Each year, from the first week of September until mid-October, the skies over Lebanon witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon—the migration of pelicans. Since 2019, these magnificent birds have been observed, documented, and photographed as they pass over the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, a crucial birdwatching and conservation area managed by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL).
Among the passionate individuals capturing this spectacle is Chadi Saad, a dedicated Homat Al Hima activist and Manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site. With his lens, Saad has immortalized these birds in stunning detail, revealing their grace in flight and, tragically, the wounds inflicted upon some by illegal hunting.
Take Action: Help Protect These Eagles and Their Habitat
Conservation efforts like Homat Al Hima rely on community support to safeguard these birds and their environment. You can make a difference by contributing to SPNL’s conservation initiatives.
🌿 Donate today and support the protection of Hammana’s Pelicans:
👉 Support Homat Al HimaEvery donation helps preserve Lebanon’s natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty of these incredible raptors in the wild.
An Unparalleled Viewing Experience
What makes the Hima Hammana Bird Observatory so special is the proximity of the migrating birds. The pelicans, often flying at eye level or even lower, pass so close to the observatory that one can see every intricate detail of their feathers with the naked eye—we can literally count their feathers. This unique vantage point offers bird enthusiasts and conservationists an unparalleled opportunity to witness and document the birds’ journey.
“The experience is surreal,” says Saad. “These massive birds, with their effortless gliding and synchronized movements, fly so close that you can see the expressions in their eyes. But what’s heartbreaking is spotting those with injuries—visible scars of illegal hunting.”
A Flight Marked by Beauty and Tragedy
Pelicans, like many migratory birds, face numerous threats during their long journeys. While some make it across the skies unharmed, others are not so lucky. Illegal hunting remains a serious issue, with many birds suffering gunshot wounds before they even reach their wintering grounds.
Despite Lebanon’s efforts to curb illegal poaching, including awareness campaigns, legal enforcement, and conservation initiatives, many birds still fall victim to reckless hunters.
The Role of SPNL and the Hima Hammana Team
Through SPNL’s Hima approach, conservation is no longer just a passive observation—it is a community-driven mission. At Hima Hammana, Homat Al Hima activists like Chadi Saad work tirelessly to monitor bird migrations, document illegal hunting incidents, and raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation.
“Each photo we take is not just about capturing beauty—it’s about telling a story,” explains Saad. “It’s about showing the world what we stand to lose if we don’t act.”
A Call for Action
The migration of pelicans over Lebanon is not just a seasonal event—it’s a symbol of resilience, survival, and the urgent need for protection. Every injured bird is a reminder of the threats that persist, but every safe passage is a victory for conservation efforts.
Through the dedicated work of individuals like Chadi Saad and organizations like SPNL, there is hope that these birds will continue to grace Lebanon’s skies, free from the dangers of illegal hunting.
📸 View the breathtaking images captured by Chadi Saad
