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here - Mahmiyat.ps
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Studying Aquatic Birds in the area between
the Gaza Fishermen Port and Wadi Gaza
Estuary, Gaza Strip, Palestine
‫دراسة الطيور المائية في المنطقة ما بين ميناء الصيادين في غزة‬
‫ فلسطين‬، ‫ قطاع غزة‬، ‫ومصب وادي غزة‬
By: Ayman Wadi’ Youssef Dardona (M.Sc. Limnology) and
Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa (Dr.Sc. Zoology)
Photo (1). Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) flying near the Gaza Beach Camp
Sea. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 05.02.2014.
Preface
The term water bird, waterbird or aquatic bird (not to be confused with
wading birds) is used to refer to birds that live on or around water. Some
definitions apply the term especially to birds in freshwater habitats, though
others make no distinction from birds that inhabit marine environments. In
addition, some water birds are more terrestrial or aquatic than others, and
their adaptations will vary depending on their environment. These
adaptations include webbed feet, bills and legs adapted to feed in water, and
the ability to dive from the surface or the air to catch prey in water
(Wikipedia).
In this article we are going to mention the aquatic bird species that exist in the
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area between the Gaza Fisherman Port and Wadi Gaza Estuary either as
residents, visitors, or coming as stopovers.
Photo (2). Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) at the Gaza Fishermen Port. Photo
by: Ayman Dardona. 24.12.2014 …. The Black-headed Gulls is migrating and visiting
our coastal areas in winter; it is a small bird with a length of 34-37 cm. It is the most
widespread aquatic bird near the beach during early and late winter; it is mostly seen
near the sewage outlets.
Area of Observations
The area of observations included a part of the Gaza coast which extends
from the Wadi Gaza Estuary to the Gaza Fishermen Port to the north of the
Gaza Strip, Palestine. This area is characterized by the presence of several
sewage outlets especially in Wadi Gaza and around the Gaza Fishermen Port.
This section of the Gaza coast means that there is a high concentration of
nutrients; so this area is considered a good feeding and breeding place for
aquatic birds.
The observation began from spring 2013 until winter 2015, and this means the
observation of varieties through two winters.
The aquatic birds in the winter season prefer the shallow areas and are mostly
in high numbers around the sewage outlets; and this is because these outlets
are good places for their feeding and breeding. These aquatic birds are not the
only observed birds near these outlets, but some other birds which cannot be
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considered as aquatic were also seen.
The study area is divided into three zones: Gaza Fisherman Port, Shalehat
Area and Wadi Gaza Estuary. In this study we will mention the birds which
were observed in the study area according to each zone.
Starting from the north; the first zone is the Gaza Fishermen Port which is
considered the main port for fishing in Gaza city; the zone includes also a part
of the Gaza Beach Camp.
The second area includes the part of the sea in front of the Shalehat area, and
it is characterized by the presence of sewage outlets.
The third area includes the coast zone in front of Wadi Gaza Estuary and this
may have some birds in common with the wetlands.
In this study we will not go in details with the wetland birds, but we will refer
to the common birds especially some species of Gulls which lives in shallow
marine environment or wetlands. In General the study is depended on
photographic documentation and some descriptive information; the
descriptive study includes the bird’s behaviour and ecology.
Photo (3). This photo which was taken at the Gaza Fishermen Port shows the main
aquatic birds in spring; this means that in some periods all the aquatic birds can be
seen … Number 1 refers to the Yellow-legged Gull (Adult); Number 2 refers to the
Lesser Black-backed Gull; Number 3 shows the Black-headed Gull; and Number 4
the Sandwich Tern. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 25.03.2014.
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The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) migrates to the Gaza coastal
areas from North Europe where they breed. It comes to the coastal area in
winter; the length of the bird varies from 52-67 cm; it is seen as number 2 in
the above photo.
1. Gaza Fishermen Port
Our observations record that the commonest bird in the port in winter
especially in December and January is the Black-headed Gull (Larus
ridibundus); it is also recorded in spring but with smaller numbers. In spring
especially in April the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is recorded with
remarkable numbers. Also the lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), the
Yellow–legged Gull (Larus michahellis), and the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
are recorded especially in early and late winter; and they are also recorded in
spring. In the Gaza Fishermen Port both the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) and
the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) are recorded near the shallow waters
of the Sea Port. In spring especially in the month of April, the Gulls are
present especially the Black-headed Gull, and in this period the Common
Tern is well recorded; also the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is
recorded in the south part of the port towards the Beach Camp close to the
old Fishermen Port. In General, it is noticed in terms of numbers that the
Black-headed Gull is the most abundant bird in the sea port during winter,
followed by the Yellow–legged Gull, and the Sandwich Tern (Sterna
sandvicensis). These are the most abundant birds observed during this study
period; then with fewer numbers the Lesser Black-backed Gull, the Common
Kingfisher, the Pied Kingfisher, the Little Egret, the Great Cormorant, and the
Common Tern. That does not mean in any way that the mentioned birds are
the only aquatic birds observed in the Fishermen Port, but these are the birds
which were observed and recorded during the observation period. In the past,
some other Gulls and aquatic birds were recorded from the Fishermen Port,
but during the study period nothing else was recorded. It is important to
mention here that other species of birds are recorded from the Fishermen
Port, but these birds are not considered aquatic, but they are related to water
like the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) which is observed inside the port, the
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), the Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix), and others.
Birds observed in the Gaza Fishermen Port
Common
Name
1-Great
Cormorant
2-Sandwich
Tern
3-Blackheaded Gull
Scientific
Name
Phalacrocorax
carbo
Sterna
sandvicensis
Larus
ridibundus
‫اإلسم‬
‫العربي‬
‫غاق الماء‬
‫الكبير‬
‫خرشنة‬
‫ساندويتشية‬
‫نورس أسود‬
‫الرأس‬
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4-Lesser
Black-backed
Gull
5-Yellowlegged Gull
Larus fuscus
7-Little Egret
Egretta
garzetta
8-Common
Tern
9-Common
Kingfisher
Sterna hirundo
10-Pied
Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
Larus
michahellis
Alcedo atthis
‫نورس‬
‫صغير أسود‬
‫الظهر‬
‫نورس‬
‫أصفر‬
‫الساقين‬
‫بلشون‬
‫أبيض‬
‫صغير‬
‫خطاف بحر‬
‫شائع‬
‫صياد‬
‫السمك‬
‫الشائع‬
‫صياد‬
‫السمك‬
‫األبقع‬
Yellow–legged Gull (Larus michahellis).
It is a migrating species and is also a resident bird in Gaza; the migrating gulls
come from Europe in winter and join the resident gulls. The photo below
shows the Juveniles of the Yellow-legged Gull inside the Gaza Fishermen Port
in October 2014. The length of the bird is from 52-58 cm.
Photo (4). Juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis) inside the Gaza Fishermen
Port. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 14.10.2014.
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Photo (5). A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) inside the Gaza
Fishermen Port. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 14.10.2014.
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) and Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
There are three recorded species of Kingfishers in Palestine: the Common
Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) and the Whitethroated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). The latter is not related to water
while the Common and Pied Kingfishers exist in the shallow waters, and they
have been observed in the Gaza Fishermen Port where they catch and feed on
fishes.
Photo (6). Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) flying around the Gaza Fishermen Port.
Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 05.02.2014.
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Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Both of them are coming to Gaza during the winter and spring, but it is noted
that the Common Tern is the commonest in spring. The pictures below show
the Common and Sandwich Terns respectively in the Gaza Fishermen Port.
Photo (7). A Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) inside the Gaza Fishermen Port. Photo
by: Ayman Dardona. 13.04.2014.
Photo (8). Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) inside the Gaza Fishermen Port. Photo
by: Ayman Dardona. 19.06.2014.
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2. Shalehat Area
The sea section in front of this region is a good place to observe birds and this
is due to the presence of sewage outlets which means there is enough
nutrients, and it is a good feeding and breeding place for aquatic birds. No
aquatic birds are recorded here in summer due to the disturbance by people
that prefer going to beach area in summer. In winter, and during our
monitoring and survey it was noted that the Gulls are the most observed
birds; the most recorded species is the Black-headed Gull in its winter and
summer plumage, the Little Gull (Larus minutus) but in smaller numbers, the
Little Egret with higher numbers in early winter and less numbers in late
winter. The Yellow-legged Gull in its adult and juvenile forms are recorded
especially in early winter, while the Lesser Black-backed Gull is recorded with
small numbers in early winter in its adult form. Also the Little Stint (Calidris
minuta) is recorded with small numbers in winter especially in January.
Noticed in late winter, was also the presence of several species of pigeons and
other birds like the White Wagtail which are recorded breeding close to the
beach. It is also noticed here that the Black-headed Gull is the most
widespread species, and then the Little Egret especially in January, and the
Yellow–legged Gull in its juvenile stage especially in the month of October.
The gulls prefer to be close the sewage outlets searching for food.
Photo (9). Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) near the Shalehat Area at the Gaza Fishermen
Port. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 11.01.2015.
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Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This species is common in all continents except South America. It is a migrant
and resident bird in the Gaza strip especially around the coastal area and in
the wetland area in Wadi Gaza. The length of the bird is 55-65 cm.
Photo (10). Little Gull (Larus minutus) between the Shalehat Area and the Gaza
Fishermen Port. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 18.02.2014.
Photo (11). Little Stint (Calidris minuta) near the Shalehat Area at the Gaza Fishermen
Port. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 05.01.2014.
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Little Gull (Larus minutus)
It exists in the Baltic Sea and across the Mediterranean Sea in winter. It is a
small gull with a length of 25-29 cm. and it is observed in this zone of the
Gaza Sea in very small numbers.
Little stint (Calidris minuta)
It spends the winter in the coastal area; length is between 12-14 cm. It is
observed in the Gaza Sea Area close to the Shalehat Area in small numbers
seeking for food around the sewage outlets.
Birds observed in front of the Shalehat Area in Gaza
Common
Name
1-Little Stint
2-Little Egret
Scientific
Name
Calidris
minuta
Egretta
garzetta
3-Little Gull
Larus minutus
4-Lesser
Black-backed
Gull
5-Yellowlegged Gull
Larus fuscus
6-Blackheaded Gull
Larus
ridibundus
Larus
michahellis
‫األسم‬
‫العربي‬
‫الدريجة‬
‫الصغيرة‬
‫بلشون‬
‫أبيض‬
‫صغير‬
‫نورس‬
‫صغير‬
‫نورس‬
‫صغير أسود‬
‫الظهر‬
‫نورس‬
‫أصفر‬
‫الساقين‬
‫نورس أسود‬
‫الرأس‬
Photo (12). Black-headed Gulls near the Shalehat Area. Photo: A. Dardona. 19.11.2014
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Photo (13). The Little Egret and Little Stints near the Shalehat Area in Gaza. Photo
by: Ayman Dardona. 04.01.2014.
Photo (14). A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) near the Shalehat Area
in Gaza. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 11.01.2014.
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Photo (15). An adult Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) near the Shalehat Area in
Gaza. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 27.01.2014.
Photo (16). Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) near the Shalehat Area in Gaza.
Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 15.03.2014.
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3. Wadi Gaza Estuary
The Wadi Gaza outlet is the sea beach in front of the Wadi Gaza Estuary; the
Wadi Gaza wetland is excluded in this study. We have started to observe the
aquatic birds in this area in November 2013; we recorded high numbers of
both the Little Egret and the Black-headed Gulls; the numbers are almost
similar; that could be due that these two bird species can inhabit the wetlands,
and can enjoy the two ecological systems. In winter 2014 it was also observed
that these birds were moving between the Gaza Sea and Wadi Gaza,
especially after the establishment of the new sewage ponds; these new ponds
may serve as a good habitat for aquatic birds especially the common ones like
the Black-headed Gull and the Little Egret. The sea area in front of Wadi Gaza
serves as a good place for feeding and breeding for aquatic birds, and this is
due to the high concentration of nutrients at the Estuary. During this study
and especially in October 2014, the Lesser Black-backed Gull was recorded in
small numbers, and it was the first time to record the Sanderling (Calidris alba).
Eight Sanderlings at the sea beach close to the Wadi Gaza Estuary were
observed. In conclusion it is noted that in the study area the Black-headed
Gulls and the Little Egret were the most abundant birds during winter.
Photo (17). The Sanderling (Calidris alba) at Wadi Gaza Estuary. Photo by: Ayman
Dardona. 16.10.2014.
The Sanderling is a migrating bird from the Polar region; it is common and is seen in
the Middle East and North African coasts through winter. It was observed in Gaza in
October 2014. The length of this bird is 18-20 cm.
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Birds observed in the Sea section in front of Wadi Gaza
Common
Name
1-Sanderling
Scientific
Name
Calidris alba
2-Little Egret
Egretta
garzetta
3-Blackheaded Gull
4-Lesser
Black-backed
Gull
Larus
ridibundus
Larus fuscus
‫اإلسم‬
‫العربي‬
‫الدريجة‬
‫البيضاء‬
‫بلشون‬
‫أبيض‬
‫صغير‬
‫نورس أسود‬
‫الرأس‬
‫نورس‬
‫صغير أسود‬
‫الظهر‬
Photo (18). Sanderlings (Calidris alba) at Wadi Gaza Estuary. Photo by: Ayman
Dardona. 16.10.2014.
The Black-headed Gull, the Little Egret, and the Lesser Black–backed gull are
present at Wadi Gaza Estuary. The establishment of the new sewage ponds in
Wadi Gaza makes it a good place for some aquatic birds to be existent and to
move from Gaza Sea to Wadi Gaza and vice versa. Below are some photos of
aquatic birds which were observed in the Wadi Gaza Estuary. The last photo
is of the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) in the new established sewage
ponds in the wetland area in Wadi Gaza.
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Photo (19). Group of Aquatic Birds at Wadi Gaza Estuary. Photo by: Ayman
Dardona. 13.11.2013.
Photo (20). Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) at the Wadi Gaza Estuary. Photo
by: Ayman Dardona. 16.10.2014.
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Photo (21). Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) at the new established sewage
ponds in Wadi Gaza. Photo by: Ayman Dardona. 08.12.2014.
Conclusions and Recommendations
From our observations it is well concluded that the Black-headed Gull is the
most widespread aquatic bird in the study area. On the other hand it is noted
that the coastal area of the Gaza strip is a potential birding area especially for
aquatic birds; but the disturbance of humans in the summer time limit the
existence of aquatic birds in spring and summer time. These are not all the
birds in the study area, but this study gives basic information on the species
which can be expected in this area; also the establishment of the new sewage
ponds for the treatment of wastewater in Wadi Gaza may serve as a good
place for aquatic birds. Actually the study of aquatic birds is important and it
should be encouraged.
Here are the main recommendations for the decision makers:
1- Encouraging scientific research in this area.
2- Increasing the birding potential and to improve the management of the
Gaza Sea and the Fishermen Port, and this will improve the conditions
for the birds for stopovers
3- Establishment of bird stations for bird monitoring without disturbance.
4- Publishing booklets and brochures to help interested persons to
identify and observe aquatic birds.
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5- Establishment of a protected area in Gaza for aquatic birds.
6- To change laws and policies toward the concept of biodiversity and to
enhance these concepts in schools and higher education
establishments.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all people and researchers who helped to accomplish
this article on aquatic birds in a part of the Gaza seawaters. Many thanks go to
the Environmental Education Center and especially to Mr. Farhoud Michael
who helped in identifying the birds; and many thanks go to both Ass. Prof.
Dr. Abdel Fattah Abd Rabou from the Islamic University of Gaza and the
researcher Daoud Al-Hali from Jerusalem for their continuous help and
encouragement to document the biodiversity in the Gaza Strip.
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. ‫ الصيد بالمراقبة‬... ‫الدليل الحقلي لطيور الشرق األوسط‬
http://www.spnl.org/arabic/archives/96
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