Nestled along the Damascus Highway in Jabal Lubnan, Lebanon, Hima Hammana Raptor Count, also known as the Anahita Bird Watching Site, continues to play a vital role in monitoring bird migration and promoting conservation awareness. Named in reference to Anahita, the Egyptian vulture rescued by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), this site has become a sanctuary for birdwatchers, conservationists, and researchers alike.
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, birding enthusiasts from Tyre, Paris, and Beirut gathered at the Anahita Bird Watching Site for a stationary bird count, witnessing an incredible array of raptors soaring through Lebanon’s skies. The event, led by Chadi Saad, recorded an impressive 91 individuals across 11 species during a three-hour observation period.
Raptor Migration Highlights
Lebanon is a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The recent count at Anahita Bird Watching Site provided valuable insight into the diversity of birds passing through the region. Some of the key observations included:
- Lesser Spotted Eagle (33 individuals)
- Short-toed Snake-Eagle (17 individuals)
- Black Kite (13 individuals)
- Common Buzzard (9 individuals)
- Black Stork (3 individuals)
- Greater Spotted Eagle (1 individual)
- Eurasian Kestrel (1 individual)
Additionally, Hooded Crows, Common Ravens, Eurasian Linnets, and Eurasian Siskins were also observed, contributing to the site’s rich biodiversity.
The Story Behind Anahita: An Icon of Hope
The Anahita Bird Watching Site carries a powerful conservation message through the story of Anahita, an Egyptian vulture that was rescued, rehabilitated, and released by SPNL. Egyptian vultures are critically endangered, and Lebanon remains a significant passageway for their migration. Anahita’s journey symbolizes the efforts being made to protect these majestic raptors and highlights the importance of conservation in Lebanon’s Hima network.
By naming the bird-watching site after Anahita, SPNL aims to inspire greater public engagement in raptor conservation and ethical birdwatching practices.
Birdwatching for Conservation
The Hima Hammana Raptor Count is part of ongoing efforts to monitor raptor migration trends, promote community-led conservation, and educate the public about the importance of preserving Lebanon’s natural heritage. With increasing threats such as illegal hunting, habitat loss, and climate change, regular monitoring and awareness initiatives are critical to ensuring the survival of these migratory species.
The March 2025 bird count serves as a testament to the importance of preserving Lebanon’s skies for future generations of migratory birds. Events like these allow birders, scientists, and conservationists to document species trends, identify threats, and advocate for stronger protections.
Looking Ahead
With each successful bird count, the Anahita Bird Watching Site solidifies its status as a key migration monitoring station in Lebanon. As the spring migration season progresses, more birdwatching events and conservation efforts will continue to shed light on the remarkable journey of raptors crossing the country.
SPNL encourages birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts to participate in future raptor counts and join efforts to protect Lebanon’s avian biodiversity. Whether observing from Hammana or any of Lebanon’s other Hima reserves, every count contributes to the greater goal of conservation and coexistence.
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