Aswan, a metropolis lengthy celebrated for its historic temples and tranquil felucca rides, additionally holds a quieter secret: It is likely one of the most rewarding birding locations in Egypt, particularly in the course of the winter months.
Aswan Metropolis
Because the northern hemisphere cools, Aswan’s delicate, sunny local weather turns into a refuge for a wide range of birds. The Nile River and its lush islands round Aswan flip right into a stopover for migratory birds escaping harsher European and Asian winters. Raptors such because the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, and Lengthy-legged Buzzard may be seen within the skies.
Marsh Harrier
The waterways host many geese and waders, together with Northern Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Widespread Snipe, Noticed Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, and sandpipers resembling Widespread, Wooden, and Marsh Sandpiper.
Eurasian Wigeon
Alongside these migrants, Aswan additionally has fascinating resident birds resembling Nile Valley Sunbird, Pied Kingfisher, and Black-winged Stilt. Different species embrace Little Bittern, Senegal Thick-knee, African Inexperienced Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Striated Heron, and African Swamphen.
Nile Valley Sunbird
African Swamphen
Among the greatest birding in Aswan is skilled from the water, the place a felucca or small motorboat permits quiet passage by habitats with minimal disturbance.
Striated Heron
Three high birding spots are
Kitchener’s Island (Aswan Botanical Backyard): The vegetation supply cowl and meals for Egyptian Geese, Widespread Bulbuls, Masked Shrikes, and a wide range of herons and egrets.
Sehel Island: A smaller Nubian island with wetlands and sandy banks. Goal birds right here embrace Spur-winged Lapwing, African Inexperienced Bee-eater, and different riverine species
The First Cataract Islands: The rocky islands close to the Aga Khan Mausoleum are a haven for waterbirds. A number of species of kingfishers, together with White-throated, may be seen right here, together with herons, egrets, and waders.
White-throated Kingfisher
For birders contemplating winter locations, Aswan provides sensible benefits. It’s far nearer to Europe and the Center East than many African birding hotspots, requiring fewer flight hours and making brief journeys practical. As soon as there, town is usually extra inexpensive than comparable locations: lodging, native transport, and guiding prices stay reasonable, permitting birders to spend extra time within the area with out stretching a funds. As well as, the proximity of birding websites to world-renowned historic landmarks permits for household holidays shared by birders and non-birders. Birding excursions may be simply mixed with visits to temples, the Excessive Dam, and Nubian villages.
Senegal Thick-knee
Nubian Village
