(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
The country's feathered residents and migrants were the target of the Qatar Natural History Group's (QNHG) first ramble of the season
With more than 230 species of birds either resident or migrating through Qatar, it was no surprise that the Qatar Natural History Group chose a birding ramble as their first outing of the season.
Last week-end, about 50 members braved a 6:30am start as they headed north to Al Shamal park. The park is a favourite first stop for many migrating birds returning from southern Europe and Asia en route to their wintering grounds in central and southern Africa. Quails, chiffchaffs, Daurian shrikes, white, grey and yellow wagtails, all made an appearance. The highlight though was undoubtedly a European nightjar, which very obligingly posed for all the members' cameras.
After an hour of exploring this very pleasant park, the Group went on to explore the coast around Al Ruwais. Despite the low tide, many seabirds and waders were in residence, including terns, curlews, whimbrels, plovers, cormorans, herons and flamingoes. In total, 41 species were observed and identified during this outing. This is quite impressive, and highlights the remarkable bird life on the peninsula.
Before the happy birders made their way back to Doha, many of them commented on how useful it was to be able to get away from the city and to explore parts of the country with which they were not necessarily familiar.
QNHG, which has been in existence for 40 years, hosts talks and rambles from experts on all aspects of Qatar's natural heritage and culture, including geology, archaeology, ecology and climatology.
The group meets at Doha English Speaking School at 7:00pm on the first Wednesday of each month. New members are always welcome.
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