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ضيوف العدد � أن ينقل لنا � صد كان من الرائع � ومن جملة الحوار مع الرا ت والتي � وي � ك � ار ال � ط � ور المعلقة في م � ي � ط � صور ال � ملحظته ل ة الكويت بالحياة الفطرية واهتمامها �� ست اهتمام دول � عك ؤية مطار � ضل بذلك لر � ا بها. حيث يعود الف � بتعريف زواره ضمن � آنذاك بدورها التوعوي � إدارة الطيران المدنى � الكويت و ستثمار نتاج � اون مثمر لا �� ع � و ت ��� ة. وه � ي � دم � الحياتها الخ � سواح. � صورين المتطوعين في الجمعية بانت نتيجته على ال � الم ن اللوحات � ن مجموعة م � زء م �� ور ج � ص ��� ت تلك ال � ان � حيث ك البانورامية للحياة الفطرية في الكويت والتي زينت جدران . 2013 سوق الحرة منذ العام � أمام ال � صالة المغادرين و � : 2013 شيفية مطار الكويت � أر � صور � د. محمد ا أحمد آنذاك � إدارة الجمعية � س � سمجل � رئي سميرة الخليفة � و ضو الجمعية وممثل الطيران المدني. � ع Why Kuwait? Kuwait lies at the eastern edge of the Middle East and the Western Palearctic (WP) region, which is the main "playground" for WP birders like me. Many of us strive to visit as many places as possible within this biozone, home to over 1,000+ bird species, including rare vagrants that wander far from their typical range. These unexpected sightings create excitement, as they are often limited to very specific areas and fleeting moments. Modern tools like social media and WhatsApp groups allow us to track these rare birds in real-time, inspiring birders to travel and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded individuals across Europe and beyond. What Did I Find in Kuwait? This trip marked my second visit to Kuwait. My first, during the winter of 2010/2011, was for an Ashy Drongo, a first record for Kuwait and the WP. This time, I returned for three target species: Indian Pond Heron, Purple Sunbird, and Thick-billed Warbler (though I missed the last one). The Indian Pond Heron, a 3rd record for Kuwait andWP, was first spotted bymy friend and WP top lister Pierre-André Crochet in Sulaibikhat, drawing birders from across the region. I visited the site three times to capture meaningful footage of this rare heron. As for the Purple Sunbird, climate change has led to a noticeable range expansion, with over a dozen individuals recorded in Kuwait this year alone. Observing one near the Saudi border was a challenge, but behavioural insights proved essential. These birds feed on nectar and insects, often in flowering gardens, underscoring the importance of maintaining such habitats. Our searches also uncovered rarities like a Crested Honey Buzzard and a Brown-type Shrike, though the latter remains unconfirmed. However, Kuwait’s ecological reality is troubling. The desert feels empty, at least in the winter—devoid of fauna like raptors, crows, or small passerines, even near camel carcasses. It’s barren, overrun by Bedouin tents, quads, and 4x4s, with no vegetation in sight. Ecology does not appear to be a priority for much of the community. Fortunately, organizations like KEPS (Kuwait Environmental Protection Society) are actively working to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts, providing hope for a more sustainable future. Even natural areas face threats; for example, at Sulaibikhat, we saw a drone deliberately disturbing flamingos—a punishable act in Europe. Sadly, Kuwait’s cities offer more natural potential than its uninhabited areas. Beyond the thrill of rare species, these trips are about more than bird lists. They provide opportunities to experience diverse wildlife, promote eco-responsible travel, document unique sightings, and connect with others who share a passion for nature. 2025 فـبـرايــــر | 44 سنة � ال | 477 العدد 22