Every spring and autumn, the skies over Lebanon come alive with a breathtaking natural phenomenon—the migration of thousands of birds of prey. Among these aerial travelers are the European Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus), graceful raptors that soar high above the country on their long journey between Europe and Africa. Lebanon serves as a critical passage for these birds, offering a unique opportunity for conservationists, birdwatchers, and researchers to witness and protect this incredible spectacle.
Take Action: Help Protect These Eagles and Their Habitat
Conservation efforts like Homat Al Hima rely on community support to safeguard these birds and their environment. You can make a difference by contributing to SPNL’s conservation initiatives.
🌿 Donate today and support the protection of Hammana’s Widlife:
👉 Support Homat Al Hima
Every donation helps preserve Lebanon’s natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty of these incredible raptors in the wild.
One of the most significant sites for monitoring this migration is Hima Hammana, where the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has established a dedicated bird observatory. Here, thousands of honey buzzards pass overhead, their plumage shifting from deep brown speckled with white to a mesmerizing mix of white and black. Against the blue expanse of the Lebanese sky, they create a stunning aerial ballet, moving in synchronized waves as they navigate the thermals that guide them southward.
A Watchful Eye on the Sky
At the heart of this conservation effort is Chadi Saad, a passionate Homat Al Hima activist and the manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site. With unwavering dedication, Chadi has been at the forefront of documenting these majestic visitors, meticulously tracking their numbers, flight patterns, and behaviors. His work is not just about counting birds; it is about ensuring their survival, raising awareness, and advocating for their protection.
“Seeing thousands of honey buzzards passing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience,” says Chadi. “These birds have traveled thousands of kilometers, facing numerous threats along the way. Our role is to ensure that Lebanon remains a safe haven for them.”
Through long hours of observation and fieldwork, Chadi and his team provide invaluable data that contributes to global bird conservation efforts. Their research helps scientists understand migration patterns, assess population health, and identify potential risks—such as habitat destruction and illegal hunting—that could threaten these birds’ survival.
A Dance in the Sky, A Story of Survival
The honey buzzards of Hima Hammana are more than just beautiful travelers; they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. These raptors help regulate rodent populations, preying on creatures such as rats, mice, and rabbits, which in turn supports the health of the ecosystems they pass through.
However, their journey is not without peril. Habitat loss, climate change, and poaching remain persistent threats, particularly in regions where hunting of migratory birds is still common. This makes the work of SPNL and conservationists like Chadi even more urgent.
A Call to Protect Our Natural Heritage
For Chadi, bird migration is more than just a seasonal event—it is a reminder of the delicate interconnectedness of nature. He believes that by protecting these birds, Lebanon can play a crucial role in global conservation efforts.
“Birds know no borders. Their journey connects continents, cultures, and people. When we protect them, we are also protecting our own natural heritage.”
Through education programs, community engagement, and advocacy, SPNL and Homat Al Hima activists continue to raise awareness about the importance of raptor conservation. Their goal is not only to protect Lebanon’s skies for migratory birds but also to inspire future generations to become stewards of nature.
As the European Honey Buzzards continue their timeless journey, soaring high above the valleys and mountains of Lebanon, they leave behind a powerful message—a call for conservation, a celebration of biodiversity, and a reminder that every bird in the sky carries a story worth protecting.
