Ecology Matters have sponsored a recent survey of the Oman coast which, combined with our Dutch partners’ continued work on Barr al Hikman (see earlier posts), means that the whole of the Oman coast has been covered in one comprehensive survey for the first time. In addition, Ecology Matters coordinated counts by volunteer observers in the United Arab Emirates, resulting in coverage of a large section of the Arabian Coastline. Results are now being written up for publication.

Details below from the BBC – see www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/wildlife/pages/birdsurvey_oman.shtml

and further publicity from Oman – www.omanobserver.com/29/Daily/Local/Local2.htm

Ian Harrison from Aberaeron and Mick Green from Talybont are two ornithologists who undertook a large survey of waterbirds in Oman in January 2008. Ian was an ornithologist in Oman for 20 years until he left in April 2007. Mick is director of Ecology Matters, a company specializing in environmental issues and which is partly sponsoring the expedition. In February 2008 they explained more about the project:

“The three-week survey in January and February will endeavour to count all the wintering waterbirds between the southernmost part of Oman – Dalqut on the border with Yemen – and Musandam on the Straits of Hormuz in the north.The survey is being run under the auspices of the Oman Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs in conjunction with the Oman Bird Group/Environmental Society of Oman and the Ornithological Society of the Middle East and will provide crucial information on birds using the West Asian flyway between west and central Siberia and the Arabian Gulf, southern Arabia and East Africa.It will be the first time ever that such a comprehensive survey has been undertaken.Birds using this flyway need a number of places where they can stop off and feed in order to replenish their food reserves so that they can continue on their long journey.It is therefore very important to obtain data for the tidal creeks and mudflats such as those at Qurum, Shinas, Liwa and Yiti in the north, Duqm, Kahil, Dirif in the centre and Taqah, Mughsayl and Salalah in the south so that they continue to be protected.Large numbers of birds also use Oman’s beaches and seas for food and for roosting – over 70,000 waterbirds (herons, waders, gulls, terns) for example, use the stretch between Nuqdah and Al Ashkarah, which is only a small portion of Oman’s 1,000 kilometre long coastline.Article written by Mick Green and Ian Harrison