By Michel Sawan

First observed in Lebanon in April 2022

The Kurdish Wheatear (Oenanthe xanthoprymna) is a species of bird in the wheatear family, Turdidae. It is primarily found in rocky areas, such as cliffs and mountainous terrain, across its range in the Middle East. The male has a striking black face mask, white crown, and white markings on its wings and tail. This bird is known for its distinctive appearance and habitat preferences.

The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a small bird native to Australia. Known for its distinctive black-and-white striped plumage, it's a popular species in aviculture. Zebra finches are social birds, often found in flocks, and they are known for their cheerful and energetic nature. They are commonly kept as pets due to their playful behavior and ability to mimic simple tunes. Michel Sawan and Charbel Namnoum found a group of 25 individuals breeding for the first time in the wild in Lebanon in June 2023

The White-crowned Wheatear (Oenanthe leucopyga) is a species of wheatear found in rocky and mountainous areas of North Africa and the Middle East. It gets its name from the distinctive white crown on its head. The rest of its plumage is mostly grayish-brown. This bird is known for its preference for arid habitats, and it's often found in rocky terrain, cliffs, and slopes. Michel made the 3rd and 4th record in Lebanon in 2022

The Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is a large seabird that belongs to the tern family. It has a wide distribution, found on coastlines, large inland lakes, and rivers across the world. The Caspian Tern is known for its impressive size, black cap on its head, and a long, thick red-orange bill. It's a powerful flier and an adept fisher, diving from the air to catch its prey. Michel made the first record in September 2021 and the second record in February 2022

The Hooded Wheatear (Oenanthe monacha) is a bird species found in arid and rocky habitats across parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is known for its distinct black hood and throat, contrasting with white or pale plumage on the rest of its body. These wheatears are often seen in rocky terrain, cliffs, and slopes. In April 2021, Michel made the first record Lebanon.

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator). It's a species of diving duck found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The male has a striking red-brown chest, while the female has a more muted appearance. These ducks are often found in coastal waters and are skilled divers, hunting fish and other aquatic prey. Michel encountered the 3rd record to Lebabon in January 2022

The Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris) is a small wader bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its distinctive appearance, featuring three narrow black bands across its chest. These birds are commonly found in open habitats such as grasslands, wetlands, and shores of lakes and rivers. It was observed in March 2023 for the first time in Lebanon

The Cyprus Wheatear (Oenanthe cypriaca) is a bird species endemic to Cyprus. It has distinctive features, with a white face mask, pale throat, and rufous coloration on its upperparts. This wheatear prefers rocky habitats, scrublands, and open areas. Michel recorded the 6th record to Lebanon in March 2023