Overview
Wadi el Natrun is a wetland area in northern Egypt and famous among birders as one of the most reliable sites in the Western Palearctic for Kittlitz's Sand Plover. To the north-west of Cairo, the area consists of a series of saline lakes surrounded by wet meadows.
Birds
Notable Species
In addition to Kittlitz's Plover a wide range of waders is possible here including Spur-winged Plover. Greater Painted-Snipe is sometimes present and Great Snipe has been recorded. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater occurs in summer and Senegal Thick-knee may breed. This wadi is home to an endemic race of Graceful Prinia.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Black Kite, Common Kestrel, Common Quail, Little Crake, Water Rail, Greater Painted-Snipe, Senegal Thick-knee, Kittlitz's Plover, Spur-winged Plover, Little Stint, Laughing Dove, Little Owl, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Desert Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Graceful Prinia
Other Wildlife
To do
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
Kittlitz's Sand Plover is generally found on islands in the first lake approached and in marshland beyond the easternmost lake.
Access and Facilities
To reach Wadi el Natrun take the main Cairo to Alexandria road and look for a petrol station on the right a few km past the main turn-off for Sadat City. Opposite the petrol station is a minor road signposted to Wadi el Natrun, follow this and turn left in the village towards the lakes.
Contact Details
To do
External Links
Content and images originally posted by Steve
