JEDDAH: Keen and dedicated animal photographers worldwide are known for taking many risks while looking for rare, excellent shots.

Some photographers also are known to have specialized in one hobby, taking photographs of birds, the most difficult and dangerous hobby. But all the stress and risks disappear once they succeed with good results.

Qasem Al-Ghazwani is one such photographer who pursues his obsession of photographing birds.

“Photographing birds involves effort, patience and time. I personally face risks, especially in rugged mountainous regions that are considered natural for the breeding of large numbers of rare birds, some of which are threatened and endangered species,” a local publication said quoting Al-Ghazwani.

He not only enjoys capturing such birds in his camera, but also studies them — their species, names, habitation, migration and behavior.

Al-Ghazwani said he has developed a passion for taking photos of birds and does not like to waste his efforts. So, he is in the process of preparing a reference book for endemic and migratory birds in Jazan. According to him, the region has more than 300 species of birds.

“Bird photographers face many risks like coming across snakes and falling from heights, during their long waits for birds to nest,” he added. “I enjoy the most when photographing rare species of birds.”

Speaking on some bird species, Al-Ghazwani said: “Some are migrant birds such as merops, bee-eaters, kingfishers, passerine and many others that can only be found during certain times of the year.”

Al-Ghazwani said he became obsessed with photographing birds years ago but his obsession increased after he joined Saudi photographers and a bird watching group in Jazan. “I also got additional information about how to photograph and watch birds from Moein Al-Sharif, a Saudi specialist in bird photography,” he added.

“In the process, I learned a lot about photography and birds, their names and places of habitation from specialist photographers and also from a book titled “The Birds of the Middle East.”

With his wide collection of birds’ photos, Al-Ghazwani plans to hold an exhibition.