World Migratory Bird Day

Qatar is an important bird 'stop-over' site and 300 species of birds reside here all the times, QSA. The world celebrated this Day under the theme- "Networking for migratory birds". It is celebrated annually worldwide since 2006 to raise awareness about the need for paying attention to the migratory birds as a means to ensure the preservation of environment quality, resources and biodiversity.    This year's theme highlights the importance of networking amongst governments and environmental conservation organizations to conserve migratory birds by establishing global connections and cooperation networks. This World Migratory Bird Day aims to encourage the international community, governmental, non-governmental organizations as well as all individuals to work together to conserve migratory birds around the world. class="Main-News-Body">The United Nations statement on World Migratory Bird Day, held on May 11th-12th, highlighted that the survival of migratory birds depends on the availability of well-connected habitat networks along their migration routes. The theme of this year aims to emphasize both ecological networks, as well as networks between organizations, individuals and their mutual importance for the long-term conservation of migratory birds.  On this occasion, QSA indicated that Qatar is a key stop-over site for migratory birds, which come from the shores of Europe in the winter and stop here while going and returning, then continue its way to Africa. Qatar has given wildlife a major priority. Protecting it has been so significant that HH the Emir Sh Hamad Al Thani issued a law (91/2004) on wildlife and natural habitats protection.  The State has also established many nature reserves to protect and maintain environmental systems and components. Birdlife in Qatar is prolific. According to ornithologists there are about 300 species of small- to large-sized birds in Qatar, such as the Bulbul and Ostrich. Among migratory birds is the Bee Eater, a spectacularly colored bird, that stops over in September and March for a week during its journey. The Hoopoe is as colorful as the Bee Eater, and resides in Qatar all around the year. Among the resident birds are huge colonies of green parrots, all descended from birds that escaped captivity.  The vulnerable Socotra cormorant, Western Reef Egret and several species of terns breed on some of the offshore islands. Outside the breeding season, important numbers of the Socotra Cormorant, shorebirds, gulls and terns were found on the coast. Many species of water birds have been seen at the freshwater wetlands inland but numbers are generally low.   Other birds found in Qatar include Flamingo, Kestrel, Plover, Lark and other migrants. King of the seabirds, the Osprey, is prevalent in many coastal areas and some nest on tall buildings in Doha. Their nests on the small offshore islands are huge since they return to and extend the same nest year after year. They are often just a depression in the sand. They sometimes leave the eggs to hatch in the warmth of the sun. The most famous and significant bird in Qatar is the Bustard, which is an essential prey for hawks. It lives in arid plains, steppes and semi-desert sites with short and sparse plant cover. This bird is unique of its kind. It is the only one that likes and is adapted to live in the desert.  Usually bustards take the color of the environment in which they live. Their colorful feathers and shape help them disguise by camouflaging, hide and adapt themselves to their habitants. Besides, when they stop moving, shrink and put themselves on the ground close to a shrub, it becomes impossible to see them. Migratory birds arte concentrated in a number of areas in Qatar: Al Zakhira, Al Aaliya island, Sheraauh, Al Shat island and Khor Al Edaid. Qatar established "Hima Fund" for talking care of and protecting endangered birds. This idea emerged from the 31st Meeting of the Birds Protection World Council, which was held in Doha in May 2008.  Establishing Hima Fund was a preliminary step of the endangered birds protection program. There are 36 species of endangered birds. 12 Arab Countries are members in Hima Fund, including: GCC States, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine. The Chairmen of its Board of Directors are Dr. Saif Al Hegri and two members of the Birds Protection World Organization.