Bahrain’s vibrant birdlife is taking flight in a colourful new memory game designed to help children discover and learn about the kingdom’s native and migratory species through play.
Titled Our Feathered Friends of Bahrain, the 30-card game introduces youngsters to Bahrain’s rich avian diversity through a series of matching cards featuring photographs, illustrations and fascinating facts about each species.
Each bird is represented by a pair of cards – one featuring a photograph and the other a colourful illustration – alongside concise facts including its habitat, diet, scientific name and where it can be spotted across Bahrain.
Among the featured species are the migratory Greater Flamingo, along with native birds such as the Laughing Dove (Palm Dove), Hudhud, Barn Owl and Red-vented Bulbul. It also highlights the Common Myna, an invasive species commonly found in the kingdom.
The game was created by Learn To Grow, an eco-friendly educational farm established in 2021 by Reem Yateem, who said the idea was inspired by an unexpected conversation during a trip to the US.
“While I was visiting the US, my friend’s family told me they had always wanted to visit Bahrain to watch birds,” the 33-year-old told the GDN.
“I was surprised because I hadn’t realised just how many fascinating bird species we have here. That sparked the idea for the game. I wanted children to learn about the kingdom’s birds and ecosystems so they could better understand and appreciate the environment they live in.”
Bahrain is home to around 340 bird species, the majority of which are migratory. With its wetlands, coastlines and open natural habitats, the kingdom serves as an important stopover along major migration routes, attracting birdwatchers from across the region.
Earlier this year, nature enthusiasts were thrilled when the rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad. Recognisable by its black face, spoon-shaped bill and striking white plumage, the endangered migratory waterbird is more commonly found in East Asia, making its appearance in Bahrain particularly significant.
Ms Yateem hopes that introducing children to Bahrain’s wildlife at an early age will inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and encourage future generations to protect it.
“I believe it is important for people, especially children, to know about the animals that live here because one day they may be the ones making decisions about development,” she said.
“If they understand the importance of these habitats, perhaps they will find ways to protect them rather than destroy them.”
Bringing the birds to life visually was just as important as providing accurate information. With that in mind, Learn To Grow’s marketing and creative head, 30-year-old Hana Maki, created a series of illustrations aimed at capturing children’s attention and making the birds more relatable.
“I researched what appeals to children and designed the illustrations to be colourful, playful and more whimsical than the original photographs,” she said.
“We also kept the facts short, simple and engaging so they would be easy for children to understand and remember. At the same time, we worked closely with birdwatchers in Bahrain, including Howard King, to ensure the information was accurate.”
Bahrain is home to a rich variety of resident birds, including the Socotra cormorant, white-cheeked bulbul, crested lark and western reef heron, while seasonal visitors such as flamingos, terns, gulls, wheatears and godwits continue to pass through the kingdom each year.
For more information about the game, follow @learntogrow.bh on Instagram.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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