Qatar residents and visitors will have the opportunity to see flocks of pink flamingos at Al Thakira Mangroves in the northern part of Al Khor during the cold months, according to Visit Qatar, the official social media tourism account of the Qatar National Tourism Council.
“Winter is the best time to check out Qatar’s flocks of pink flamingos. Though found at Al Thakira Mangroves between November and April, they come in droves around the wet season, when algae and rare species of birds are abundantly available, making this the best time for sightings,” Visit Qatar posted on its social media pages recently.


Visit Qatar highlights Qatar's unique and exotic underwater adventures


Arabian Oryx at Al Maha Sanctuary

 Al Thakira, among other areas and zone in Al Khor, has been attracting an increasing number of local visitors under the current situation due to its unique biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes.
As temperatures continue to recede in the coming weeks, many families, groups of friends, and individuals are expected to visit Al Thakira especially during the weekends.
According to Visit Qatar, “a great way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, available from several tour operators and specialised companies. Morning and afternoon trips are available and can be booked in advance.”
Al Thakira Mangroves area forms part of Qatar’s more than 560km of coastline, featuring “an abundant marine life and crystal waters, making it ideal for fishing, sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing.”
Besides pink flamingos (generally not migratory birds), residents will also have the chance to see a large number of migratory birds and other birds this cold season in Qatar in a number of areas such as the Doha Corniche, Abu Nakhla (located in the municipality of Al-Shahaniya), and Al Khor beaches, among other places.
It is learnt that the number of migratory birds that visit Qatar, mostly coming from Europe, have been increasing each year and many photographers take advantage of it to capture stunning images of these “regular visitors”.
Visit Qatar has been continuously posting many destinations, as well as outdoor activities and events, in the country on its social media pages, aimed at promoting Qatar as a tourism destination.
Arabian Oryx sightings, according to Visit Qatar, are common in Al Maha sanctuary and the Inland Sea.
“With its long horns and distinct white shape, the Arabian Oryx has been brought back from extinction and has the distinct pride of being Qatar’s national animal,” it added.
The country also has “bountiful reefs, unrivalled visibility and an abundance of shipping wrecks”, which “make Qatar one of the most exotic underwater locations worth exploring.”
Other destinations featured on Visit Qatar’s social media include “Al Safliya island or the manta ray-shaped island”, described as one of Qatar’s uninhabited islands; Al Jumayl (meaning beautiful) fishing village; Al Zubarah Fort; and Souq Al Wakra, among others.
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