Go bird watching in Jordan
Go bird watching in Jordan
Birdwatching around Petra
Next to their cultural visit to the rose red city, my Spanisch B&B guests wanted to go birdwatching around Petra. Carmina & Francesc, Concha & Tomás wrote this report about this birding hike. They went to Al Tabag hill, a new, easy birding hotspot near B&B Petra Fig Tree Villa. (Wadi Moussa-Petra area).
“On some final days of March 2018 we have the great pleasure to stay guesting in Petra Fig Tree Village (Wadi Moussa, Petra area). First of al we wanted to do the classical visits to nearby Petra and Little Petra areas. But above all we wanted to do bird watching. The kindly helpful and arrangements of Jolanda Koopman let us to know a new place neighbouring the Petra Fig Tree Village. With quick access, easy and, above all, a peaceful walk, good birds and astonishing “aerial” views over the Petra mountains.
AL TABAG HILL
In google maps captures we show the access from Petra Fig Tree Village to Al Tabag hill. And the general Al Tabag area that we visited, which can be easily walked from a paved street. In an environment with not yet urbanize development (which may be could succeed soon…). (2023 note from Jolanda: The area is still untouched, no urban developments.) There is a viewpoint with great views over the valley, the Petra mountains. Moreover wonderful opportunities to watch raptors flying directly side-by-side with you.
Birds seen at Al Tabag hill
“Only two brief visits (morning and afternoon) were enough time to list an interesting number of bird species. Which included Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Steppe Buzzards (hundreds), Alpine Swift, European Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock-Thrush, Palestine Sunbird, Woodchat shrike, Spanish and Rock Sparrows, Fan-tailed Raven, Sinai Rosefinch and, above all, a Pale Rock Sparrow.” (You can find their complete report here).
“Thanks so much, Jolanda!!! For your hosting, company, food and accomodations. We really felt at home in your house! Hoping to come back in the future….Best wishes!!”
Carmina Coll & Francesc Vallhonrat, Concha Villar & Tomás Velasco
Bird list Jordan
Jordan gets more and more known as birding country. For local birders there is the Jordan Birdwatching Club. Knowledge is shared, vulnerable birding sites are protected and furthermore new birds are registered. On their website you can find an overview of the birds of Jordan. A great list to prepare for your own Jordan Birding journey!