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STORY: The activities are part of the city's first International Festival for Birdwatching and Photography, held by Egypt's tourism and environment ministries to support the environmental tourism sector in the country.

At Ashtoum Elgameel natural reserve, nearly 200 wildlife enthusiasts and photographers participated in the festival, according to a statement by the Environment Ministry.

Egypt is considered an important spot of migratory birds, with nearly 200 local and migratory species registered at Ashtoum Elgameel natural reserve only, the ministry added.

Egypt hosts a total of nearly 470 local and migratory bird species, according to environmental activist and wildlife photographer, Watter al-Bahry.

Egypt's northern lakes and the Nile represent nearly 25 percent of the wetlands frequented by migratory birds in North Africa.

Warmer temperatures in Europe due to climate change have impacted the ecological balance of migratory species in the MENA region, Bahry added.

Climate change impacts birds' breeding grounds, and hence their trips between Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Scientists say an estimated 500 million birds migrate from Africa to Europe and Asia every year. Some weigh just 9 grams (0.3 ounces).