptable views. Our patience was rewarded by close views of 3 Serin in a bush not 20m from us - pity we never had the camera with us! We started our ascent, happy with the fact that we had secured views of a much sought after bird.
The afternoon found us at Salalah Dump and we were rewarded with very close views of 4 recently arrived Steppe Eagle to their wintering grounds, 1 adult and 3 young birds. A ringtail Pallid Harrier was also noted over the near by steppe.
Day Eight
Although this day saw the group accumulate the least number of species, the ones that were found were certainly worth waiting for. We travelled from Salalah towards Qatbit Rest House in the North. No sooner had we left the Holiday Inn than the shout of Spotted Thick-knee went up. To the leaders astonishment there were two stood perfectly still under some palm trees, not 50 metres from the Hotel. Although a resident species, it is quite difficult to connect with, due to its nocturnal habits. A fact borne out by the fact that Colin had failed to connect with the species for ten years.
We soon stopped at Thumrayt tip and this produced no fewer that 33 Steppe Eagle, a pretty impressive count for September. Our next task was to try and locate Dunn's and or Bar-tailed Desert Lark; a feat that is easier said than done. We stopped on a large gravelly plain and spread out. After considerable searching in temperatures approaching 45 degrees, we had found nothing and several dejected birders returned to the relative comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. How anything could survive in that habitat was remarkable.
Our next stop was due to be at Al Beed Farm, an irrigated oasis in the middle of the desert. This location is absolutely fantastic during the migration period. Exhausted migrants are everywhere, seeking shade and water. The Farm brought home the harsh reality of desert migration. A pair of Thrush Nightingale sat in the open, appearing to support each other in a tree - absolutely exhausted. The birds displayed no "jizz" whatsoever, which made them strangely difficult to identify. Two Pied Wheatear were noted, 2 Rock Thrush, a Blue Rock Thrush, Golden Oriole and a host of sylvia warblers. A drive around the farm after lunch produced a whole host of rarities.
Hoopoe Larks were noted in good numbers as were Montagu's Harrier. Shortly after a Lark was seen sheltering in the shade under a small Palm Tree, after careful study and very close views, all concluded that it was a Dunn's Lark - one of the main target species of the trip. A Corncrake was soon seen but a lasting impression for me would be a desert species - Cream-coloured Courser, seeking shade and suffering in the extreme heat.
It was soon time to leave this birding heaven and drive a little further north to Dawkah plantation. This location produced a Common Rosefinch, Hoopoe, European Roller and a Desert Warbler, that was suffering the effects of migration as it struggled to stand up.
On arrival at Qatbit Resthouse, a rough stretch of scrub outside the resthouse produced what can only be described as a bonanza, that was totally unexpected, interesting birds included, Ortolan Bunting, 3 more Dunn's Lark, at least one Bar-tailed Desert Lark and 2 Pale Rock Sparrow. This truly was a red-letter day.
Day Nine
An early morning walk around the Qatbit Rest House Gardens produced a Glossy Ibis, 2 Upcher's Warbler, a Common Rosefinch and the only Wryneck of the trip. A short trip to Montasar Sulphur Spring produced several good birds including 3 Spotted Sandgrouse, 2 Golden Eagle giving close views, a Red-rumped Swallow and a Siberian Stonechat.
Day Ten
A visit to Al Magsayl Khawr and Wadi in the morning produced several new species for the trip including Pintail, 5 White Stork, 2 Baltic Gull and a rather uncommon Blackcap. This location also produced Little Bittern, Striated Heron and the expected seabird species including Slender-billed Gull and Saunders Little Tern. In the afternoon prior to our flight to Muscat, we revisited East Khawr, which hosted a good selection of waders, 2 Gull-billed Tern and 21 Cattle Egret. Our return to the hotel included the almost habitual look at the Spotted Thick-knees in the"unsuitable habitat". On our way to Salalah airport 4 Grey-headed Kingfisher were seen along the fence on the approach road to the airport.
3. Consolidated Systematic Species List
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, Common Al Ansab Lagoons & Southern Khawsr/wetlands
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis, One bird was noted near Muscat.
Jouanin's Petrel Bulwaria fallax, Numerous off Southern coasts
Pale-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes, One positively identified off Ras Janjari
Persian Shearwater Puffinus (lherminieri) persicus, Numerous off Southern coasts
Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus, Two noted near Al Fahl Island from pelagic trip
Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, One noted off Ras as Sawadi
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Present in most reed beds in the South
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Several at Al Ansab lagoons and 1 at Al Beed Farm.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus, 1 in Muttruh harbour, several at Al Fahl Is & 1 at Al Maghsayl.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides, Several at Southern coastal Khawrs.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Common at Sohar Sun Farm and 21 at East Khawr nr Salalah.
Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, Common at suitable wetland sites.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Common at suitable wetland sites.
Great White Egret Egretta alba, Fairly common, Al Ansab Lagoons, Khawr Sallan.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Common & everywhere.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Fairly common in suitable habitats.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia, 5 at Khawr Maghsayl.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, Al Qurm Park, Khawr Maghsayl, Qatbit Resthouse
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, Common at Southern Khawrs.
Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus, One early female at Khawr Sawli.
Teal Anas crecca, Fairly common in suitable habitat.
Pintail Anas acuta, One at Khawr Maghsayl.
Garganey Anas querquedula, Common and widespread.
Shoveler Anas clypeata, Singles at Khawr Maghsayl and Al Ansab Lagoons.
Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, One at Sohar Sun Farm
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Numerous at Sanub dump & Area.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos, One at Sanub dump & Five over the Dhofar plateau nr Tawi Atayr.
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Fairly numerous over grasslands.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, One over steppe nr Salalah tip.
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus, Numerous found almost anywhere but especially at grassy farms.
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, 4 birds, 2 at Qatbit rest house, 1 nr the Holiday Inn Salalah and one over the Sohar-Muscat road.
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquilla clanga, 2 at Sanub Dump
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, 4 at Salalah tip, 33 at Thumrayt tip and one over the Dhofar foothills.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, 2 possibly 3 birds at Montasar sulphur spring.
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii, 1 over Ayn Hamran and 2 nest building nr Wadi Darbat.
Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus, 1 at Jarziz Farm - Salalah
Osprey Pandion haliaetus, Fairly common at coastal locations, North & South.
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, Widespread - anywhere.
Sooty Falcon Falco concolor, 25 birds noted at the Al Fahl breeding colony - pelagic trip.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, 1 over Al Ansab Lagoons.
Arabian Partridge Alectoris melanocephala, 5 or 6 on a wooded hillside nr the track to Wadi Darbat.
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, 1 behind Al Ansab Lagoons.
Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus, Several at Al Qurm Park and Sohar Sun Farms.
Quail Coturnix coturnix, 2 in the beachey scrub behind KhorTaqah.
Little Crake Porzana parva, 1at A Qurm Park
Corncrake Crex crex, 1 at Al Beed Farm
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus, Widespread and common in suitable habitat.
Coot Fulica atra, Several in suitable habitat - Khawr Sawli
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Numerous at Ras as Sawadi & several at Southern coastal locations.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Common at coastal Kharws and Sohar Sun Farm.
Crab Plover Dromas ardeola, 2 at Ras as Sawadi.
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis, 2 resident (during our stay) 50m from the Salalah Holiday Inn Hotel.
Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor, 1 at Al Beed Farm
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola, 1 at Khawr Magsayl and 5 at Sohar Sun Farm
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Common at Sohar Sun Farm and other North & South locations.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Common in suitable habitat.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus, Good numbers at coastal sites and Khawrs.
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Common at coastal locations, also seen in small numbers at inland Farms.
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii, Common at coastal locations.
Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus, 12 noted at Sohar Sun Farms.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, Several at Al Qurm Park and East Khawr.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, Ones and twos noted at coastal locations and Sohar Sun Farm.
Red-wattled Plover Hoplopterus indicus, Numerous at Wetland sites and Farms in the North.
Sanderling Calidris alba, Common on the coast.
Little Stint Calidris minuta, Widespread.
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii, Ones noted at coastal Kharws, Inland farms and Al Qurm Park.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Fairly common at coastal sites and Sohar Sun Farm.
Dunlin Calidris alpina, Fair numbers in typical habitats.
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus, 2 at Al Qurm Park and East Khawr
Ruff Philomachus pugnax, Widespread and numerous - North and South.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Fairly common in suitable habitat.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Common.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Common.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, 1 at Al Qurm Park and several at Al Magsayl beach
Curlew Numenius arquata, Widespread and numerous.
Redshank Tringa totanus, Widespread and numerous.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis, 2 noted at Sohar Sun Farm and ones at Al Magsayl and Salalah Nature Reserve.
Greenshank Tringa nebularia, Fairly common in suitable habitat.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus, Fairly common in suitable habitat.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, Ones and twos in suitable habitat.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus, Ras as Sawadi and Khawr Sallan only.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos, Widespread and common in ones and twos.
Turnstone Arenaria interpres, Common on the coast and at Sohar Sun Farm.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus, Flocks of 20 - 40 off Northern coasts, 3 at Al Ansab Lagoons and 2 nr Al Fahl Is - Pelagic trip.
Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus, Ones noted from East Khawr, Al Fahl Is pelagic trip and Northern coasts.
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus, One noted off Muscat coast.
Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii, Widespread and numerous - North & South.
Slender-billed Gull Larus genei, Noted at Ras as Sawadi, Khawr Sallan and Al Magsayl beach.
Baltic Gull Larus (fuscus) fuscus, 2 noted in a mixed flock of gulls at Al Magsayl beach.
Siberian Gull Larus heuglini, Widespread and numerous at the coast.
Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans, Widespread and numerous at the coast.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica, Ones and twos noted at Ras as Sawadi, Al Ansab Lagoons and East Khawr.
Swift Tern Sterna bergii, Fairly common North and South.
Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, Numerous at Ras as Sawadi.
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, Noted consorting with other terns - widespread.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo, In mixed roosts at coastal sites with White-cheeked Tern.
White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa, In mixed roosts at coastal sites with Common Tern.
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus, 2 claimed from the Al Fahl Is - pelagic trip.
Saunders Tern Sterna saundersi, Several at Khawr Sallan and ones and twos at Southern coastal locations.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus, Common at marshy areas, coastal Khawrs and inland grass Farmlands.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus, Common at marshy areas, coastal Khawrs and inland grass Farmlands.
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii, Seen coming to drink at dusk at Al Ansab Lagoons.
Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus, 3 noted at Montasar sulphur spring.
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus, Common in large flocks over Sohar Sun Farms.
Rock Dove Columba livia, Dhofar foothills and Wadis.
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Grassy Farmlands.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, 2 at Montasar sulphur spring and two singles claimed at Qatbit rest house.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Widespread and numerous.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis, 1 at Ayn Hamran.
Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia, Ones and Twos seen well at Wadi Darbat and one at Wadi Hanna.
Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri, Anywhere over Muscat or Salalah.
Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius, 1 at Ayn Hamran and 2, possibly 3 at the beachy scrub behind Khor Taqah
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, 1 at Wadi Darbat.
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis, 1 seen at Ayn Sahnawt, several heard.
European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, 1 flushed at Qatbit rest house.
Common Swift Apus apus, Several seen over Wadi Darbat.
Dhofar Swift Apus Sp, * Widespread and numerous in Dhofar.
Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala, Could be found anywhere in the Dhofar area - numerous and common.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, 1 noted at Muttruh harbour.
Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis, Common in the North at Al Qurm Park and 2 noted nr Wadi Darbat.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus, 4 noted at and near Sohar Sun Farm.
European Roller Coracias garrulus, Widespread on ones and twos.
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis, Numerous in the North.
Hoopoe Upupa epops, Ones noted sporadically in the North and South.
Wryneck Jynx torquilla, 1 at the Qatbit resthouse gardens.
Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans, 1 feeding a juv at Jarziz Farm, 2 in the Wadi Darbat area and one singing along side the road in the Dhofar foothills.
Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps, Widespread in small numbers - North & South.
Dunn's Lark Eremalauda dunni, A fantastic view of 1 sheltering under a palm tree at Al Beed Farm and 3 outside Qatbit resthouse on scrub ground sheltering from the heat under a bush.
Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes cincturus, 1 or 2 at Qatbit resthouse on the same scrub as the above.
Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes, Numerous in the South, especially at Al Beed Farm.
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla, Common in flocks, North and South - Sohar Sun Farms and Qatbit resthouse.
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens, 1 over Qatbit Resthouse.
Crested Lark Galerida cristata, Widespread and common.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia, Ones and twos seen anywhere.
African Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula, Widespread in the North and South.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, Seen everywhere in variable numbers.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica, 1 at Montasar sulphur spring.
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris, Numerous at Sohar Sun Farm with Short-toed Larks.
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis, 2 at Ayn Sahnawt, 5 at Tawi Atayr and one in the Dhofar foothills.
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis, 2 at Qatbit resthouse.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava, Widespread in varying numbers. Races Thunbergi and Flava positively identified.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola, Common at Sohar Sun Farms, singles in other suitable habitat.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea, 1 at Ayn Hamran, 1 at Qatbit Resthouse.
White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys, Al Qurm National Park Only.
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer, Al Qurm National Park and outside Seeb Novotel.
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos, Widespread and common - North and South.
Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes, 2 seen at Al Ansab Lagoons -Common in the South, almost everywhere.
Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia, 2 exhausted birds seen at Al Beed Farm.
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos, Widespread and numerous in the Southern Wadis.
Blackstart Cercomela melanura, Widespread and numerous in the Southern Wadis and foothills.
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra, 1 at Al Qurm Park.
Siberian Stonechat Saxicola (torquata) maura, 1 at Montasar sulphur spring
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina, Widespread in ones and twos.
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka, 2 at Al Beed Farm and 1 outside the Qatbit resthouse.
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti, 1 at Sohar Sun Farm, 1 at Montasar spring and seen in singles elsewhere.
South Arabian Wheatear Oenanthe lugentoides, Common on the Dhofar plateau along the road to Tawi Atayr.
Hume's Wheatear Oenanthe alboniger, 1 at Sanub dump and 1 on a bush behind Al Ansab Lagoons.
Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis, 1 in Wadi Darbat, 2 at Al Beed Farm and abundant in the Dhofar foothills.
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius, 1 at Al Beed Farm and 1 on wires on the roadside from Salalah to Magsayl.
Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis, Widespread and numerous.
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, 1 at Khawr Rawri
Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus, Al Ansab Lagoons and Al Qurm Park.
Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida, Widespread in ones and twos.
Upcher's Warbler Hippolais languida, At least 2 in the Qatbit resthouse gardens.
Ménétries's Warbler Sylvia mystacea, 1 at Sanub dump and at least 2 Al Beed Farm and one at Montasar Spring.
Desert Warbler Sylvia nana, 1 along the road nr Thumrayt and one exhausted bird in the Dawkah plantation and one at Qatbit.
Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena, Ones and twos at Ayn Hamran and Wadi Darbat
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca, Common at Al Beed Farm.
Desert Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca minula, 1 at Sanub dump one in the Southern desert and one heard calling at Qatbit Resthouse.
Whitethroat Sylvia communis, Widespread and numerous.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, 1 in Wadi Magsayl.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, Ones in the foothills.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata, Widespread and numerous.
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis, Ones and twos seen in the Southern Wadis, especially Ayn Hamran.
Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps, One at Al Ansab Lagoons and 5 at Sohar Sun Farm.
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica, Common in the North around Muscat.
Abyssinian Sunbird Nectarinia habessinica, Fairly common in Dhofar - male and female in the Holiday Inn Salalah garden.
Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea, Not numerous in the Southern Wadis.
White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica, Common in the Southern Wadis.
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus, Ones and twos at Wadi Darbat, Al Beed Farm, Dawkah Plantation and Qatbit resthouse.
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala, 2 nr the top of the track leading to Wadi Darbat
Isabelline (Daurian) Shrike/Red-tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus & phoenicuroides, Widespread and numerous. Isabellinus being in the minority.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio, Ones seen at Al Qurm Park, Montasar spring and several other locations.
Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis, Fairly common and widespread.
Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius (m.) pallidirostris, 1 bird noted in the beachy scrub behind Khawr Taqah.
Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus, 1 bird noted in Ayn Hamran.
House Crow Corvus splendens, Widespread and numerous in the North only.
Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis, Common in the North and desert areas.
Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus, Common in the South and coastal areas.
Tristram's Grackle Onychognathus tristramii, Common in the Dhofar region.
Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus, 2 at Montasar spring and 4 at Qatbit resthouse.
Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis, Widespread and numerous in the North.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Widespread and numerous in the North.
Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla, 2 outside Qatbit resthouse with Ortolan Buntings
Yellow-throated Sparrow Petronia xanthocollis
Common Waxbill Estrilda estrild, #1 at Al Qurm Park.
Rüppell's Weaver Ploceus galbula, Common and Widespread in the Dhofar Region.
Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica, Fairly common in the North - Al Qurm Park.
African Silverbill Euodice cantans, Fairly common in the South.
Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis, 4 noted at the known site of Tawi Atayr - giving very close views.
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, 1 at Dawkah Plantation and 1 or 2 at Qatbit resthouse.
African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi, Numerous in the Dhofar foothills and Wadis.
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana, At least a dozen birds outside the Qatbit resthouse.
* = Status unclear. The taxonomic position remains confused.
# = Escaped
5. Summary
Oman really is a fantastic birding location. It will only get better with more birders visiting and enhancing the coverage of this under watched country. Getting around is made easy, with the use of the Birdwatching guide to Oman and at its current price it's invaluable. Oman, due to its size and the limited amount of resident birdwatchers, will always be a place to find your own rarities. This fact coupled with the hassle free environment created and enhanced by the local residents, will certainly be irresistible for some!
Thank you to all participants for contributing to a thoroughly enjoyable trip. Especially John Sanders for doing the editing job on the report.
Special thanks to Colin Richardson, for putting up with a less than easy group to lead. Contacts and organisational skills, in this part of the world are not easy to establish. Colin Richardson should be congratulated on achievements.
