Oman's bird-watching scene is ever increasing with 517 species recorded on the Oman Bird list an impressive number considering Oman has a diversified landscape with vast areas of deserts. The country is a bird-watcher's paradise, including scores of unusual indigenous species as well as many foreign birds such as the Golden Oriole, Nightjar and White Stork. Between September and November, Oman is on the migration route for many types of eagles, such as the Imperial Eagle and the Greater Spotted Eagle. In particular, Masirah Island is known to be Oman's top spot for twitchers.

March is one of the best months for bird-watching due to cooler temperatures and migratory patterns. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman's different regions. The Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, and the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locations for bird-watchers. Many exotic species also live on the Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.

The Oman Botanic Garden, a new world-class development to celebrate, research, cherish and protect the unique plants, wildlife, environment and botanical heritage of Oman, is located just outside Muscat and is a long-term project. The 420ha project is currently under construction; when complete, it will be the largest botanic garden in the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors can experience the diverse habitats of Oman, investigate the orientation centre, explore the site, discover traditional Omani skills at the craft village, learn at the field studies centre, buy Omani plants at the plant shop and much more. To follow its development path see www.omanbotanicgarden.com.

For more information on birding in Oman please click here.

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For more information & high-res images please contact:
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Felicity Beckett
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4504
Email: felicity@representationplus.co.uk 
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

Beauty has an address

Daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow, approximately seven hours flying time with Oman Air www.omanair.com. A country with an enormous wealth of natural attractions, fascinating culture and warm welcoming people. Oman's greatest attraction is its stunning landscape 3,165km of undisturbed Indian Ocean coastline, majestic fjords, magnificent desert expanses and 5,000 years of history. Home to a wide range of award-winning five-star and boutique hotels, first-class air, road and telecommunications networks, the perfect destination for leisure, business, conference, incentive travel and film/fashion shoots.