Kuwaiti environmentalist documents 79 species during six-day wildlife expedition
Adhari Bu Hamad member of the Bird Monitoring and Protection team affiliated to the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), recently took part in a bird photography and monitoring expedition in the Republic of Türkiye. The six-day trip, conducted under the guidance of bird expert Omar Al-Turki, included the participation of several local and Gulf birdwatchers.
Bu Hamad noted that the team explored various habitats across Bursa Province, including mountainous regions, marine environments, lakes, and nature reserves. The primary goal was to document bird species that do not appear in Kuwait or are difficult to observe during migration, reports Al-Rai daily.
“One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the bearded vulture, a majestic mountain-dwelling bird that plays a key role in nature by feeding on carrion and bones. It helps clean up the ecosystem by eliminating decaying remains that could spread disease,” Bu Hamad said.
Bu Hamad explained how the bearded vulture, often called the “bone breaker”, drops large bones from great heights to shatter them and access their nutritious marrow. “Their strong stomach acid allows them to digest even the toughest bones, making them vital for ecological balance.”
In addition to the bearded vulture, the trip led to sightings of black vultures, tawny owls, purple herons, black and white storks, woodpeckers, pygmy cormorants, and various species of finches. In total, Bu Hamad recorded 79 species, including 27 that were new to her personal observation list.
“These experiences broaden our understanding of bird behavior in their natural, undisturbed habitats and help us better monitor migratory birds that pass through Kuwait,” she said. Some of these birds use Türkiye as a breeding ground, offering a unique opportunity to study their life cycle.
Bu Hamad concluded by expressing gratitude to the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, which has nurtured her passion for birdwatching and enhanced her skills in wildlife monitoring within Kuwait’s reserves.
