Update to
Birdwatching guide to Oman
Updated 10 April 2008
If you are using our Birdwatching guide to Oman, 2nd Edition you may want to check out the updates listed below, especially if you are visiting the country for the first time.
In early June 2007 northern Oman was hit by Cyclone (= Typhoon = Hurricane) Gonu, the worst storm to hit Oman for 30 years. At one stage it was a category 5 hurricane. It caused massive damage along the northern coast from Ras al Hadd to Musandam including Muscat. Roads and bridges were washed away and at least 50 people were killed.
An impressive reconstruction program has been in full swing and life is getting back to normal. All roads and birdwatching sites are open.
(1.1)
Al Ansab Lagoons.
The construction of the
new southern expressway is well progressed.
(1.2) Al Qurm Natural Park. Construction in the park has reduced the main lake in size. The coastal highway is open and is a good spot to scan the mangroves and the mudflats for herons, waders, gulls and terns.
(8.1) Barr
al Hikman. The
hotel at Shannah was open, but is closed again for renovation.
(9) The Southeast
Coast. The road from Marmul to Thumrayt is
now paved all the way
(9.1) Ad Duqm. Massive construction is underway for a deep sea harbour at Ras Ad Duqm, but the best birdwatching sites seem unaffected.
(10.14) West Khawr.
A fence around the khawr is nearly complete.
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