Rare birds visit Oman in wake of cyclone’s destruction
Cyclone Shaheen levelled properties and sent people in Oman running for shelter, but the destructive storm has left a silver lining in its aftermath.
Nature enthusiasts have delighted in the arrival of birds that do not usually visit the country.
Vast areas that are usually empty are now filled with water, which is attracting different species to the parts of Oman most affected by the cyclone.
Birdwatchers say cranes, geese and flamingos are paddling in the waters, while ospreys fly overhead.
“The empty arid lands are now rivers and lakes, thanks to the recent floods,” Shahid Maktoob, a nature enthusiast in Suwaiq, told The National.
“We see an unusual landing of different species of birds in our area, which we don’t normally see at any time, on the water left behind by the storms.”
Peter Basset, 74, a birdwatcher for 52 years in the UK’s Lake District and now retired in Oman, said migratory birds that usually fly past the country from Iran to escape cold weather to India have stopped off in the Batinah region.
“This time of the year, these birds fly away from Iran as the temperature there gets colder to warmer climates in India,” Mr Basset told The National.
“But this time, because of the pools of water left behind by the storms, they made landfall in the Batinah areas.”
Most damage was reported in the region’s towns of Al Musannah, Suwaiq, Saham, Khabourah and Sohar, which authorities said were hit by 12-metre waves.
“I have spotted white cranes, geese and even flamingos on my usual evening walks in these flooded areas,” said Hashim Al Saleh, a birdwatcher from Saham.
“We do not usually see these kinds of birds flying around at any time here in Batinah. The floods devastated our houses but brought beautiful birds as well.”
Faisal Al Moosa, another birdwatcher, said he usually spotted hawks, eagles and vultures in the deserts of Oman.
“They are predator birds and they stay in the desert looking for foxes, rabbits and rats to eat. But this time, we have different exotic birds and that is really something special for birdwatchers like us,” he said.
More than 5,000 people affected by the floods were moved to temporary accommodation, but most have now returned to their homes. The storm killed 12 people in Oman and two fishermen in Iran.
Thousands of volunteers are helping to restore towns devastated by the storm.
The government has announced that it will build 328 houses for families whose homes were destroyed by the floods.