The Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection confirmed that extreme heat threatens bird migration, noting that “recent scientific studies and research have proven that bird populations have declined compared to previous years, with some species becoming extinct and others threatened with extinction, as climatic conditions affect the timing and movement patterns of bird migration.” In this context, birdwatcher Samira Al-Khalifa, head of the Society’s environmental photography team, said, “Bird migration poses one of the greatest risks to bird life in light of extreme heat and weather fluctuations, which birds are forced to adapt to by flying far beyond their intended destination. This requires significant effort and energy, leading to exhaustion and dehydration, causing them to collapse from fatigue.” She added, “It has been observed that birds avoid eating in hot weather to avoid being affected by the heat generated by the food, which places a burden on them during flight. They also suffer from respiratory problems that lead to heat exhaustion because their migration requires energy to reach their destination safely, and the extreme heat weakens them and reduces their chances of survival.” Samira Al-Khalifa explained, “The State of Kuwait is considered an important migratory route for birds due to its protected areas, such as the Jahra Nature Reserve, where birds seek refuge because of the suitable environment. However, the extreme heat has led to some birds and chicks being unable to withstand it, as we witnessed with the deaths of some terns during one of our monitoring trips to Kubbar Island.” She pointed out that “recently, a sharp rise in average global temperatures has been observed, which is attributed to what is called the greenhouse effect. This can be defined briefly as a phenomenon resulting from the increased levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases, which in turn prevent sunlight that penetrates the atmosphere from returning to outer space after being reflected off the Earth’s surface.” “Natural factors affect the lives of living organisms, which are considered one of the components of the ecosystem. We refer in particular to birds because of their great importance in maintaining ecological balance, and their great impact on the health and safety of both humans and plants, by ridding them of pests and harmful insects. The role of birds in ecological balance is remarkable. We see some birds of prey eating the carcasses of dead animals, as well as what small birds do by transferring pollen seeds stuck to their legs from one place to another, which helps to maintain the life cycle of plants, which in turn helps to protect the land from climate changes, and trees and plants serve as a safe haven for both animals and birds.” Observer Samira Al-Khalifa, head of the environmental photography team at the Environmental Protection Association, stated, “The world is witnessing severe heat waves that have led to numerous forest fires, which is a major environmental disaster. These forests are important natural habitats for birds that rely on them for shelter and nest building, and they are also among their most important food sources. This negatively affects their ability to survive, leading to a decrease in their numbers as a result of their deaths and the loss of their nests and chicks due to the outbreak of fire, which is considered the biggest environmental disaster due to its negative consequences on the ecosystem.” She noted, “Furthermore, the changes in ecosystems we mentioned have affected the timing of some bird migrations. Their routes have been altered in search of areas with water, food, and a suitable climate, or their usual migration times have been delayed. They migrate earlier in search of food before the life cycle of insects, their primary food source, is complete, impacting their survival and reproduction. This is known as phenological incompatibility. Global warming has also affected the breeding period and the size and shape of birds, forcing them to adapt to the conditions in their habitats.” Samira Al-Khalifa concluded by outlining some solutions and proposals to mitigate the risks of extreme heat and weather fluctuations to birds. She listed the following six solutions: “Preserving natural bird habitats, increasing the area of protected zones, planting trees, providing water in bird habitats, especially in remote areas lacking water sources, reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, and disposing of factory waste safely.”.
