We've just confirmed the news that Ameer has been found in Saudi Arabia by the field team in a weak condition and sadly died after a few hours. Ameer was the wild offspring of Odeinat and Zenobia, but was apparently being fed only irregularly just before fledging, was distinctly underweight and actually taken into care for a few days before being released again together with the two Turkish juveniles (Ishtar and Amina). We were worried whether it would be ok, but after the early departure on migration (with Salama and the two Turkish juveniles) and successfully flying so far south so quickly, we were hopeful it would survive... We now await the autopsy results for further information and clues.
So sad to hear about little Ameer. His name will live on though, because of the dedicated people such as yourselves who are trying so hard to reintroduce this precious bird to its ancient habitats. Seems like an almost impossible task, but am sure you will succeed in time. Syria needs to take a good hard look at itself though. I noted recently that hunters there are even shooting migrating lapwings........ LAPWINGs, for God's sake. My local Cumbrian lapwings would weep. Good luck and godspeed to all ibises in the Middle East! xxx