As the golden sun rises over Hima Ebel El Saqi, its rays filter through the pine forests, casting a warm glow on the landscape. For Khaled Nahra, a dedicated local photographer and Hami Al Hima, this is the perfect moment to capture the breathtaking beauty of his village. With his camera in hand, he documents the stunning diversity of flora and fauna that thrive in the Hima’s unique ecosystem.
A Landscape of Contrasts
Ebel El Saqi is more than just a village; it is a sanctuary for nature, where diverse habitats converge to create a haven for wildlife. From the towering pine forests and rugged scrublands to the fertile crop fields and serene Hasbani River, the landscape tells a story of resilience and natural harmony.
Each zone of the Hima presents a unique backdrop for Khaled’s photography:
📍 Pine Forest & Scrubland – The whispering pines shelter Levant Sparrowhawks, Tawny Owls, and Short-toed Eagles as they glide gracefully between the trees.
📍 Hasbani River & Ecotone Valley – The flowing waters of the Hasbani host Night Herons, Teals, and the elegant White Stork, creating a dynamic scene of movement and life.
📍 Olive Groves & Crop Fields – A traditional landscape where Woodchat Shrikes, Masked Shrikes, and Crested Larks sing their melodies, blending the rhythms of nature with human heritage.
📍 Buffer Zones & Outcrops – A transitional space where Black Kites, Barn Owls, and Blue Throats find refuge, symbolizing the delicate balance between wild and cultivated lands.
A Symphony of Wings
As the seasons change, so does the avian population of Hima Ebel El Saqi. Khaled’s lens captures the majestic flight of the Montagu’s Harrier, the playful darting of the Bee-eater, and the quiet stillness of the Corncrake among the reeds.
One of his most striking images is that of a Syrian Serin, perched delicately on an olive branch, its bright yellow plumage glowing against the green canopy. In another frame, a Black-headed Bunting is mid-song, its beak wide open as if narrating the history of the land.
Among the rarer sightings are the Water Rail and the elusive Orphean Warbler, birds that demand patience and skill to photograph. But for Khaled, these challenges only deepen his appreciation for the Hima.
Guardians of the Hima
Beyond photography, Khaled is part of a movement—the Homat Al Hima, the guardians of nature. His role is not just to capture beauty but to advocate for conservation, ensuring that future generations can marvel at the same breathtaking sights.
Through community engagement, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable land-use practices, the people of Ebel El Saqi are proving that conservation is not just a responsibility; it is a way of life.
A Legacy in Frames
Each image Khaled captures is a testament to the richness of Hima Ebel El Saqi—a reminder that conservation starts with awareness and passion. His photographs tell a story not only of birds, trees, and rivers but of a village deeply connected to its land.
As the sun sets over the valley, casting long shadows across the Hasbani River, Khaled lowers his camera, knowing that his work is far from done. The Hima lives on, in its birdsong, in its forests, and in the hearts of those who protect it.
📸✨ Join the movement. Protect the Hima. Celebrate nature. ✨🌿
