KUWAIT CITY, Jan 19:  Dr. Wijdan Al-Oqab, Chairperson of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), emphasized the importance of the World Winter Bird Counting Day event on Saturday. She highlighted its role in supporting environmental efforts and raising public awareness about the protection of both migratory and resident bird species in the country.

In a press statement during the event, organized by the society at a popular café in Sulaibikhat and under the patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Al-Oqab explained that the bird counting event featured several workshops. These workshops conveyed key messages, particularly the need to protect and clean beaches, as well as reduce all forms of waste, especially plastic, to preserve biodiversity.

She further noted that the active participation of the public in the event reflects the growing interest in environmental matters in Kuwait. Al-Oqab also praised the involvement of diplomats, including Arab and foreign ambassadors, who are increasingly drawn to such field activities. The celebration was attended by bird watchers, bird enthusiasts, environmental experts, representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, photography enthusiasts, student groups from the 14th season of the Green Schools Program, as well as members of the "Environmental Youth" and "Environment Friends" teams, along with the general public.

Muhammad Shah, head of the bird monitoring and protection team at KEPS, also shared his thoughts on the event. He explained that its goal was to raise awareness about the significance of birds in Kuwait's environment. Shah noted that the timing for bird counting varies across countries, and that December and January are the ideal months for winter bird counting in Kuwait.

He further revealed that the bird counting event, which began in 2012 as a one-day event, has now expanded to span multiple days to document all birds observed from the beginning of the year until January 18. This allows for monitoring throughout Kuwait. Shah highlighted that during this period, the team had documented several bird species for the first time, including the 300 Sham or Northern Plover birds observed by Mohammed Al-Hadina in Al-Sulaibiya farms, and the seven Purple Date birds spotted by Talal Al-Muwaizri in the Bnaider area.

Shah also discussed the counting methods and mechanisms used by the team, which included both station-based counting and occasional observations. Among the birds observed were the Greater Flamingo, the Grey and Rocky Plover, the Alexandrian Plover, the Hankur, the Loha, and the Brown-necked Crow. He explained that high tides, such as the one that occurred on Saturday, January 3, helped bring wading and marine birds closer to the beach, making them easier to observe and count.

The association had also prepared fixed viewing platforms equipped with binoculars and a photographic gallery to observe various bird species, including marine, aquatic, and wading birds, as well as resident and migratory species. Additionally, beach cleaning activities were held, and children's books were made available.

Shah concluded by emphasizing KEPS's goal of developing this event further, aiming to expand the scope of the census in the coming years through a dedicated mechanism. Volunteers will be invited to register on a special platform for the winter census, allowing for broader participation in future events.