Captured by the Lens of Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima Activist and Coordinator of Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site
The Ammiq Wetland, Lebanon’s largest remaining freshwater wetland, is a sanctuary for migratory and resident birds. Among its skilled avian architects is the Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus), a small yet industrious bird known for its intricate, pouch-like nests. Between April 12 and May 15, 2024, Chadi Saad, a dedicated conservationist and manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, meticulously documented the step-by-step construction of this exceptional nest, highlighting the bird’s remarkable craftsmanship and adaptation skills.
Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Location
The nesting process begins with site selection, a crucial decision that ensures both security and environmental suitability. The Penduline Tit favors overhanging branches above water or dense vegetation, reducing the risk of predation. In Ammiq Wetland, the bird specifically chose a willow tree near a water body, allowing the nest to remain well-camouflaged from threats like crows, snakes, and raptors.
The flexibility of the chosen branch also plays a key role: it must be strong enough to support the hanging nest yet flexible enough to sway in the wind, making it difficult for predators to reach.
Step 2: Weaving the Outer Shell
Once the site is selected, the male Penduline Tit begins the meticulous task of constructing the outer shell. Using his sharp beak, he gathers plant fibers, grass, wool, and spider silk—materials that ensure the nest is both lightweight and resilient.
Captured through Chadi Saad’s lens, the male can be seen threading and intertwining fibers with incredible precision. Over several days, the structure slowly takes shape, transforming from a fragile mesh into a sturdy, elongated pouch.
Step 3: Strengthening the Structure
To enhance the nest’s durability, the male skillfully binds fibers using sticky plant sap or spider silk, reinforcing the walls against wind and rain. This layering technique creates a soft but firm surface, ensuring the nest remains intact throughout the breeding season.
At this stage, the nest is halfway complete, resembling a hanging bag that still lacks the final refinements needed to make it fully functional.
Step 4: Crafting the Entrance
A defining feature of the Penduline Tit’s nest is its ingenious entrance design—a small, tunnel-like opening located near the top. This entrance serves as a defensive mechanism, deterring potential predators and keeping the interior insulated from external threats.
Chadi Saad’s close-up images from Ammiq Wetland illustrate the delicate way in which the bird weaves and tightens fibers around the opening, sometimes even creating a movable flap to conceal the entrance.
Step 5: Lining the Interior
With the exterior complete, the next step is preparing the nest’s interior. The male meticulously lines the inside with soft plant down, feathers, and wool, creating a warm and comfortable environment for the future eggs.
This phase is critical, as a well-insulated interior ensures proper temperature regulation—especially important in Ammiq Wetland, where fluctuations in temperature can occur during the breeding season.
Step 6: A Safe Haven for New Life
Once the nest is ready, the female inspects the craftsmanship. If she finds it satisfactory, she will accept the male as her mate, and the breeding cycle will begin. If not, the male may need to start from scratch!
During this period (mid-May 2024), the female lays between four to seven eggs inside the completed nest. The parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the hatchlings, ensuring that the nest serves as a secure nursery for their young.
Conservation Significance of Ammiq Wetland
The documentation of this nesting event by Chadi Saad and SPNL’s Homat Al Hima network underscores the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems like Ammiq Wetland. As Lebanon faces increasing threats from urban expansion, habitat destruction, and climate change, it is crucial to preserve these critical breeding sites for bird species like the Penduline Tit.
Through the Hima approach, SPNL and local conservationists actively engage communities in the protection of natural habitats, ensuring that birds continue to thrive in their native environments.
The Penduline Tit’s nest-building journey in Ammiq Wetland is a fascinating display of avian craftsmanship, blending precision, resilience, and instinct. Thanks to the work of Chadi Saad, this breathtaking process has been immortalized in stunning images, serving as a reminder of nature’s delicate balance and the need for conservation.
By supporting organizations like SPNL and raising awareness about Lebanon’s rich biodiversity, we can ensure that future generations continue to witness the extraordinary nesting artistry of the Penduline Tit—one fiber at a time.
