The Return of the Eurasian Jay to Hima Hammana

For years, the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) had vanished from Hima Hammana, a village where it was once a familiar sight in the forests. Known for its sharp intelligence and striking blue feathers, this bird was both admired for its beauty and notorious among cherry farmers for its seemingly endless appetite for fruit.

However, in a surprising turn of events, this elusive species has made a remarkable comeback, a moment recently captured by the Lens of Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima Activist and Coordinator of Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site

His documentation of the Eurasian Jay marks an exciting milestone for conservation efforts in the region.

A Gradual and Unexpected Return

🔹 In 2021, only three Eurasian Jays were spotted—an encouraging but cautious sign of their return.
🔹 By 2023, the number had soared to over 30 birds, signaling a true resurgence.
🔹 Today, at least nine Eurasian Jays are known to inhabit the forests of Hima Hammana, confirming that the species has reestablished itself in the area.

While this comeback is an exciting development, it has also reignited old tensions with local cherry farmers, as the birds continue their fruit-raiding habits. However, beyond their appetite for cherries, the Eurasian Jay plays a vital ecological role that far outweighs its nuisance factor.

The Eurasian Jay: Nature’s Forest Engineer

Beyond its colorful appearance and mischievous reputation, the Eurasian Jay is one of nature’s most efficient tree planters. This bird has a remarkable habit of collecting and burying acorns from oak trees, storing them for winter food. However, it often forgets or abandons a significant portion of its buried acorns, inadvertently aiding in forest regeneration.

🛑 The Impact?
✔️ Each Eurasian Jay plants at least 250 oak trees annually by scattering and forgetting acorns.
✔️ A population of 1,000 Eurasian Jays could potentially plant 250,000 oak trees per year!
✔️ Even if just 10% of these trees survive, that would still mean 25,000 new oak trees annually, a contribution that outperforms many large-scale reforestation projects.

More Than Just a Bird—A Conservation Success Story

The capture of the Eurasian Jay by Chadi Saad is not just an exciting birdwatching achievement; it symbolizes the success of conservation efforts in Hima Hammana. This return highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats where biodiversity can thrive.

💚 Why This Matters:
🌿 Biodiversity thrives when habitats are protected.
🌳 The Eurasian Jay is a key player in forest expansion.
🤝 Conservation is a community effort, requiring balance between nature and agriculture.

Looking Ahead: Conservation & Coexistence

With the Eurasian Jay reestablishing itself in Hima Hammana, it’s essential to find sustainable solutions that protect both wildlife and local livelihoods. SPNL is committed to working with farmers, conservationists, and the local community to ensure that both nature and people can thrive together.

Thanks to dedicated conservationists like Chadi Saad, the return of the Eurasian Jay is now a documented reality. This is a reminder that when nature is given a chance, it can recover in incredible ways.

Take Action: Support Hima Hammana’s Conservation Efforts!

While the return of the Eurasian Jay is a positive sign, continued conservation efforts are needed to protect Hima Hammana’s biodiversity. SPNL is actively working to preserve this vital habitat, but we need your support to sustain and expand our efforts.

Here’s how you can help:
🦅 Support the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site: Help us monitor bird populations and safeguard Lebanon’s migratory flyways.
🌳 Donate to conservation projects: Your contribution helps maintain healthy forests and bird habitats.
📢 Spread awareness: Share this story and encourage others to support Hima conservation efforts.

📌 Join us in protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage and ensuring that species like the Eurasian Jay continue to thrive!

🔗 Support our campaign here: SPNL Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site

📸 Together, we can make a difference for Lebanon’s wildlife! 💙🌿