KUWAIT: The Ornithological Society of Kuwait (OSK) has called on governmental bodies and the public to protect different species of birds during the breeding season

that culminates during these days and will continue to the end of July.

OSK Chairman and environmental researcher Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan said that the birds started their breeding season earlier than usual this year, due to the onset of warm weather by the end of February.

One sign of the beginning of the breeding season is when the birds begin to sing more frequently and build their nests, Al-Sarhan noted. Islam calls for the protection of birds, and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) encouraged Muslims not to harass birds while in their nests, he added.

He noted that some people take birds and their chicks from their nests during the breeding season, and later sell at the bird market in Al-Rai area. Al-Sarhan said that the OSK prepared a report, supported with photos and statistics, registering irregularities at the bird market.

These irregularities include violations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), he explained, saying that the reports in both Arabic and English languages are being sent to the responsible bodies.

Field studies conducted by bird observers in Kuwait indicate that 87 species of birds are breeding in the country, among them 53 on a regular basis, he affirmed. The OSK chief said that birds choose hidden locations for their nests to protect them against predators.

The nests vary in size and shape, he said, adding that birds choose suitable environments, as well as availability of food and a place of breeding. Kuwait is mainly an open desert area, that embraces up to 23 species of birds, while the Kuwaiti shores and islands have 17. Farms and residential areas have up to 24 kinds of birds, while dense reed swamps are home to 14 species. - Kuwait Times