Al-ahsa: Amid the dense orchards of trees and vegetation of Al-Ahsa Oasis, farmers imitate the beautiful chirping of bulbuls. The birds' morning melodies reflect a sense of comfort and joy that spreads across faces, easing the burden of a hard day's work, like a tale harmonizing between farmer and bird.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the white-spectacled bulbul, locally known as 'Hassawi bulbul," soars across the oasis among its orchards, waters, and green farms, spreading joy throughout its vast areas thanks to its light movement, beautiful appearance, and sweet chirping sounds. Also known as the white-eared bulbul, it is a small, attractive bird with white cheeks, and is considered a resident breeding bird widely common across various regions of the Kingdom.
The Hassawi bulbul has become an essential element in Al-Ahsa's environment and culture due to its cleverness, intelligence, and loyalty, as well as its sociable nature and ease of domestication. It is often cited as an example of gentleness, familiarity, and eloquence. Typically, the male and female, 'the parents,' cooperate in building nests atop palms and other trees, using various materials and remnants such as fibers and twigs to shape a circular, cup-like form lined with leaves and grasses.
A researcher at King Faisal University, Dr. Oudeh Nasser Al-Dakhil Allah, noted that biodiversity and environmental purity are key factors attracting birds, especially bulbuls, to live in Al-Ahsa for thousands of years. He added that domesticated birds have become accustomed to farms, orchards, and homes in Al-Ahsa, particularly as the people of Al-Ahsa have grown attached to them, gained close knowledge of their behavior, and shown respect and admiration for them.