The Spectacular World of Egyptian Birds: Exploring with David Pleins

Bird-watching is an activity that allows us to delve into the enchanting realm of nature, and few places on Earth offer a more remarkable diversity of avifauna than Egypt. With its unique geographical location and rich ecosystems, Egypt is a true haven for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike. In this article, we will join renowned ornithologist David Pleins on a thrilling journey through the fascinating land of Egyptian birds.

The Varied Habitats of Egypt

From the lush Nile Delta and its surrounding agricultural landscapes to the endless expanses of deserts, Egypt offers a wide range of habitats that serve as an enticing playground for a myriad of bird species. Whether you are exploring the riverbanks of the Nile, the remote oases of the Western Desert, or the shimmering shores of the Red Sea, the diversity of Egypt's landscapes never fails to amaze.

David Pleins, an expert in the field, has spent countless hours traversing the Egyptian wilderness to document the magnificent bird species that call this country home. Pleins emphasizes the importance of understanding the different habitats and their significance in providing a sheltered environment for a wide variety of birds, including many endemic and migratory species.

Egyptian Birds

by J. David Pleins(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5452 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	458 pages
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Discovering Exquisite Egyptian Birds

One of the most iconic bird species in Egypt is the majestic Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus). Pleins describes this bird as a sight to behold, with its striking white plumage and bold yellow face. This scavenger, also known as the "Pharaoh's Chicken," is often associated with ancient Egyptian mythology and has a special place in the hearts of bird-watchers and researchers alike.

Another remarkable species deserving attention is the Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola). These elegant birds, with their long pointed wings and striking black and white plumage, are known for their astonishing acrobatics in flight. They can be found near water bodies, including the Nile River, where they forage for insects while gliding low over the water's surface.

One cannot explore the world of Egyptian birds without mentioning the mesmerizing Nile Valley Sunbird (Hedydipna metallica). With its iridescent blue plumage and long, curved bill, this tiny bird brings a splash of vivid color to the landscapes it inhabits. Pleins recounts the joy of encountering this beauty in the wild, watching it dart between flowers in search of nectar.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

While the avian diversity of Egypt is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, the country faces various challenges when it comes to protecting its bird populations and their habitats. Rapid urbanization, illegal hunting, and climate change pose significant threats to the fragile ecosystems that birds rely on.

David Pleins and his colleagues are actively engaged in raising awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in order to safeguard Egypt's unique birdlife. They collaborate with local communities, educate the public, and work closely with governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve tangible results.

Embarking on Your Own Avian Adventure in Egypt

If you are captivated by the splendor of Egyptian birds and wish to experience the beauty firsthand, there are several options available for avian enthusiasts. Numerous specialized bird-watching tours are organized throughout the year, offering guided excursions to various hotspots across the country.

By joining one of these tours, you can immerse yourself in Egypt's diverse landscapes and witness the breathtaking diversity of avifauna under the guidance of experienced bird-watchers like David Pleins. From the banks of the stunning Lake Nasser to the fertile shores of Lake Qarun, each expedition promises an unforgettable encounter with Egypt's winged wonders.

Egypt's remarkable birdlife continues to inspire and captivate nature lovers around the world. Through the efforts of passionate ornithologists like David Pleins, the unique avifauna of this ancient land receives the attention it deserves, while conservation initiatives work tirelessly to protect these fragile ecosystems.

So, whether you aim to observe the impressive Egyptian vulture soaring through the sky or to witness the grace of the Collared Pratincole in flight, Egypt beckons with its vibrant and awe-inspiring bird species. Embark on your own avian adventure, and let the magical realm of Egyptian birds enchant your senses!

Egyptian Birds

by J. David Pleins(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5452 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	458 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Nowhere can the aerial movements of birds be better studied than on the Nile, and as one’s eye becomes trained it is just by the varying individual methods of flight that one is often able to identify the particular species of birds. This is to the most casual observer self-evident in those birds that fly close, near, or over one’s head; but it is astonishing how, as the eye gets trained, even a faint speck high up in mid-air can be absolutely identified by some peculiarity of shape and movement.

Egypt certainly is singularly fortunate in that birds here are far tamer than we find them at home, and so admit of a closer inspection; but even so, I should have been, times without number, utterly at a loss to exactly identify certain birds if it were not for my trusty glasses. There are some occasions where, owing to the extraordinary tameness of birds, no glasses are needed, and I recommend to all bird enthusiasts the ground within the areas under the control of the Antiquities Department. No guns are allowed there, as they are up and down the Nile, and the birds know it. One of my favourite places of observation was at the Sacred Lake at Karnac. By the courtesy of Mr. Weigall, Chief Inspector of Antiquities, Upper Egypt, I was allowed to sleep in a disused building by the water-side, and by that means enjoyed opportunities, which fall to the lot of few, of studying bird life from midnight to early morning, and it is astonishing the number of birds that foregather to that quiet spot. Practically all night through there were sounds of birds coming or going at intervals. The calling of Coots one to another were the commonest sounds during the darkest hours; but at about 3 A.M., when I thought I could discern a little light, I would distinctly hear the “scarpe scarpe” cry of Snipe. A little later the hooting of the Eagle Owl, whom I knew had his nest up on the top of one of the end columns of the great hall, and then gradually from this side, then from that, came an ever-increasing series of calls and pipings, and one could make out flocks of Duck disappearing over the ridge of sand and broken-up masses of masonry. Later, shadowy forms of Greenshank or Plover showed as they went paddling by some faintly lighted-up pool, till at last the sun was up, and crested Larks were running round the banks fearlessly, and blue-throated warblers were hopping about the few bushes at the edge, and ever and anon flitting down to the ground and back again to the leafy shelter.