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Since 2022, Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) has been leading the annual Galala Raptor Count (GRC) at the Galala Bird Observatory (GBO), a strategically located, world-class migration monitoring station along the African–Eurasian Flyway.
Situated on the Galala Plateau, the observatory overlooks one of the most important raptor migration bottlenecks in the region, where over 1.5 million soaring birds are estimated to pass each season. This unique geographic position provides an exceptional vantage point—offering observers a rare “eagle’s-eye view” of migrating raptors soaring above, beside, and below the observation point.
The Galala Raptor Count integrates long-term scientific monitoring, applied ornithological research, and capacity-building activities. Each season, NCE field teams dedicate approximately 350 monitoring hours, recording an average of around 350,000 soaring birds and raptors, including multiple species of global and regional conservation concern, some of which occur in significant proportions of their global populations.
Beyond its scientific value, the initiative also serves as a regional training and engagement platform, welcoming students, early-career ornithologists, and international volunteers. Through structured field experience and direct participation in standardized monitoring protocols, the GRC contributes to strengthening the next generation of bird conservation professionals in Egypt and the wider region.
The program is implemented in close collaboration with national and international partners, including the Ministry of Environment, BirdLife International, NABU, OSME, Global Birdfair, and Galala University. These partnerships have helped position the Galala Raptor Count as a growing hub for raptor conservation, ecological research, and nature-based ecotourism in Egypt.
Spring Migration Season 2026
The 2026 spring migration season at Galala Bird Observatory marked an exceptional monitoring period, further confirming the site’s importance as one of Egypt’s premier raptor migration watchpoints.
Monitoring was conducted between 15 February and 15 April 2026, during which a total of 370 monitoring hours were completed.
Key Results
Among these, seven globally or regionally threatened species were recorded:
These findings reaffirm the international significance of Galala Bird Observatory as a critical monitoring site for migratory raptors and soaring birds along one of the world’s most important flyways.
Notable Records
One of the most remarkable observations of the season was the recording of two Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus) during consecutive weeks.
This represents the fourth confirmed record of the species at Galala Bird Observatory within the last five years, underscoring the site’s continued importance for detecting rare, wide-ranging, and conservation-dependent migratory species.
Capacity Building and Training
As part of its commitment to strengthening national monitoring capacity, Nature Conservation Egypt organized a specialized training programme covering:
The programme combined theoretical sessions in Cairo with hands-on field training at Galala Bird Observatory, ensuring a strong link between scientific knowledge and practical field application. Three students from Galala University participated in the programme.
Field Training Programme
Between 3 and 5 April 2026, the observatory hosted an intensive field training programme for ten local trainees, focusing on practical skills in migration monitoring, species identification, and standardized data recording under real-time field conditions. The training period coincided with an exceptional migration event, during which more than 117,000 migratory birds representing approximately 24 species were recorded in a single day—one of the highest daily counts ever documented at the site in recent years.
The engagement of local volunteers and trainees throughout the season remains a cornerstone of the Galala Raptor Count, ensuring continuity of field operations while building a strong base of locally empowered conservation actors who contribute directly to long-term monitoring and protection of migratory birds in Egypt.
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