Migratory Birds in Egypt through the Lens of Watter AlBahry

On the second Saturday of May each year, this year was the 13th, World Migratory Bird Day is a meaningful occasion devoted to honoring the magnificence and significance of migratory birds.??

Its purpose is to promote awareness of the obstacles these birds encounter during their annual migrations.?

We had the honor of conversing with? Watter AlBahry a distinguished ornithologist and expert birdwatcher who has devoted his life to researching migratory birds in Egypt. In this article, he will impart his personal experiences and valuable insights into the captivating realm of migratory birds as a senior conservation officer.

Youthinkgreen Egypt:?Watter, thank you so much for being here today. You have been taking pictures of migratory birds in Egypt for years now. Could you please share with us how it all started?

Watter AlBahry:?I grew up in a small city in northeastern Egypt located on the Asian side of the Suez Canal called Port Fouad. The town is surrounded by beautiful wildlife, including fish, dolphins, seagulls, and various bird species passing during migration season. I lived near a big garden where I could hear the beautiful sounds of birds.?

My connection to nature began when I was six years old, and my father sent me on a trip to learn from the Bedouins. One day, I found a Common Kestrel that had built its nest beside my window.

I spent my days observing the falcon and its baby chicks, mimicking them, and recording them on my Walkman. I was also a fan of documentaries and was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's work.?

To escape bullying at school, I found solace in the library and discovered “Common Birds of Egypt” by Dr. Sherif Baha Eldin. I started volunteering in nature preservations around Portfouad and found the BirdLife international Foundation online, which introduced me to a community of people with similar interests.?

I took their four-year birdlife course and bought my first camera in 2005, which led me to pursue a career in wildlife photography.?I studied ornithology Course from BirdLife supported by Cambridge University, which was challenging, considering the limited resources?for environmental sciences / Ecology Sciences for Birds - in Egypt. Nonetheless, I persevered and pursued my birdwatching and wildlife photography passion.

Youthinkgreen Egypt:?You are currently at Ain Sokhna at Galala Mountain Raptor Station Project and doing fantastic work there. Please tell us more about your experience there and What is unique about this ecosystem??

Watter AlBahry:?Egypt has four central flyways for migratory birds, which are geographical areas that birds cover throughout their annual cycle, including breeding and non-breeding grounds and the migration route. Ain Sokhna and Jabl ElZit are known as bottlenecks for migratory birds in Egypt aslo as IBA by BirdLife International , but opening access to the Galala Mountains in 2020 has made it a connecting puzzle for birds migration. It is a unique spot where birds pass right in front of your eyes level , and we have observed birds with GPS tags and diseases, including storks stained with oil from oil spills in the north that we spotted just a few days ago.

Youthinkgreen Egypt:?Could you please walk us through how important Egypt is for migratory birds? How many species usually pass across Egypt annually, and how are those numbers now? Decline? Increase? Stable?

Watter AlBahry:?Egypt has a significant disparity among various stakeholders regarding bird count numbers. Unfortunately, no single entity is responsible for collecting and maintaining a comprehensive database, resulting in the unavailability of accurate numbers. But Egypt recorded 466 Birds Sp.?

Youthinkgreen Egypt:?Can you provide examples of human activities that could impact bird migration?

Watter AlBahry:?Human activities, such as hunting for sport or economic reasons, can significantly impact bird migration. The development of deserts, including destroying mountains to build hotels and resorts, can also affect bird migration. Maintaining a balance in the environment is essential to avoid disrupting bird routes. Birds play a crucial role in controlling pests, so altering their migration patterns could have negative consequences.

Youthinkgreen Egypt:?Finally, I would like to ask you how can we enhance bird migration in Egypt, and what stakeholders are involved in this process?

Watter AlBahry:?To improve bird migration in Egypt, it is essential to collaborate with private sector companies & NGOs , particularly those located near IBA's Important Bird Areas. Nature Conservation Egypt's notable achievement is the agreement they made with the Ministry of Environment to shut down demand systems in areas with wind turbines. Another critical pillar is ensuring quality birdwatchers that can be assigned to observation stations across the country.

Youthinkgreen Egypt:?Thank you so much Watter for sharing your experience and story with us. I am grateful for interviewing with you and looking forward to our next bird watching trip when you come back to Cairo!

Watter AlBahry:?Thank you, team!