Oman’s Birds

Skirting around Jebel Samhan in Dhofar we had two wonderful experiences . Over the coastal region two Verreaux’s Eagles cavorted in the sky above. These are probably the largest Eagles in Oman and since they pair for a long time – I assume this was a male and female.

Verreaux’s Eagles in the skies of Dhofar

Larger still – a flock (if that’s the appropriate name ) of 8 Griffin Vultures glided away over the mountain plateau. The Griffin, along with the Lappet Faced, is Oman’s largest Raptor .

One of a flock of 8 Griffin Vultures over Dhofars Mountains

Eagles and White Stork in Oman

 

A Steppe Eagle in the sky above Salalah Oman 2

Each summer the Indian Ocean Monsoon sweeps along the slopes of the Dhofar Mountains creating a mid-summer change of climate ‘The Khareef’ . Trees come into leaf , grass and other flowering plants carpet open areas. The temperature plunges from a truly sizzling 50+c over the crest of the hills, to a very pleasant mid20’s c on the sea facing slopes and coastal plain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Stork fly in Dhofar

 

Driving down from Muscat I arrived in Salalah just as the first of the White Storks and migratory Eagles arrived for the winter . The storks spread through the hills feeding on insects; they also congregate in an area next to hundreds of eagles. This is a somewhat hazardous proximity; though I have not seen an Eagle bring down a live flying stork – I have seen Eagles waiting patiently for an injured stork to die. Perhaps there was more to that event than serendipity .