Egypt Shuts Down Wind Turbines to Protect Migrating Birds

Proud bird watchers would know this better than most, but Egypt is the second most important corridor for bird migration in the world. The first flocks of migratory white storks have been spotted at nature reserves in South Sinai on their way to South Africa from Europe. To keep these migratory birds safe, Egypt has shut down all of the wind turbines along the storks’ route.

The Ministry of Environment is also monitoring the storks at their stops at Ras Mohamed and Sharm El-Sheikh to ensure their safety.

White storks typically pass through Egypt on their way to South Africa in August and September, before continuing their journey for approximately 50 days. With about 10,000 birds per flock, these storks touch down in numerous spots for sustenance, with the most important being located at the Ras Mohamed Reserve where they feed on small crabs among mangroves.