When evoking the Middle East, it is conflicts, crises, wars and endless exoduses that come to mind. And not the hundreds of millions of birds that cross this region each year. Indeed, the Middle East is a biodiversity hotspot and an important migration corridor for many species (avifauna) from Europe and Asia heading to their winter quarters in Africa.
http://theconversation.com/quand-les-chouettes-reconcilient-les-hommes-au-proche-orient-91257