This wall is badly damaged but there is such a wonderful scene of bird netting at the right (north) end that a brief visit should be made. A mythological scene shows gods in the Nile Delta pulling a net filled with scores of birds. Ducks are shown in great number, but there are other species as well. Note particularly the superbly drawn grey heron (Ardea cinera) with a fish in its beak standing at the right. It is arguably one of the most realistic ornithological drawings in Egyptian art. There is also a well-preserved representation of Hatshepsut as a sphinx trampling the enemies of Egypt. 

The ramp leading to the middle terrace has balustrades ending at the bottom with lion-heads. These are symbols of the horizon and are meant to protect the higher levels of the temple from this world’s chaos and confusion. Although they are clearly leonine, their human face resembles the face one sees in the statuary of Queen HatshePSUT.

From" The Illustrated Guide to Luxor" by kent R.Weeks ,published by the American University in Cairo Press. Copyright © 2005 White Star S.p.a