In the Sahara, a Poison Lake Serves Birds an Unusual Source of Water

Migratory birds face a bevy of challenges during their travels. For birds migrating to Europe from their wintering grounds in Africa, the lack of water during their Saharan crossing is one of many threats.

The Ubari Lakes in the Fezzan region of Libya provide a respite for birds such as barn swallows and western yellow wagtails making the northward journey, but the water they hold is extremely salty and not fit to drink.

On Umm al-Maa lake, however, nature has provided these birds with an unusual solution.

Bird migrations are naturally perilous, but sometimes humans can make the trip more dangerous. Help protect these migrating birds by signing the petition to end the spring hunts in Malta.