Every October, bird lovers around the world come together to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, a global event that honors the incredible journeys of migratory birds and raises awareness about the need to protect them. In 2025, Aswan joined this worldwide celebration in its own special way — through a joyful and educational birdwatching trip along the Nile, where nature, community, and conservation beautifully came together.
A Celebration on the Nile
On Saturday, 11 October 2025, Aswan Birdwatching proudly celebrated World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with a vibrant and inspiring free birdwatching trip on the River Nile. The event brought together more than thirty passionate participants from all walks of life — women, children, teachers, engineers, photographers, students, professional birders, and even representatives of people with visual disabilities. United by their shared love for birds and the beauty of nature, they gathered to celebrate the wonder of migration and the richness of Aswan’s natural heritage.
A Morning of Discovery
The three-hour morning excursion, led by Ismael Khalifa, birding guide and founder of Aswan Birdwatching, offered an unforgettable journey through Aswan’s most scenic birding hotspots. Participants explored the calm waters and lush river islands aboard a modern motorboat, where the skies and reeds came alive with birdlife. The trip provided a unique opportunity to witness how the River Nile continues to serve as a vital habitat and migration corridor for countless species.
Star Sightings and Avian Diversity
During the trip, the group recorded an impressive total of more than fifty bird species, a true testament to Aswan’s remarkable avian diversity. Some of the highlight sightings included the colorful Nile Valley Sunbird, the stealthy Senegal Thick-knee, the striking African Swamphen, the tiny yet dazzling Red Avadavat, and the ever-charming White-throated Kingfisher. Excitement grew as participants spotted an agile Eurasian Hobby soaring above the river, while African Green Bee-eaters added splashes of color to the landscape.
Perhaps the most remarkable observation of the day was the Reed Cormorant, a newcomer species recently added to Aswan’s bird list, a promising sign of ecological change and resilience.
Full eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S278475407
Learning and Inspiration
Throughout the journey, Ismael Khalifa shared captivating insights into bird identification, migration routes, and the interconnectedness between humans and their natural environment. He emphasized the global message of World Migratory Bird Day 2025 — “Bird-friendly cities and communities”, a theme that resonates deeply in Aswan, where urban life and wildlife coexist harmoniously along the Nile’s banks. The discussions highlighted simple yet meaningful ways communities can contribute to bird conservation, from planting native trees to reducing plastic waste and supporting eco-friendly initiatives.
United by Nature
The event concluded with cheerful group photos, laughter, and heartfelt conversations among participants who left inspired and connected by their shared experience. More than just a morning of birdwatching, the celebration became a living example of community engagement and environmental stewardship. It reminded everyone present that each sighting, each observation, and each shared moment in nature contributes to a greater purpose: protecting our planet’s winged travelers and the ecosystems that sustain them.
A Message of Gratitude
Aswan Birdwatching extends its gratitude to everyone who joined and supported this memorable event. Together, the group demonstrated that birdwatching is far more than a pastime, it is a bridge between people, wildlife, and the world we share. In the heart of Aswan, on the gentle currents of the Nile, World Migratory Bird Day 2025 was not just celebrated; it was truly lived.
