In the early glow of a summer morning, amidst the shimmering wetlands of East Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, a rare and mesmerizing scene unfolded. A Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), its bronze and emerald plumage glistening in the sun, delicately fed its chick in the shallow waters of the Ammiq Wetland. For Lebanon’s birdwatchers and conservationists, this was no ordinary encounter. It was a powerful symbol of nature’s resilience and a testament to the growing importance of Lebanon’s wetlands as havens for migratory and breeding birds.
The remarkable sighting was captured by Chadi Saad, manager of SPNL’s Hima Hammana Raptor Observatory, during a field visit to Ammiq. His sharp lens and keen eye for avian visitors documented not only the adult ibis but the tender moment of it feeding its chick—an unprecedented record for the site, and indeed, for the country.
A Jewel Among the Reeds
The Glossy Ibis, with its unmistakable sickle-shaped bill and lustrous, metallic feathers, is a cosmopolitan wader found across Africa, parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Though classified globally as a species of “Least Concern” by BirdLife International, its presence in Lebanon remains uncommon, making this observation all the more significant.
Standing around 60 centimeters tall, the adult Glossy Ibis is a striking bird. In breeding plumage, its body radiates deep chestnut tones, while its wings shimmer with iridescent greens, purples, and bronzes. With their long, curved bills, these birds forage in shallow waters, delicately probing mudflats and wetlands for insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and small fish.
Although Lebanon lies along critical migratory routes, records of the Glossy Ibis remain scarce. Most individuals seen in the country are passing migrants, pausing briefly on their journeys between Europe, Asia, and Africa. To witness an adult feeding its chick within Lebanon’s borders suggests more than just a passing visitor—it hints at possible breeding activity, or at the very least, extended stopover behavior, both of which are rare and noteworthy.
Ammiq: A Refuge for the Winged Travellers
The Ammiq Wetland, the largest remaining freshwater marsh in Lebanon, is nestled in the heart of the Bekaa Valley. Part of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, Ammiq is a biodiversity hotspot that provides crucial habitat for hundreds of species.
Its mosaic of marshes, open water, reeds, and grasslands offers sanctuary to birds that migrate across continents. Over 250 species have been recorded here, including globally threatened birds such as the Imperial Eagle and the Great Snipe. The wetland is a lifeline not only for resident birds but also for countless migratory species that depend on its resources during their long journeys.
For Chadi Saad, the manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Observatory under the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), the wetland is more than a workplace—it’s a living classroom and a source of endless fascination.
“Seeing the Glossy Ibis feeding its chick in Ammiq is an emotional moment,” Chadi reflects. “It shows that our efforts to protect these habitats are paying off. We often talk about migratory birds as symbols of hope and resilience. This moment brings that to life.”
A Rare and Meaningful Record
The presence of a chick being fed suggests that the adults may have nested nearby, or at the very least, that the wetland provides suitable conditions for resting and raising young during migration. Either scenario is significant. Glossy Ibises typically breed in colonies, often alongside herons and egrets, building platform nests in low trees, reeds, or shrubs over water.
Although the species has been experiencing population increases and range expansions in parts of Europe, breeding records in Lebanon remain virtually nonexistent. This observation contributes valuable data to ornithologists tracking the species’ movements and highlights the vital role Lebanon’s wetlands play as stepping stones for migratory birds.
According to BirdLife International, while populations of Glossy Ibis are generally stable, their habitats—wetlands, marshes, and floodplains—are under mounting pressure worldwide due to drainage, pollution, climate change, and unregulated development. Lebanon, grappling with its own environmental challenges, has nonetheless managed to safeguard Ammiq, making this record all the more symbolic.
A Beacon for Conservation
The sighting underscores the success of conservation initiatives in Lebanon led by organizations like SPNL, which has championed the revival of the ancient “Hima” model. Rooted in traditional community-based resource management, the Hima approach empowers local communities to protect their natural resources, including critical bird habitats.
In Hammana, Chadi and his team at the Hima Raptor Observatory work tirelessly to monitor bird migration, conduct educational programs, and foster appreciation for Lebanon’s avian wealth. The observatory has become a hub for citizen science and youth engagement, encouraging a new generation to appreciate and safeguard their country’s natural treasures.
“The ibis reminds us that nature responds positively to protection,” says Chadi. “When we give birds safe spaces to feed, rest, and potentially breed, they reward us with their presence.”
Looking Ahead
The presence of the Glossy Ibis and its chick in Ammiq raises important questions for Lebanon’s bird conservation community. Is this an isolated event, or does it signal the beginning of more regular breeding or prolonged stopovers for the species in the country? Ongoing monitoring, citizen science contributions, and collaboration with regional ornithological networks will be key to answering these questions.
Moreover, the record serves as a rallying point to defend Lebanon’s remaining wetlands. Across the country, wetlands face threats from urban sprawl, illegal dumping, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Yet, as Ammiq demonstrates, with proper management, these ecosystems can recover and once again become havens for rare and charismatic species.
A Moment to Remember
As the sun climbed higher over the Bekaa Valley and the rippling waters of Ammiq sparkled, Chadi’s camera immortalized a fleeting yet unforgettable scene—a parent ibis, iridescent and graceful, nurturing its chick. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage, it was more than just a photograph; it was a validation of years of effort, a reminder of nature’s resilience, and a promise of what is possible when people and wildlife coexist in harmony.
In a region often overshadowed by conflict and environmental challenges, the feeding Glossy Ibis stands as a quiet, shimmering symbol of hope. And for Lebanon’s conservationists, it is a call to keep listening to the wetlands—to keep watching, protecting, and believing that rare moments like this will continue to grace the reeds of Ammiq.
, its bronze and emerald plumage glistening in the sun, delicately fed its chick in Ammiq Wetland){kind=link}