Migratory birds find sanctuary in Al-Abraq, highlights Kuwait’s rich biodiversity
Their presence highlights the ecological importance of Kuwait’s natural habitats as essential stopovers for migratory wildlife
Kuwait’s northern desert is once again demonstrating its importance as a natural haven for migratory birds, with Al-Abraq providing a temporary resting place for owls and other bird species during their long seasonal journeys.
After travelling considerable distances, the birds were spotted at Al-Abraq, where they paused to rest and recover before continuing towards their next destinations. Their presence highlights the ecological importance of Kuwait’s natural habitats as essential stopovers for migratory wildlife.
The remarkable scenes were documented by Mahmoud Al-Khadari, a member of the Kuwaiti Environmental Lens team, who captured photographs of the birds after hours of patient observation. He explained that photographing these species requires considerable patience because of their cautious nature and sensitivity to nearby movement.
Al-Khadari stressed that such sightings underline the importance of natural environments in northern Kuwait, particularly as resting grounds for migratory birds travelling across long distances. He also highlighted the contribution of wildlife photographers and environmental enthusiasts in documenting Kuwait’s biodiversity and raising awareness about its natural heritage.
He noted that distinguishing between the two bird species requires examining their size, body structure and feather coloring. The male chikra, in particular, is characterized by a bluish-grey back and reddish-brown stripes across its chest. Head and eye features, tail length and wing shape also help identify the species, although both are known for their speed and agility in flight.
The sighting serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Kuwait’s desert ecosystems and preserving natural habitats that support migratory birds and the country’s wider biodiversity.
