Saudi Arabia may be best known for its sweeping deserts, but it is also home to an incredible diversity of birdlife. Situated where three major biogeographical regions and migration flyways meet, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recorded more than 500 bird species, including nearly two dozen species found only, or almost only, on the Arabian Peninsula.

Join experienced birder and tour leader Gregory Askew for a fascinating look at birdwatching in Saudi Arabia. Gregory will share photographs, stories, and insights from nearly sixteen years exploring the birds of the Arabian Peninsula, including almost five years living and working in Saudi Arabia.

Discover some of the region’s most iconic birds, learn what makes Saudi Arabia such a unique destination for birders, and see a side of the Kingdom that few people ever experience.

Gregory is the founder of Saudi Birding and has led more than a dozen birding tours throughout Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Socotra Archipelago. He also serves as an eBird reviewer for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Yemen.

Come enjoy an evening of drinks, conversation, and discovery at River Bend Nature Center’s Sip & Science!

Gregory has spent almost sixteen years exploring the birdlife of the Arabian Peninsula, including nearly five years living and working in Saudi Arabia. He specializes in birding by ear and has contributed some of the first publicly available sound recordings of several Arabian and Socotran species.

Since 2022, the same year he and his wife moved to Wichita Falls, Gregory has been leading bird tours to the Middle East through his bird tour company, Saudi Birding. In the past four years, he’s led over a dozen tours to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and more recently the Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. He also serves as an eBird reviewer for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Yemen.

He currently works as an English Instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base where he teaches cadets from the Royal Saudi Air Force while staying active in both local and Middle Eastern birding.

Sip N’ Science FAQ

Is it BYOB?

No, wine and beer are distributed by a TABC-certified bartender. Please bring your ID with you to the event.

Do you have to be 21 and up to attend?

Yes.

I don’t have a PayPal account, how can I pay?

We offer multiple payment options for your convenience! You can pay via Square at checkout, visit the Nature Gift Shop at RBNC during business hours, make a payment over the phone, or send in a check. You can also check out as a guest on PayPal using the instruction below. Please note that your registration will not be complete until RBNC has received both your form and payment. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 940-767-0843!