Bridging Science and Conservation: A Month of Bird Monitoring Success

The past month has been a period of rigorous fieldwork and substantial progress in our bird monitoring efforts. Covering extensive ground across Lebanon, our team, led by Chadi Saad, conducted vital avian surveys to support conservation initiatives and enhance biodiversity protection. This report highlights key technical achievements, activities, and insights gained from our monitoring operations between January 23, 2025, and February 23, 2025.

Key Activities and Technical Achievements

One of the core activities undertaken this month was bird monitoring across multiple ecological zones, including natural reserves, riverbanks, estuaries, and designated Hima sites. The meticulous field surveys focused on tracking bird populations using transects and point count methodologies.

Monitoring Highlights and Site Visits

We conducted field visits across Lebanon, covering over 1,000 kilometers and surveying bird populations in diverse habitats. Below is an overview of key field visits:

• Hammana Valley (National Reserve) – 29-1-2025: 8 spots, 45 km
• Ain Zebde, Kherbet Qanafar, Saghbine River Shore, Mansoura – 30-1-2025: 5 to 3 spots per site, covering 110 km
• Hima Hammana, Ammiq – 31-1-2025: 7 spots, 60 km
• Dayr El Harf, Hima Ras El Matn, Hima Hammana – 4-2-2025: 11 spots, 45 km
• Chaghour Hammana – 8-2-2025: 6 spots, 6 km
• Hima Ain Zebde, Litani Riverbank, Mansoura, Ammiq – 11-2-2025: 22 spots, 130 km
• Qaraoun, Litani Riverbank, Ammiq – 14-2-2025: 17 spots, 140 km
• Nahr El Mawt Estuary, Beirut Waterfront – 17-2-2025: 20 spots, 90 km
• Btekhnay – 18-2-2025: 6 spots, 16 km
• Zaarour, Baskenta, Qanat Bakich, Ouyoun El Siman, Faqra, Faraya, Mzar – 19-2-2025: 31 spots, 195 km
• Nahr El Mawt Estuary – 21-2-2025: 2 spots, 80 km

Technical Work and Data Collection

During these field visits, Chadi Saad successfully submitted 33 reports on eBird, contributing valuable data to regional and global bird conservation databases. These reports provide insights into bird species diversity, distribution, and migration patterns across Lebanon.

Engagement Through Meetings and Workshops

Beyond fieldwork, our team engaged with local municipalities and community stakeholders to promote bird conservation and environmental awareness:

• Municipal Engagement (12-2-2025): Meetings with representatives from Btekhnay, Chbaniyeh, Ras El Harf, Rouayset El Balout, and Ebadieh.
• Discussions with Municipal Leaders: A focused discussion with the Mayor of Rouayset El Balout on integrating bird conservation into local policies.
• Community Outreach: Meetings with Btekhnay municipality members and local activists to discuss citizen engagement in bird conservation.
• Citizen Science Workshop (22-2-2025): Conducted at Ras El Maten Municipality, training local participants on bird monitoring techniques and environmental storytelling to enhance community participation in conservation.

Looking Ahead: Plans for the Next Month

The upcoming month will focus on the continuation of bird monitoring activities across Natural Park Sites and Himas, with a target of submitting at least 25 additional eBird reports. This initiative aims to bolster scientific data collection, support conservation policies, and enhance local community involvement.

Additionally, we are exploring new project concepts and donor partnerships to expand conservation efforts in the region. While no official projects have been approved yet, discussions with potential donors and stakeholders remain ongoing.

Conclusion

The past month has demonstrated the power of scientific monitoring, community engagement, and strategic partnerships in driving conservation success. Through continued dedication to field research and collaboration with municipalities and local activists, we are paving the way for a sustainable approach to protecting Lebanon’s rich birdlife and natural heritage.

Stay tuned for next month’s updates as we continue our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity for future generations!