Standing quietly among the reeds of Ammiq Wetland, Chadi Saad, a dedicated activist from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), focused his camera lens on a delicate silhouette moving through the shallow waters. He knew immediately what he was witnessing—a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), a small but elusive heron known for its masterful camouflage. In other parts of the world, this bird is a rarity, a cause for excitement among ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. But here in Lebanon, the Little Bittern is a regular resident, thriving in the rich wetlands of the Bekaa Valley.
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Chadi, the manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, was no stranger to bird monitoring. Yet, the thrill of capturing such a moment never faded. With a steady hand, he snapped a series of photos, documenting the bird’s elegant form as it navigated its wetland home. These images would later serve as both a testament to Lebanon’s biodiversity and a stark contrast to the struggles of this species in other countries.
A Bird of Rarity Elsewhere
In the United Kingdom, the sight of a Little Bittern is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When one was spotted at RSPB Saltholme in 2018, birdwatchers flocked to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. The BBC reported on the excitement, highlighting how the species was virtually absent from the UK, with only occasional sightings in recent years. Conservationists there continue to hope for the bird’s return as wetland restoration projects progress, but for now, it remains a fleeting visitor.
Similarly, in the heart of Monaco, the appearance of a Little Bittern in the Japanese Garden in 2022 was heralded as a remarkable event. Reports from Monaco Tribune detailed how the bird’s presence surprised even seasoned ornithologists. The country’s dense urban landscape offers little in the way of suitable habitat, making the bird’s brief visit an anomaly rather than a regular occurrence.
Meanwhile, in Australia, the Little Bittern’s movements have puzzled researchers. In 2019, the ABC reported an unexpected influx of these birds in New South Wales, likely driven by shifting environmental conditions. While typically shy and reclusive, several were observed in wetlands, raising questions about what might be causing their sudden visibility. Habitat loss and climate fluctuations were among the suspected factors driving them to seek out new locations.
Lebanon’s Haven for the Little Bittern
Unlike these countries, Lebanon has long been a refuge for the Little Bittern. The country’s wetlands, though under increasing pressure from urbanization and agricultural expansion, continue to provide vital breeding and feeding grounds. Ammiq Wetland, the largest remaining freshwater marsh in Lebanon, is a key habitat not only for the Little Bittern but for hundreds of other migratory and resident bird species.
For Chadi and his fellow conservationists, the presence of the Little Bittern in Ammiq is both expected and reassuring. The species benefits from the region’s rich ecosystem, where dense reeds, shallow waters, and abundant fish create ideal conditions for survival. Yet, the knowledge that this bird is struggling elsewhere in the world serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Lebanon’s natural spaces.
A Call to Action
Through his work with SPNL and the Hima initiative, Chadi continues to advocate for the protection of Lebanon’s wetlands. The Hima system, a traditional conservation approach revived in recent years, empowers local communities to take an active role in safeguarding their natural heritage. By promoting responsible ecotourism and sustainable land use, Lebanon can ensure that species like the Little Bittern continue to find sanctuary within its borders.
As Chadi uploaded the images of the Little Bittern to SPNL’s social media, he reflected on the significance of the moment. While birdwatchers in other parts of the world celebrate rare sightings of this species, in Lebanon, its presence is a reminder of what is still at stake. The continued existence of thriving wetland ecosystems depends on the commitment of conservationists, policymakers, and local communities alike.
For now, the Little Bittern remains a familiar sight in Ammiq, a silent sentinel of Lebanon’s rich avian diversity. But its story serves as both a celebration and a cautionary tale—one that urges us all to cherish and protect the natural world before rarity becomes disappearance.
