A rare migratory bird has made a surprise appearance in Sanad, delighting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in Bahrain.
The elusive black-faced spoonbill was spotted moving gracefully through wetlands in the area, with the moment captured by experienced Bahraini natural world photographer Faisal Hafiz.
The 58-year-old retired government employee, who has spent decades behind the camera lens documenting wildlife, described the sighting as both ‘exciting and unusual’.
“I have been into photography since the 1990s but birds became my speciality in the early 2000s,” Mr Hafiz told the GDN. “Regular birds can be usually identified from experience but this wasn’t one of those normal sightings, it was clearly special.”
Known for its distinctive black face, long spoon-shaped bill and elegant white plumage, the black-faced spoonbill is considered one of the world’s rare migratory waterbirds and is more commonly associated with East Asia. Online research tools helped Mr Hafiz label the special guest to Bahrain’s waters.
Its unexpected appearance here has sparked excitement among many local bird enthusiasts, particularly because sightings in the region are so uncommon.
Mr Hafiz said years of patience and field experience helped him quickly realise he was observing something special. “When you spend years watching birds, you begin to recognise movements, feeding habits and even flight patterns,” he explained. “This bird stood out immediately. I knew it was rare because I had never encountered one like it ever before in Bahrain.”
Armed with his camera and long lens, Mr Hafiz carefully documented the bird from a distance to avoid disturbing it. “Bird photography teaches patience,” he said with a smile. “Sometimes you wait hours for one clear moment. But when you capture something rare like this, it makes every second worth it.”
Over the years, Bahrain has become an important stopover point for migratory birds travelling across continents, particularly during seasonal migrations.
Wetlands, coastlines and open natural areas continue to attract birdwatchers hoping to spot unusual species passing through.
Mr Hafiz believes growing awareness about wildlife and photography has encouraged more Bahrainis to better appreciate the country’s natural treasures.
“People are becoming more interested in birds now,” he said. “Social media and technology have made identification easier too, but field experience is still important. Nature always has surprises waiting.”
The rare sighting has since generated massive interest among environmental enthusiasts eager to learn more about the migratory visitor that briefly turned Sanad into a hotspot for wildlife watchers.
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