Pakistan is blessed with swathes of mangrove forests which are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many, many birds making it a wonderful birding destination. Port Qasim, located along the coast of Karachi is just such an area. Our main attraction has always been taking pictures of Greater Flamingoes and we have never been disappointed because we always see these beautiful creatures roaming around in their natural habitat. If you’re good with capturing flying shots you’ll be well rewarded for your skill when the whole flock takes off and you can get an amazing picture.

Summers at Port Qasim can be tough as trees in the area are scarce which makes exploring around difficult. What fascinates me about the area is the presence of near threatened species such as Lesser Flamingoes (hiding among the Greater Flamingoes), Painted Storks and Dalmatian Pelicans.

Port Qasim is always full of surprises. Sometimes you don’t photograph a bird thinking it to be an ordinary one, regretting later. Following are the birds you’ll find in the area:

• Kingfishers (all three that are found in Sindh)
• Raptors (Brahminy Kites are in abundance)
• Flamingos (mainly Greater Flamingos, however, lesser flamingo has been photograph once)
• Waders
• Larks
• Plovers
• Drongos
• Bee-eaters (Green Bee-eaters  are common. Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters have been spotted once)
• Egrets and Herons
• Pelicans (Dalmatian Pelicans are common visitors)
• Painted Storks (if you are lucky enough, you might see a flock)
• Wagtails and Pipits
• Gulls and Terns
• Lapwings
• Swallows and Martins
• Stilts and Avocets
• Cormorants