Filmmaker, photographer, writer and environmentalist, Nasser Al Kindi, has a picture-perfect presentation for young readers with his book, ‘Birds of Oman and the Arabian Peninsula’. Nasser Al Kindi is also a recipient of the Sultan Qaboos Award for voluntary work.
The book, which follows his earlier ‘Birds in Oman’, will be a keepsake for children exploring the world of birds around them. “I am hoping ‘Birds of Oman and the Arabian Peninsula’ will acquaint children with and interest them in twitching (pursuit of a previously located rare bird), bird watching or ornithology in general. Such a book would hopefully encourage some young readers into pursuing birdwatching or, perhaps even bird photography as a hobby or even a professional pursuit. I would be very pleased, indeed, if the book triggers an interest in ornithology as a higher education pursuit. But my main objective is that, for the time being at least, the book spurs an interest in young readers to protect avian fauna and, of course, all forms of flora and fauna,” explains Nasser.
Baby Owl European Roller Arabian Partridge
The 64-page book has 55 photographs of different species of birds found in various parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It includes a brief introduction into avian fauna in the region and a simple guide aimed at assisting young readers to identify various species of birds.
“Throughout my life, photographing, filming and writing about birds, I have discovered that most people find identifying the different species a challenge; and it is. I do not make the claim that this or any other book makes identification a simple job, but it does, hopefully, provide a platform for early steps in the right direction,” he states.
Bird watching and bird photography require observation skill and constant travel, but what is of larger importance is passion, “and, perhaps, some biscuits and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or whatever you prefer munching on while waiting!” quips Nasser. It is a hobby that has led him to explore and discover some of the wonders of nature. “It never fails to leave me in awe of the magic unfolding before my eyes. It is a great pretext to explore your country and be in touch with nature,” he suggests.
Common Kestrel Barn Owl
He is often asked how he gets the time to photograph, film, travel and write, and his answer is: they are all are integral components of a whole. “They are professions, not hobbies, and, hence, I give each one of them its due time and attention. I begin work very early in the morning and usually leave a window every day for photography or scouting a location for filming. No matter what you do, give it your best; at the end of the day, you have got to be productive and that is what counts,” he states.
The Arabic version of ‘Birds of Oman and the Arabian Peninsula’ is out and the English will follow suit. In the meanwhile, Nasser is all set to publish a glossary for the Arabic reader – a reference book to help photographers and filmmakers comprehend and research the meaning of common jargon related to these two fields. He is currently working on a short documentary about the natural wonders of Dhofar alongside a book.