March Rambles:
Ramble #1: Thursday March 2nd, 2023 - Stargazing : The conjunction of Jupiter & Venus
Ramble #2: Friday, March 3rd, 2023 - Rawdat exploration
Ramble #3 : Friday, March 17, 2023 - Nature Purple Island
Ramble#4: Saturday, March 18, 2023 - Beach Walk and Bird Watching
Ramble#5: Friday, March 24 , 2023 - West coast and Desert Exploration
Ramble #1: Thursday March 2nd, 2023 - Stargazing : The conjunction of Jupiter & Venus
We’ll be joining an event organized by the Qatar National Outreach office for the Arab Unionfor Astronomy & Space Science, Qatar Calendar, the Astronomical Society of Qatar, Qatar University Astronomy Club, & Engineers Paths – Qatar.
We’ll observe Jupiter moons, and lunar craters with telescopes.
When? Thursday March 2nd, 2023
What time? Starting 5:00 pm (or sunset)
Duration : 3 hours
Location: Rawdat Al-Hamamah
What to bring : chair, snacks, water, coffee, tea, jacket
Ramble #2: Friday, March 3rd, 2023 - Rawdat exploration
Friday early for morning to celebrate Wild-fife day we are inviting you to join us to explore Rawdat
When? Friday March 3rd, 2023
Gathering Time and Place: 6:45am near Al Sheehaniya– Meetup location will be shared with confirmed participants.
Duration : 2 hours
Trip Leader & Coordinator: Omer
Ramble Summary :
Rawdats are small depressions in the desert, where sediments and water tend to accumulate. Vegetation develops in these areas, and supports a rich biodiversity: many birds (doves, shrikes, francolins…), reptiles, insects, desert hares, hedgehogs have been observed in the area…
This winter has been quite rainy, and the rawdats have been flooded. So it will be interesting to see how the flora and the fauna are taking advantage of this abundance of water, after several years of drought.
Ramble #3 : Friday, March 17, 2023 - Nature Purple Island
When? Friday March 17th, 2023
Gathering Time and Place: 7:00. Meetup location will be shared with confirmed participants.
Duration : 2 hours
Trip Leader & Coordinator: Thierry Lesales
Ramble Summary :
In the nature walk, we will explore the habitat at the island for wildlife. We will also explore the historical aspect of shell collection that was presumably used for preparing purple dye, thus giving the informal name of “Purple Island” to the place.
The island is an archeological site as well with areas where seashell remains and other archeological remains can be found.
We will take this exploration as an opportunity to clean-up the site and pick up waste in the mangrove.
Ramble#4: Saturday, March 18, 2023 - Beach Walk and Bird Watching
When? Saturday March 18th, 2023
Gathering Time and Place: 8:00 at Al Wakrah (Exact location will be shared with confirmed participants)
Duration : 3 hours
Trip Leader & Coordinator: Thierry Lesales
Ramble Summary :
As the tide goes out, we will be able to explore the beach walking deeper and deeper. We expect to see many shore birds gathered to catch prey as the tide recedes.
We will welcome a class from Lycee Bonaparte (10th Grade), as they embark in a journey to explore the biodiversity of Qatar, as part of their science curriculum.
Ramble#5: Friday, March 24 , 2023 - West coast and Desert Exploration
When? Friday March 24th, 2023
Gathering Time and Place: :00 along Dukhan highway. Exact meetup location will be shared with confirmed participants
Duration : 6 hours
Trip Leader & Coordinator: Thierry Lesales
Ramble Summary :
We’ll head to the West coast of the peninsula from Dukhan highway and head North on the desert rocky and sandy tracks (nothing tricky).
It’s a great opportunity to explore the desert during this beautiful spring. We’ll make several stops along the coast, and inland to discover several habitats. After the abondant rains, the vegetation is spectacular, with many flowers and insects.
This exploration will take place during Ramadan. We’ll respect local customs.
This event is open to all present and past members. However priority will be given to present members. Members can take this opportunity to renew their membership by bringing cash payments (Single membership is QAR 75 and family membership is QAR 150 per annum).
Assembly point details will be provided to members that register for the ramble.
4X4 preferable, SUV with AWD should be OK.
