As of today, out of season, returns ~November. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Between the Tigris and Euphrates in southern Iraq lie the Mesopotamian Marshes — the Ahwar — one of the largest inland delta wetland systems on Earth and a startling oasis in a hot, arid land.
Once nearly drained, the reedbeds and lagoons have partly recovered and are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Each winter, as cold grips Eurasia, the marshes fill with migratory waterbirds funneling down the flyway between Siberia, Europe, and Africa: vast flocks of ducks, geese, herons, ibis, and pink clouds of flamingos settle on the open water.
The wetland holds globally significant numbers of threatened and at-risk species and is the near-total world stronghold of the Basra reed warbler.
Threaded through it all is the living culture of the Marsh Arabs (Ma'dan), who still pole canoes through reed channels and build great arched guesthouses from cut reeds, much as people have here for five thousand years.
Winter is when bird life peaks and the water is fullest.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Central Marshes near Chibayish |
| Hawizeh Marshes |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.