ISRAEL BIRD TRIP REPORT 2012: October 2013

Israel Birding Trip Report, 16th – 30th March, 2012

Participants: Andy Warr, Dave Barnes and Dave Walker

Introduction

An estimated 500 million birds, migrating via the ‘Great Rift Valley Flyway’, pass through Israel in the spring. Its unique geographical position, at the convergence of three great continents with varied ecosystems, rapidly traversing through dynamic landscapes and diverse climatic conditions, produces an exceedingly rich avifauna that is almost unparalleled within the Western Palaearctic. As well as the awe-inspiring spectacle of migration, a superb selection of resident specialities, such as Palestine Sunbird, Macqueen’s Bustard and Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse inhabit the region and these provide the ‘icing on the cake’ for the visiting birder. We timed our visit to coincide with peak passage and maximise the potential number of species seen. However, a two week window is insufficient to see everything and, inevitably, we were too early to witness spring passage of many migrant species (Honey Buzzards, Levant Sparrowhawks, ‘marsh’ terns, etc.). Nonetheless, we managed to connect with 219 species and were privileged to witness some very impressive concentrations of migrants.

Logistics

Return flights from Luton (Easyjet) £230 each. Large estate hire car for two weeks £213 each.

Accommodation

‘Arava Hostel’ Almogim St 106, Eilat: 17th – 24th March

Basic but excellent value at approximately £16 per person per night. For advance booking, phone +972-8-6374687 or visit their website: http://www.hosteleilat.com/

Kfar Ruppin (Beit She’an Valley): 25th – 26th March

Birders are specially catered for at this Kibbutz. A fantastic setting and the bed and breakfast accommodation was extremely good value at approximately £23 per person per night. Very friendly, relaxed atmosphere and I think we all wished we could’ve stayed longer! We didn’t book in advance but that may be advisable during the busy spring migration period.

Phone: David on +972-50-5395856 or Ilana on +972-50-7565264.

Ramot Naftali (overlooking the Hula Valley): 26th – 30th March

A view of the Hula Valley from Ramot Naftali

Once again we landed on our feet. This self-contained chalet with facilities including air-conditioning was excellent value at approximately £26 per person per night.

Phone: Ilana on +972-80-7619427 or +972-4-6940981

Itinerary

16th March: Flight Luton à Tel Aviv (Land Early Evening), drive Tel Aviv àEilat (Arrive Midnight and Sleep in Car).

17th March: Eilat North Beach à Eilat Date Palms àEilat Birdwatching Centre à Book into Arava Hostel and explore surrounds à Eilat Cemetery à Eilat Date Palms à Eilat Mountain Road.

18th March: Amram’s Pillars à Shizafon (lunch at the T-junction café) à Ovda Valley à Shizafon.

19th March: Eilat North Beach à Holland Park à Eilat Mountains à km20 Date Palms and Salt Pans à km19 Sewage Pools à Yotvata.

20th March: Eilat Birdwatching Centre à Eilat Mountains à Wadi Shelomo à Amram’s Pillars à Eilat North Beach à km19 Sewage Pools.

21st March: Yotvata à km20 Date Palms and Salt Pans à km19 Sewage Pools.

22nd March: Shizafon Sewage Works à Shizafon T-junction café à Wadi Zihor à Mitzpe Ramon and Surrounding Areas.

23rd March: Eilat North Beach à Eilat Mountains à Holland Park à km20 Date Palms and Salt Pans à km19 Sewage Pools à Eilat Birdwatching Centre à Eilat North Beach Area.

24th March: Nizzana and Quesiot Pools à Sde Boker and Avdat Gorge à Ein Gedi (Sleep in Car).

25th March: Ein Gedi à Wadi Salvatora à (via Jericho /West Bank and Army Checkpoint Search) à Kfar Ruppin (Kibbutz accommodation).

26th March: Kfar Ruppin à Wadi Amud à Ramot Naftali (Kibbutz accommodation).

27th March: Ramot Naftali à Lehavot Habashan Fish Pondsà Agamon Hula.

28th March: Ramot Naftali àMount Hermon à Majdal Shams and Surrounds à Neve Ativ and Surrounds à Kibbutz Dan.

29th March: Ramot Naftali à Lehavot Habashan Fish Pools à Hula Nature Reserve à Agamon Hula àLehavot Habashan (again).

30th March: Ramot Naftali à Ma’agan Mikhael à Tel Aviv (Early Evening Flight Back to Luton)

Sites Visited

Main Sites: Southern Israel

Main Sites: Northern Israel

Map Site

1. Eilat and the Lower Arava Valley

2. Yotvata, Shizafon and Ovda Valley

3. Route 40 and Mitzpe Ramon

4. Sde Boker, Ein Avdat Canyon and Nizzana

5. Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Wadi Salvatora

6. Kfar Ruppin

7. Wadi Amud and Surrounding Area

8. Hula Valley

9. Mount Hermon and Surrounding Areas

10. Ma’agan Mikhael

More detailed treatment of each of the above main birding sites is given below. Many can be broken down into distinct sub-sites. A brief overview of the bird species encountered at each site during our trip is also given.

Map 1. Eilat and Lower Arava Valley

1. Eilat North Beach Area

Habitats / features: Maritime (Red Sea), offshore buoys and platforms, beach, tidal creeks, scrub, stream, freshwater pool.

Bird Species Observed: Teal, Brown Booby, Greater Flamingo, Arctic Skua, White-eyed Gull, Kittiwake, Slender-billed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Black-headed Gull, Pied Kingfisher, House Crow, Little Egret, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Crested Lark, Graceful Prinia, Water Pipit, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Northern Wheatear, Rock Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Greenshank, Grey Plover, Northern Wheatear, Spur-winged Plover.

2. Eilat Date Palms

Habitats / features: Date Plantation, scrub, ditches / irrigation channels, fences / posts.

Bird Species Observed: Indian Silverbill, Laughing Dove, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Woodchat Shrike, Bluethroat, Redstart, Siberian Stonechat, Pallid Swift, Water Pipit, Grey wagtail, Black Kite, Laughing Dove, Green Sandpiper, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler.

3. Eilat Birdwatching Centre

Habitats / features: Saline / freshwater lagoons, scrub, ditches / channels, reedbeds, paths.

Bird Species Observed: Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Red-necked Phalarope, Marsh Sandpiper, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Plover, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Slender-billed Gull, ‘Baltic’ Gull, Armenian Gull, Ring-necked Parakeet, Pallid Swift, Hoopoe, Graceful Prinia, White-spectacled Bulbul, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Flava Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Water Pipit, Bluethroat, Redstart, Siberian Stonechat, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow.

4. Holland Park

Habitats / features: Irrigated ‘gardens’, shrubs, trees, dry rocky areas, barren slopes.

Bird Species Observed: White Stork, Steppe Eagle, Booted Eagle, Black Kite, Steppe Buzzard, Quail, sand Partridge, Wryneck, Arabian Babbler, Palestine Sunbird, Blackstart, Cyprus Wheatear, Hooded Wheatear, Rüppell’s Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Bluethroat, Tree Pipit, Blue Rock Thrush, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff.

5. Eilat Cemetery

Habitats / features: Walled cemetery with shady areas, shrubs, trees, dry rocky areas, barren hillside, rubbish skips.

Bird Species Observed: White Stork, Booted Eagle, Black Kite, Hoopoe, Desert Lark, Rock Martin, Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Northern Wheatear, Chiffchaff.

6. Eilat Mountains and Wadi Shelomo

Habitats / features: Rocky, high ground, barren wadis, panoramic views.

Bird Species Observed: Black Stork, Common Crane, Egyptian Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Osprey, Black Kite, Steppe Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Alpine Swift, Common swift, Hooded Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush.

7. Km19 Sewage Pools

Habitats / features: Series of wet and dry lagoons, bunds, patches of reeds, sparse scrub and weedy patches, inflow sluice, fields, open cattle sheds, fences and posts.

Bird Species Observed: Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Pintail, Mallard, White Stork, Greater Flamingo, Cormorant, Steppe Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Steppe Buzzard, Barbary Falcon, Kestrel, Coot, Little Crake, Spur-winged Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Swift, Crested Lark, Short-toed Lark, Flava Wagtail, White Wagtail, Water Pipit, Bluethroat, Moustached Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Red-rumped Swallow, Rock Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow, Desert Finch, Spanish Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat.

8. Km20 Salt Pans and Date Palms

Habitats / features: Extensive salt-pans, shallow lagoons, bunds, muddy shorelines, lush areas, grassland, fields, hedgerows, date palms, bushes, cultivations, low building / ruins, fences and posts.

Bird Species Observed: Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Little Green Bee-eater, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, Little Stint, Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Spur-winged Plover, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Flava wagtail, Black-eared Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Redstart, Black Redstart, Wryneck, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Masked Shrike, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, White-spectacled Bulbul, Dead Sea Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Grey Heron, Shelduck.

9. Amram's Pillars

Habitats / features: Rocky desert, cliffs, ravines, boulder-strewn hillsides, sparse shrubs.

Bird Species Observed: Black Stork, Black Kite, Long-legged Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard, Barbary Falcon, Rock Martin, Brown-necked Raven, Sinai Rosefinch, Cyprus Warbler, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Blackstart, Desert Lark, Sand Partridge, Hooded Wheatear, Common Whitethroat.

Amram’s Pillars, north of Eilat 8

Map 2. Yotvata, Shizafon and the Ovda Valley

1. Yotvata

Habitats / features: Savannah-like acacia woodland scrub, barren areas, date palms, cultivations, crop fields, sand dunes, habitations, disused buildings, trees, fences and posts (petrol station, café / restaurant).

Bird Species Observed: Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Black Kite, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Steppe Buzzard, Hoopoe, Namaqua Dove, Tristram’s Starling, Egyptian Nightjar, Black-eared Wheatear, Stonechat, Arabian Babbler, Palestine Sunbird, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Arabian Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Rüppell’s Warbler, Little Green Bee-eater, Redstart, Northern Wheatear, Laughing Dove, Blackstart, Pallid Swift, Kestrel, Corn Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Short-toed Lark, Turtle Dove, Water Pipit, Spur-winged Plover, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, White-spectacled Bulbul, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap.

2. Shizafon Sewage Works

Habitats / features: Wet and dry sludge lagoons, lush areas, arid scrubland, low buildings, walls, fences and posts.

Bird Species Observed: Spur-winged Plover, Ruff, Little Stint, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Grey Wagtail, Black-eared Wheatear, Hooded Wheatear, Blackstart, Bluethroat, Redstart, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Rüppell’s Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Short-toed Lark, Rock Martin, Spanish Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Water Pipit, Blackcap.

3. Shizafon T-junction

Habitats / features: Lush cultivations, irrigated fields, trees, scrub, grassy areas, café gardens (very productive).

Bird Species Observed: White Stork, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Steppe Buzzard, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Crested Lark, Red-throated Pipit, Tawny Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Hooded Wheatear, Blackstart, Bluethroat, Redstart, Black Redstart, White-spectacled Bulbul, Stonechat, Woodchat Shrike, Laughing Dove, Savi’s Warbler, Palestine Sunbird, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Linnet, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Red-rumped Swallow, Swallow, Rock Martin, Spanish Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Water Pipit, Blackcap.

4. Track opposite cement works (Route 12).

Habitats / features: Stony desert, dry wadis / ravines, sparse scrub.

Bird Species Observed: Black Stork, Steppe Buzzard, Hooded Wheatear, Blackstart, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler.

5. Ovda Valley

Habitats / features: Sandy desert, sparse scrub, weedy patches.

Bird Species Observed: Steppe Eagle, Spotted Sandgrouse, Thick-billed Lark, Short-toed Lark, Temminck’s Lark, Bar-tailed Lark, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Trumpeter Finch, Spanish Sparrow, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Brown-necked Raven.

Map 3. Route 40 and Mitzpe Ramon

1. Wadi Zihor

Habitats / features: Dry wadi, stunted trees and scrub patches.

Bird Species Observed: White-spectacled Bulbul, Rüppell’s Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Brown-necked Raven, Lesser Whitethroat.

2. South of Mitzpe Ramon (km92)

Habitats / features: Dry stream bed, scrub patches.

Bird Species Observed: Scrub Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat.

3. Mitzpe Ramon

Habitats / features: Huge cliffs (Ramon Crater), dry scrub, rocky hillsides, boulder fields, urban areas, parks, gardens, visitors centre, petrol station, café.

Bird Species Observed: Mourning Wheatear, Masked Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Hooded Crow, Brown-necked Raven, Blackstart, Black-eared Wheatear, Redstart, Black Redstart, White-spectacled Bulbul, Sardinian Warbler, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Wheatear, Stonechat, Rock Martin, Kestrel.

Ramon Crater from Mitzpe Ramon

4. Route 171, north of Mitzpe Ramon

Habitats / features: Semi-desert, stony, rugged hillsides, cultivated areas.

Bird Species Observed: Woodchat Shrike, Cyprus Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear.

Map 4. Sde Boker, Ein Avdat Canyon and Nizzana

1. Ein Avdat Canyon

Habitats / features: Impressive deep gorge, steep cliffs, scrubby areas.

Bird Species Observed: Bonelli’s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Steppe Buzzard, Tristram’s Starling, Scrub Warbler, Laughing Dove, Alpine Swift, Brown-necked Raven, Hooded Crow, Blackstart, Mourning Wheatear, White Wagtail, Pallid Swift, Rock Martin, Graceful Prinia, White-spectacled Bulbul.

Ein Avdat Canyon near Sde Boker

2. Sde Boker

Habitats / features: Artificial pools, sandy desert, fields, rocky areas.

Bird Species Observed: Little Grebe, Shoveler, Mallard, Mourning Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear.

3. Nizzana

Habitats / features: Sandy desert, sparse scrub, rocky outcrops.

Bird Species Observed: Macqueen’s Bustard, Cream-coloured Courser, Common Crane, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Chukar, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Palestine Sunbird, Little Green Bee-eater.

4. Quesiot Pools

Habitats / features: Series of lagoon with bunds, muddy shorelines, sandy desert, sparse scrub.

Bird Species Observed: White Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Spotted Sandgrouse, Crowned Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Common Crane, Pallid Swift, Quail, Marsh Harrier, Black-winged Stilt, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint, Barbary Falcon, Short-toed Eagle, Arabian Babbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Rüppell’s Warbler, Graceful Prinia, Swift, Wood Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Whitethroat, Mallard.

Map 5. Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Wadi Salvatora

1. Ein Gedi

Habitats / features: Field School, hostel, café, habitations, palm trees.

Bird Species Observed: Fan-tailed Raven, Tristram’s Starling, Steppe Buzzard, Laughing Dove

2. Wadi Salvatora

Habitats / features: Rocky wadi, wet spring with lush growth, high cliffs, steep ravines, sparse scrub.

Bird Species Observed: Fan-tailed Raven, Tristram’s Starling, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Osprey, Steppe Buzzard, Kestrel, Striolated Bunting, Sinai Rosefinch, Little Green Bee-eater, Brown-necked Raven, Palestine Sunbird, Rock Martin, White- crowned Black Wheatear, Cyprus Warbler, Scrub Warbler, Spanish Sparrow, Blackstart, Lesser Whitethroat.

Map 6. Kfar Ruppin

1. Ringing Station and surrounding area

Habitats / features: Pools, stream, reedbeds, bushes, riparian scrub, cereal fields, cultivations.

Bird Species Observed: Stone Curlew, Dead Sea Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, House Sparrow, Desert Finch, Common Crane, White Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Osprey, Black Kite, Quail, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Little Green Bee-eater, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Graceful Prinia, Skylark, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Pied Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Moustached Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Flava Wagtail, Crested Lark, White-spectacled Bulbul, Greenfinch, Blackbird.

2. Fish Pools and Lakes

Habitats / features: Artificial fish ponds with driveable bunds, larger lakes, reedbeds, bushes, riparian scrub, overhead wires, fences, posts

Bird Species Observed: Great Black-headed Gull, White Stork, Black Stork, Great White Egret, Common Crane, White-throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Osprey, Black Kite, Graceful Prinia, Swallow, Armenian Gull, ‘Baltic’ Gull, White-spectacled Bulbul, European Kingfisher, Hooded Crow, Woodchat Shrike, Southern Grey shrike, Little Grebe, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Coot, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Green Sandpiper, Water Pipit, Chukar, Redshank, Little Stint, Common Snipe, Marsh Sandpiper, Ruff, Garganey, White Wagtail, Shoveler, Common Sandpiper, Teal, Spur-winged Plover.

3. Kibbutz Gardens and Reservoir

Habitats / features: Reservoir with well-vegetated margins, gardens, trees, lawns, bushes, buildings, fences, posts, accommodation.

Bird Species Observed: Syrian Woodpecker, White Stork, Black Stork, Common Crane, White-throated Kingfisher, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Kite, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Graceful Prinia, Ring-necked Parakeet, Palestine Sunbird, Swallow, House Sparrow, Scops Owl, Barn Owl, Hoopoe, Pygmy Cormorant, Little Bittern, White-spectacled Bulbul, European Kingfisher, Hooded Crow, Little Grebe, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Reed warbler, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Cetti’s Warbler, Blackbird, Jay, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Spur-winged Plover.

Map 7. Wadi Amud and Surrounding Area

1. Wadi Amud and Surrounding Area

Habitats / features: Vegetated wadi with steep rocky cliffs, riverbed, bushes, trees, stony grassland, lush pastures.

Bird Species Observed: Lesser Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Steppe Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Kestrel, Little Swift, Alpine Swift, Swift, Wryneck, Cattle Egret, Hoopoe, Laughing Dove, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Palestine Sunbird, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, House Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Swallow, Graceful Prinia, Blue Rock Thrush, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Quail, Chukar, Corn Bunting, Jay, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, White-spectacled Bulbul, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Goldfinch, Great Tit.

Map 8. Hula Valley

1. Hula Nature Reserve

Habitats / features: Reedbeds, lakes, wet grassland, scrub, woodland, hides, visitor centre.

Bird Species Observed: White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Marbled Duck, Little Crake, Clamorous Reed warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Great White Egret, Black Kite, White-spectacled Bulbul, Reed Warbler, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, European Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Black-tailed Godwit, Black Kite, Steppe Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Little Egret, Goldfinch, Hooded Crow, Laughing Dove, Hooded Crow, Swift , Ring-necked Parakeet.

2. Agamon Hula

Habitats / features: Lakes, wet grassland, fields, ditches and channels, reeds, scrub, trees, thickets, hides, visitor centre, café, vehicle/cycle hire.

Bird Species Observed: Eastern Imperial Eagle, Great Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Kite, White Pelican, Demoiselle Crane, Common Crane, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, White Stork, Black Francolin, Spotted Crake, Night Heron, Marbled Duck, Pied Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, European kingfisher, Zitting Cisticola, Wigeon, Ruff, Gadwall, Shoveler, Penduline Tit, Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Meadow Pipit, Corn Bunting, Greater Flamingo, Cetti’s Warbler, White-spectacled Bulbul, Purple Heron, Laughing Dove, Pygmy Cormorant, Short-toed Eagle, Peregrine, Savi’s Warbler, Spur-winged Plover, Quail, Flava Wagtail, Red-throated pipit, Wood Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Squacco Heron, Alpine Swift, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Syrian Woodpecker, Bluethroat, Siberian Stonechat, Crested Lark, Spanish Sparrow, Cattle Egret.

Cranes at Agamon Hula

3. Lehavot Habashan

Habitats / features: Fish Ponds, artificial lakes, reedbeds, scrub, fields.

Bird Species Observed: Pygmy Cormorant, Great Cormorant, White-throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, European Kingfisher, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Chaffinch, Ferruginous Duck, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Penduline Tit, Common Snipe, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, White-spectacled Bulbul, Robin, Cetti’s Warbler, Little Grebe, Teal, Little Crake, Common Snipe, Moorhen, Shoveler, Gadwall, Graceful Prinia, Spur-winged Plover, Great Tit, Hoopoe, Savi’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed warbler, Moustached Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Goldfinch, Kestrel, Ring-necked Parakeet, Hooded Crow, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Kite, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Water Rail, Mallard, House Sparrow, Bluethroat, Laughing Dove, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Collared Dove, Blackcap, Crested Lark, Common sandpiper, Green Sandpiper.

4. Ramot Naftali

Habitats / features: Kibbutz, gardens, trees, accommodation.

Bird Species Observed: Song Thrush, Syrian Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Ring-necked Parakeet.

Cattle Egrets returning to their roost at Lehavot Habashan

Map 9. Mount Hermon and Surrounding Area

1. Mount Hermon

Habitats / features: High altitude, thick snow-cover, café, ski-lift to summit.

Bird Species Observed: Crimson-winged Finch.

2. Majdal Shams

Habitats / features: Mid altitude, rocky hillsides, ravines, sparse scrub, small quarries, cultivations / orchards, pine trees.

Bird Species Observed: Kurdish Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Corn Bunting, Short-toed Eagle, Common Cuckoo, Woodlark, Woodchat Shrike, Redstart, Black-eared Wheatear, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Hooded Crow, Linnet, Syrian Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Great Tit, Jay, Meadow Pipit, Kestrel, Steppe Buzzard, Chukar, Sardinian Warbler, Rüppell’s Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler.

3. Neve Ativ

Habitats / features: Mid altitude village, gardens, tall trees, hedges, scrub, parkland.

Bird Species Observed: Hawfinch, Lesser Kestrel, Bluethroat, Goldfinch, Syrian Woodpecker, Sardinian Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Wren, Graceful Prinia, Ring-necked Parakeet.

4. Kibbutz Dan

Habitats / features: Roadside fish pools.

Bird Species Observed: Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Spur-winged Plover, Alpine Swift, Ring-necked Parakeet.

Map 9. Ma’agan Mikhael

1. Ma’agan Mikhael

Habitats / features: Extensive fish farm, pools and lagoons, scrub, vegetated areas, sand dunes, beach, Mediterranean Sea.

Bird Species Observed: Citrine Wagtail, Jackdaw, Great Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Armenian Gull, Pied Kingfisher, Glossy Ibis, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Great White Egret, Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Marsh Sandpiper, Kentish Plover, Common Snipe, Sanderling, Little Stint, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier, Northern Wheatear, Common Stonechat, Olivaceous Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Graceful Prinia, White Wagtail.

Bird Species Accounts

1. (Common) Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 30+ at the km19/20 pools north of Eilat.

2. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Commonly encountered at most wetland sites.

3. Gadwall Anas strepera Several seen at Agamon Hula on the 27th plus two at Lehavot Habashan on the 27th and again on the 29th.

4. Pintail Anas acuta Three at the km19 sewage pools on the 20th and Eleven there on the 21st.

5. (Northern) Shoveler Anas clypeata Recorded at the km19/20 pools, north of Eilat, Kfar Ruppin and at the Hula reserves. However, the largest count was at an artificial pool near Sde Boker on the 24th, which held more than 60.

6. (Eurasian) Wigeon Anas penelope 14 at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

7. Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris 8 at Agamon Hula on the 27th and a further 4 at the Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th.

8. (Eurasian) Teal Anas crecca Present at most wetland sites.

9. Garganey Anas querquedula A pair on Kfar Ruppin fish pools on the 26th.

Sand Partridge, Amram's Pillars, 20th March, (Photo: Dave Walker)

10. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca A single drake was present at Lehavot Habashan pools on the 27th and again on the 29th.

11. Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus Just one seen, a male, at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

12. Chukar Alectoris chukar At least eight seen around Nizzana on the 24th, four at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th, one at Wadi Amud on the 26th and another near Neve Ativ on the 28th.

13. Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi Fairly common around Eilat. Six at Amram's Pillars on the 18th (6+ on the 20th), two at Holland Park on the 19th (4 on the 23rd) and one at Wadi Shelomo on the 20th.

15. (Common) Quail Coturnix coturnix One was flushed in Holland Park, Eilat, on the 23rd. Another showed well on the deck at Quesiot pools, Nizzana, on the 24th. Several heard singing in suitable habitats in various places in northern Israel, including Kfar Ruppin, Wadi Amud and the Hula Valley.

16. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Eight seen on an artificial pool near Sde Boker on the 24th, twenty five at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th plus one or two more at various wetlands in the Hula Valley on subsequent dates.

17. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster One was seen from Eilat North Beach clinging to an offshore buoy on the 20th. Probably the same bird was present in the same spot on the 23rd.

18. White Pelican Pelicanus onocrotalus Two injured adults and a single immature bird were present at Agamon Hula on the 27th. Four immature birds and two adults were seen at the Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th.

White Pelican, Agamon Hula, 27th March (Photo: Dave Walker)

19. (Great) Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Ten at the km19/20 pools on the 19th and Three at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

20. Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus Two at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th, eight at Lehavot Habashan on the 27th and smaller groups seen at the other Hula wetlands.

Night Heron

21. Little Bittern Ixobrichus minutus A male at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th and another male (singing) at Lehavot Habashan fish pools on the 29th.

22. Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax A first-year bird at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th, five (mainly adults) at Agamon Hula on the 27th, six at Hula Nature Reserve and ten at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th plus at least six at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

Squacco Heron

23. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Very common in northern Israel. Eight seen while driving on Route 90 through the West Bank near Jericho on the 25th, 70+ in fields near Wadi Amud on the 26th, 61 flew over Agamon Hula on the 27th, 200+ at the pools near Kibbutz Dan on the 28th and similar numbers in a mixed roost at Lehavot Habashan fish pools on the evening of the 29th.

24. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides One at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th, two at Lehavot Habashan on the 27th and four there on the 29th, one at Agamon Hula on the 29th and four at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

25. Little Egret Egretta garzetta First recorded at Eilat North Beach on the 17th. More commonly encountered around many wetlands in northern Israel, such as Lehavot Habashan (30+), Kibbutz Dan, the Hula reserves and Ma’agan Mikhael.

26. Great White Egret Casmerodius albus Seven around the fish pools at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th, one at Lehavot Habashan and three at Agamon Hula on the 27th, two at Kibbutz Dan on the 28th, two at Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th and at least eight at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

27. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Fairly common and seen at various wetland sites throughout.

28. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea One at Kfar Ruppin on the evening of the 25th and again the next morning, one at Lehavot Habashan on the 27th and seven there on the 29th, one at Agamon Hula on the 27th, one at Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th and at least six at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

29. White Stork Ciconia ciconia One overhead near Eilat Cemetery on the 17th, one near Shizafon on the 18th, seven at the km19 sewage pools on the 21st, 45 over Holland Park, Eilat, on the 23rd, 300+ over Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24th, 50+ seen while driving through the West Bank on the 25th, 400+ at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th (including many roosting in roadside trees at dusk) and possibly as many as 1000 at Agamon Hula on the 29th.

30. Black Stork Ciconia nigra Two over Amram’s Pillars on the 18th. Sixteen seen resting on the slopes of the Eilat Mountains on the 20th and 100+ seen in flight over there on the 23rd. Up to 90 at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th / 26th.

Black Storks migrating over Eilat Mountains, 23rd March (Photo: Dave Walker)

31. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Five at Agamon Hula on the 27th, followed by eighteen there on the 29th. Fifteen were seen at Ma’agan Mikha’el on the 30th.

Greater Flamingo, km20 Salt Pans (Photo: Dave Barnes)

32. (Eurasian) Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Four at Agamon Hula on the 27th and three on the 29th.

33. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Several groups present on various dates around the km19/20 pools as well as the Eilat birdwatching centre. A flock of twenty were seen in flight offshore from Eilat North Beach on the 20th. Also, one seen in northern Israel at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

34. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus An adult over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd, three at Ein Avdat Gorge, Sde Boker on the 24th and three over Wadi Salvatora, near Ein Gedi, on the 25th.

35. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla An adult seen distantly over Agamon Hula on the 27th was from the project to reintroduce this species to the Hula Valley.

36. Osprey Pandion Haliaetus Two were seen over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd. A further 2 flew over Wadi Salvatora, near Ein Gedi, heading north on the 25th. Positively common around Kfar Ruppin fish pools on 25th / 26th where at least 5 individuals were present. At least one around Lehavot Habashan fish pools on the 29th.

37. Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Four of these magnificent raptors (three immatures and one adult) soaring over Agamon Hula on the 27th.

38. Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga One was circling over Agamon Hula on the 27th in a small group of Aquila eagles containing three Lesser Spotted and four Eastern Imperials.

39. Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina Impressive numbers encountered over Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24th, where several groups containing a total of perhaps 150 individuals were encountered over a period of about half an hour. Regularly encountered thereafter around Ein Gedi (10+), Kfar Ruppin (25+), near Wadi Amud (3) and in the Hula Valley (10+).

Osprey, Kfar Ruppin, 25th March (Photo: Dave Walker)

40. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Probably the commonest Eagle species around Eilat, mostly seen in the mountains. Immature birds relatively straightforward, with pale contrasting wing band, but adults often presented much more of a challenge, especially at distance. The first definite sighting was of an immature in the Ovda Valley on the 18th. One immature over Holland Park and at least 4 seen over Eilat Mountains on the 19th, with 8 there on the 20th, and similar numbers again on the 23rd. A large group of Aquila eagles over Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24th contained several Steppe Eagles amongst the more numerous Lesser Spotted congeners. ‘Probable’ Steppe Eagles also seen in lowland areas in the lower Arava Valley, such km19 pools and along Route 90, but views and/or experience insufficient to fully nail the ID in these cases.

Greater Spotted Eagle, Agamon Hula, 27th March

Short-toed Eagle, near Neve Ativ, Golan Heights, 28th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

41. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus The first one was seen over Yotvata on the 21st. Another over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd, one at Nizzana on the 24th, one over Wadi Salvatora on the 25th, two over Wadi Amud on the 26th, one at Lehavot Habashan on the 27th, two between Neve Ativ and Majdal Shams on the 28th and one at Agamon Hula on the 29th.

Bonelli’s Eagles, Ein Avdat Canyon near Sde Boker, 24th March (Photos: Dave Barnes)

42. Booted Eagle Aquila pennata A dark phase near Eilat Cemetery on the 17th, a pale phase over Holland Park, Eilat, on the 19th and another dark phase at Yotvata on the 21st.

43. Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata Great views of a pair at Avdat Gorge, Sde Boker on the 24th. An added bonus was that they were examples of two different colour-phases.

44. Black Kite Milvus migrans Generally common, both in north and south Israel. The largest concentrations were encountered in the Eilat Mountains (30+), Kfar Ruppin (100+ on the 25th) and the Hula Valley (40+ on the 29th). Several showing characteristics of the eastern form, lineatus, were noted amongst the various groups.

Black Kite, Eilat Mountains, 23rd March, (Photo: Dave Barnes)

45. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus A commonly encountered species. Recorded at Eilat Birdwatching Centre, km20 pools, Yotvata, Shizafon, Nizzana, Wadi Salvatora, Kfar Ruppin, Agamon Hula, Lehavot Habashan, Hula Nature Reserve and Ma’agan Mikhael.

46. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Two males over the circular fields at Yotvata on the 19th and a female there on the 21st, plus a male and a female at Kfar Ruppin on the evening of the 25th.

47. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus One over Amram’s Pillars, with Steppe Buzzards, on the 18th and another at Wadi Amud on the 26th.

Long-legged Buzzard, Wadi Amud, 26th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

48. ‘Steppe’ Buzzard Buteo buteo (ssp. vulpinus) The most common raptor. Large numbers daily, especially in southern Israel. Hundreds seen over the Eilat mountains and constant passage of smaller groups seen at other sites throughout, including Amram’s Pillars, Yotvata, Shizafon, Nizzana, Sde Boker, Wadi Salvatora, Kfar Ruppin, Wadi Amud, the Hula Valley and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ.

49. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus One over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd and others at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and 26th.

50. (Common) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus One at km19 pools on the 19th, one at Yotvata on the 21st, one near Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd, one over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd, two at Wadi Amud on the 26th, one at Lehavot Habashan and another at Agamon Hula on the 27th. Finally, one at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

51. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni One over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd and a pair at Neve Ativ on the 28th.

52. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Two birds (adult and juvenile) at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

53. Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides Superb views of a bird eating a kill near Amram’s Pillars on the 18th. Further flight views obtained at the nearby km19 sewage pools on a couple of subsequent dates. Finally, another was seen over Quesiot Pools, Nizzana on the 24th.

Barbary Falcon, near Amram’s Pillars, Eilat, 18th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

54. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus One at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

55. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Just one seen, at Agamon Hula, on the 27th.

56. Little Crake Porzana parva An elusive first year bird in reeds at the km19 sewage pools on the 19th. Up to six present and often showing well at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th. Another showed well at the Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th.

57. (Common) Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Several present at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th and Lehavot Habashan on the 27th and the 29th.

58. (Eurasian) Coot Fulica atra More than 30 present at the km20 Sewage Pools on several dates from the 19th. Also present at Kfar Ruppin and Lehavot Habashan in the north.

59. Common Crane Grus grus The first seen were two adults over Eilat Mountains on the 23rd. Two large flocks migrating over Nizzana on the 24th numbered more than 400 individuals. Several further large flocks migrating through Kfar Ruppin on the 25th (800+ in total). Even more common in the Hula Valley, especially Agamon Hula, where many hundreds were gathered, feeding in the fields around the lakes, and large formations of flying birds were regularly seen from the 27th – 29th.

Little Crake, Lehavot Habashan, 29th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

Common Cranes, Agamon Hula, 27th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

60. Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo An adult bird located amongst a flock of 100’s of Common Cranes at Agamon Hula on the 29th March was an unexpected find and one of the highlights of the whole trip. Only two days earlier we had joked that we should take more time sorting through the groups of Cranes in the Hula Valley just in case one of these little beauties was mixed amongst them. On the penultimate day of our trip we were starting to wind down a bit and decided to revisit Agamon as it had proved such a productive area and was a relatively easy place to bird. We were doing our own thing, just wandering around the reserve in a fairly relaxed way when I decided to have a sit down in an empty hide. I could scarcely believe my eyes when, on my very first scan of the large Crane flock in front, a Demoiselle just popped out of the crowd – surely, one of the most memorable birding moments I’ll ever have! I quickly texted and phoned the others and, luckily, it stayed on view for the next 30 minutes or so before being lost amongst the hoards of its much more common congener. A very special bird and generally one of the more difficult bird species to connect with in the Western Palaearctic!

Demoiselle Crane, Agamon Hula, 29th March (photo: Dave Walker)

61. Macqueen’s Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii A male at Nizzana on the morning of the 24th showed well as it performed its bizarre display.

62. Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Two at the km20 pools on the 19th and another two at Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th.

63. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus A common wader in most wetland areas around Eilat, such as the North Beach area and the km20 pools. Also recorded at wetlands further north, such as Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24th.

64. Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Just one pair seen, in a field near Kfar Ruppin ringing station, on the 26th and again in the same place on the 27th.

65. Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius coursor A pair were seen at Nizzana on the 24th.

66. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Regularly seen in small groups around the wetland areas around Eilat, notably the km19 and km20 pools. Also recorded at Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24th.

67. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Birds observed around Eilat North Beach, Eilat Birdwatching Centre and the km 19 and km20 pools.

Displaying male Macqueen’s Bustard, Nizzana, 24th March, (Photo: Dave Walker)

68. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus First observed on the km20 salt pans, north of Eilat, on the 19th and small groups regularly seen in subsequent visits to that area. A group of five seen on the beach at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

Kentish Plover, km20 Salt Pans, near Eilat, 19th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

69. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola One, in winter plumage, seen around Eilat North Beach on the 19th.

70. Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosa Very common around all wetlands visited throughout the trip. Probably the most ubiquitous wading bird in the region.

Spur-winged Plover, Shizafon Sewage pools, 22nd March (Photo: Dave Walker)

71. Dunlin Calidris alpina Two seen at the km20 salt-pans, north of Eilat, on the 19th.

72. Sanderling Calidris alba One on the beach at Ma’agan Mikhael, with Kentish Plovers, on the 30th.

73. Little Stint Calidris minuta The commonest Calidrid during our trip. Good sites included Eilat North Beach channel, Eilat Birdwatching Centre, the km19 sewage pools, the km20 salt-pans, Shizafon Sewage Works, Quesiot Pools near Nizzana, Kfar Ruppin and Ma’agan Mikhael.

74. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola One at Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24thand another at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

75. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Regularly seen at wetland sites throughout Israel, including wetlands around Eilat, Kfar Ruppin, the Hula wetlands and Ma’agan Mikhael.

76. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos One at Eilat North Beach on the 17th, another at Kfar Ruppin fish pools on the 26th, one at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th and at least three at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

77. (Common) Redshank Tringa totanus Commonly encountered in most wetland areas.

78. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus A winter-plumaged individual was on the km20 salt-pans on the evening of the 21st plus another winter-plumaged bird at the Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 23rd.

79. Greenshank Tringa nebularia Recorded in the wetlands around Eilat, such as the North Beach, the Birdwatching Centre and the km20 pools, as well as further north at sites such as Ma’agan Mikhael.

80. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Generally common in suitable wetland areas, often encountered in small groups. Recorded at sites including Eilat Birdwatching Centre, the km20 salt-pans, Quesiot Pools near Nizzana, Kfar Ruppin and Ma’agan Mikhael.

81. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Two at the km20 salt-pans, north of Eilat, on the 19th. More common at the Hula Wetlands in northern Israel, however, with sizeable flocks seen at Agamon-Hula and the Hula Nature reserves on the 27th and the 29th.

82. (Common) Snipe Gallinago gallinago Two at the km19 sewage pools on the 19th and two at Kfar Ruppin fish pools on the 26th plus further birds seen at the Hula wetlands, such as Lehavot Habashan and Agamon-Hula on the 27th and 29th. A final individual seen at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

83. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A flock of eleven birds were at Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th and again on the 23rd.

Red-necked Phalaropes, Eilat Birdwatching Centre, 20th March (Photo: Dave Walker)

84. Ruff Philomachus pugnax A common sight in most wetland areas throughout. Encountered at Eilat Birdwatching Centre, the Km19 and km20 wetlands, Shizafon Sewage Works, Quesiot Pools near Nizzana and at Kfar Ruppin. The largest groups, however, were at Agamon Hula, where they appeared to be the commonest wader.

85. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus One flew inland over Eilat North Beach on the 20th.

86. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Common.

87. Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei A common species, especially near the coasts, outnumbering Black-headed Gulls at some sites.

Adult Slender-billed Gull, Eilat, 23rd March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

88. Armenian Gull Larus armenicus Commonly seen around Eilat and further north at sites such as Kfar Ruppin and Ma’agan Mikhael.

89. Great Black-headed Gull (Pallas’s Gull) Larus ichthyaethus This impressive species was first seen at Kfar Ruppin fish pools on the 25th, where at least 4 were present including an adult bird. A near-adult was seen at Ma’agan Mikhael fish pools on the 30th.

90. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Comparatively little time was spent ‘grilling’ the white-headed gulls but several of the more eye-catching adults showed features consistent with ‘Baltic Gull’ (Larus fuscus fuscus). These were present at the Eilat Birdwatching Centre and Kfar Ruppin.

91. (Black-legged) Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla One first winter bird seen from Eilat North Beach on the 23rd.

First Winter Great Black-headed Gull, Kfar Ruppin, 25th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

92. White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus Quite common offshore around Eilat’s North Beach, with birds seen on every visit. The largest group was twenty two on the 23rd.

93. Sandwich Tern Sterna Sandvicensis At least two present offshore from Eilat North Beach on the 17th.

Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Quesiot Pools near Nizzana, 24th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

94. Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis Small groups came to drink at Quesiot Pools, Nizzana on the 24th, giving good views. At least sixteen individuals in total.

95. Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus The most numerous Sandgrouse during our visit. A flock of 25 landed briefly in the Ovda Valley on the 18th. A flock of 40+ were seen in flight at Nizzana and six came to drink at nearby Quesiot Pools on the 24th.

96. Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus A group of 15 came to drink at Quesiot Pools on the morning of the 24th.

97. Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii Poor distant views of 4 at the km19 sewage pools on the 20th were very unsatisfying so we decided to try again on the following evening. We decided to position ourselves amongst the cover of sparse Phragmites reeds on the far bank of the pools and waited patiently for them to appear. Frustratingly, a pair flew in and landed on an adjacent bank but they were still distant. Then, just as we were about to leave, two pairs flew in front of us and landed about 15 yards from where we were sitting, giving absolutely crippling views of this scarce and highly sought-after species. A truly incredible experience.

Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, km19 Sewage Pools, 21st March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

98. Feral Pigeon / Rock Dove Columba livia Generally common.

99. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis A pair at Yotvata on the 19th and again on the 21st.

100. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Very common throughout.

101. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur A singing male at Yotvata, at the old sewage works, on the 21st followed by one perched on wires at Kfar Ruppin fish pools on the 26th.

Namaqua Dove, Yotvata, 21st March (Photo: Dave Walker)

102. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Very common throughout Israel in most lowland habitats, often in gardens / near habitations.

103. (Common) Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Just one seen, near Majdal Shams, on the 28th.

104. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius A first year bird, calling loudly at Kfar Ruppin ringing station on the 26th, followed by an adult nearby on the same date and two adults at Lehavot Habashan fish pools on the 29th.

105. Barn Owl Tyto alba One seen at Kfar Ruppin on the evening of the 25th.

106. Scops Owl Otus scops One at Kfar Ruppin singing in a tree directly outside our chalet.

107. Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius Flight views of two birds at Yotvata on the 19th.

108. (Common) Swift Apus apus Generally common.

109. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Locally quite common. A couple seen around Eilat Date Palms on the 17th. Also noted over Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th and Yotvata on the 21st. A sizeable flock (40+) with Common Swifts over Quesiot Pools, Nizzana, on the 24th and smaller numbers recorded at Avdat Gorge, near Sde Boker, on the same date. Some undoubtedly overlooked at other sites as the Swift flocks weren’t always fully scrutinised (there were so many other birds to look at!).

Hoopoe, Wadi Amud, 26th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

110. Alpine Swift Apus melba First seen from the car heading north along Route 90, north of Eilat, on the 20th. A steady stream of birds seen passing over the Eilat Mountains on the 23rd, three at Avdat Gorge, near Sde Boker, on the 24th, similar numbers over Wadi Amud on the 26th, six near Kibbutz Dan on the 28th and nine over Agamon Hula on the 29th.

111. Little Swift Apus affinis Several seen flying over Wadi Amud on the 26th.

112. (Eurasian) Hoopoe Upupa epops Israel’s national bird was fairly common and widespread. Recorded at Eilat Cemetery, Eilat Birdwatching Centre, Shizafon, Yotvata, Mitzpe Ramon, Kfar Ruppin, Wadi Amud and Lehavot Habashan.

113. (Common) Kingfisher Alcedo Atthis Singles recorded at Kfar Ruppin fish pools on the 25th, Agamon Hula on the 27th and Lehavot Habashan and Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th.

114. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon Smyrnensis These big beauties were quite common in northern parts of Israel. The first ones were at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th. Also quite plentiful in the Hula Valley wetlands.

115. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Watching this species hunting is an absolute joy. The first ones seen were around Eilat North Beach on the 17th, where they were present on all subsequent visits. Also widespread and quite numerous in northern Israel at suitable wetland sites such as Kfar Ruppin, Agamon Hula, Lehavot Habashan, Hula Nature Reserve and Ma’agan Mikhael.

White-throated Kingfisher, Agamon Hula, 27th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

Pied Kingfisher, Agamon Hula, 27th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

116. Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis This beautiful species is quite plentiful in southern and central Israel. Recorded at the km20 pools (north of Eilat), Yotvata, Nizzana , Wadi Salvatora and Kfar Ruppin. Usually in small groups of up to 6.

Little Green Bee-eaters, Yotvata, 21st March (Photo: Dave Walker)

117. Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri One seen at Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th, one at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and several seen in the Hula Valley (e.g. Lehavot Habashan, Ramot Naftali, Kfar Blum and Kibbutz Dan).

118. Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus Fairly common in northern Israel. Birds seen at Kfar Ruppin, Ramot Naftali, Agamon Hula, Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ.

119. (Eurasian) Wryneck Jynx torquila One seen in an irrigated roadside area around Shizafon on the 18th plus another in the gardens of the nearby café on the same date. One in Holland park, Eilat, on the 19th and again on the 23rd. One in the date palms near the km 20 pools on the 21st and another at Wadi Armud on the 26th.

120. Skylark Alauda arvensis A singing bird seen in fields around Kfar Ruppin ringing centre on the 26th March.

121. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Fairly common and widespread. Recorded around Eilat North Beach, Shizafon, Ovda Valley, km19 sewage pools, Yotvata, Nizzana, Kfar Ruppin, Agamon Hula and Lehavot Habashan.

122. Woodlark Lulula arborea One scruffy individual seen on hillsides between Neve Ativ an Majdal Shams on the 28th March.

123. Short-toed Lark Calandrella Brachydactyla Locally common, often in flocks. Recorded in the Ovda Valley, around Shizafon, the km19 sewage pools and Yotvata.

124. Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti Two above Eilat Cemetery on the 17th were the first ones seen. Up to four, quite confiding birds were present around the car park at Amram’s Pillars on the 18th and on subsequent visits. Also seen near Shizafon T-junction on the 18th and at Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd.

Desert Lark, Amram’s Pillars, 18th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

125. Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cinctura Seven amongst a mixed flock of larks in the Ovda Valley on the 18th.

126. Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra Two seen in a large mixed flock in the Ovda Valley on the 18th.

127. Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey Around fifteen seen amongst a large mixed flock in the Ovda Valley on the 18th.

128. Temminck’s Lark Eromophila bilopha Six in the Ovda Valley on the 18th.

129. Sand Martin Riparia riparia A small flock over the km19 pools on the 19th.

130. (Eurasian) Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris One or two present amongst Rock Martins and other hirundines near Eilat Cemetery on the 17th and another at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

131. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Common around Eilat and in various other places, such as Shizafon, Mitzpe Ramon, Sde Boker and Wadi Salvatora near Ein Gedi.

132. (Barn) Swallow Hirundo rustica Very common in most areas, including Tel Aviv.

Temminck’s Lark, Ovda Valley, 18th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

Rock Martin, near Eilat Crematorium, 17th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

133. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Good numbers seen in various places around Eilat. Also recorded at a few other places, such as Shizafon and Wadi Amud.

Red-rumped Swallow, Eilat Cemetery, 17th March (Photo: Dave Walker)

134. House Martin Delichon urbicum Noted at Eilat Cemetery on the 17th, Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th and Wadi Amud on the 26th.

135. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Two at Shizafon, near irrigated roadside cultivations, on the 18th.

136. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta First encountered along the small stream between Eilat Date Palms and the North Beach on the 17th. Further birds also recorded within the date plantation itself and present at Eilat Birdwatching Centre, the km19 sewage pools, the km20 salt-pans, around Shizafon, Yotvata and at Kfar Ruppin.

137. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis One at Shizafon on the 18th. Flyover calling birds between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ on the 28th and at Lehavot Habashan and Agamon-Hula on the 29th.

138. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Singles encountered at Shizafon on the 18th and at Holland Park on the 19th.

139. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus At least two in lush roadside cultivations at Shizafon on the 18th. Flyover calling birds at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

140. White wagtail Motacilla alba Widely encountered throughout, especially near wetland areas.

141. ‘Flava’ Wagtail Motacilla flava Black-headed Wagtail (feldegg) most frequent but also ‘Grey-headed’ types (thunbergi) and ‘superciliaris’. Several flyover calling birds, in the Hula Valley for instance, not attributed to race.

142. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola At least two seen around the fish pools at Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

143. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea One amongst the Eilat Date Palms on the 17th, followed by sightings of further individuals at the Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th, the km19 Sewage Pools on the 21st and Shizafon Sewage Works on the 22nd.

144. (European) Robin Erythacus rubecula Only recorded at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

145. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica A commonly encountered migrant, most often seen around wetlands or in lush, irrigated areas. In Eilat, birds of both races were seen at Holland Park, in the birdwatching centre and around the date palms. At Shizafon (Neot Samadar), they could be watched in the impressive gardens of the T-junction café whilst enjoying some excellent refreshments. The nearby sewage pools and roadside cultivations also gave good opportunities to observe these charismatic chats. Further individuals were recorded further north at Kfar Ruppin, Lehavot Habashan and at Neve Ativ.

146. Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Appeared to be passing through in good numbers and many of the date palm plantations, especially, seemed to be alive with them. The ‘icing on the cake’ was that a high percentage of the males (possibly approaching fifty percent) were identifiable as the distinctive eastern race, samamiscus (or ‘Ehrenberg’s Redstart’). Often, the same plantation or scrubby patch would hold both this and the nominate phoenicurus subspecies for direct comparison. Recorded at Eilat Date Palms, Eilat Birdwatching Centre, near the Arava Hostel, Holland Park, Shizafon, Yotvata, the km20 date palms, Mitzpe Ramon and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ.

Ehrenberg’s Redstart (ssp. Samamiscus), Eilat date palms, 17th March (Photo: D. Barnes)

147. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros All those seen were female or immature types so it was not possible to attribute subspecies. The first one was encountered in the gardens of the Shizafon T-junction café on the 18th. The next was at the km20 date palms on the 21st and again on the 23rd. On the 22nd, one was at Shizafon Sewage Works and another at Mitzpe Ramon.

Black Redstart, Mitzpe Ramon, 22nd March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

148. (Northern) Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Recorded at Eilat Cemetery on the 17th, Eilat North Beach, the km20 date palms and at Yotvata on the 19th and along Route 171, north of Mitzpe Ramon, on the 22nd.

Northern Wheatear (Photo: Dave Barnes)

149. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina First encountered in irrigated roadside cultivations near Shizafon on the 18th, where at least two were present. Two more were along Route 171, north of Mitzpe Ramon, on the 22nd. Also recorded around Nizzana and near Sde Boker on the 24th.

Isabelline Wheatear

150. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Probably the most commonly encountered Wheatear on the trip. Recorded around Eilat Date Palms, Eilat Birdwatching Centre, Shizafon, the km19 sewage pools and km20 Date Palms, Yotvata, along Route 171 north of Mitzpe Ramon, around Nizzana and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ.

151. Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca One present in Holland Park, Eilat, on the 19th. Another was seen in a cultivated roadside area along Route 171, north of Mitzpe Ramon, on the 22nd.

Mourning Wheatear, Mitzpe Ramon, 22nd March (Photo: Dave Walker)

152. Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens This species evaded us until we visited Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd, where we eventually managed to see a pair on a boulder-strewn slope. Further birds were seen around km143 on Route 40 near Sde Boker on the 24th and at Avdat Gorge on the same date.

Hooded Wheatear, Eilat Mountains, 22nd March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

153. Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha A female at Amram’s Pillars on the 18th followed by a male near Shizafon on the same date (in a small stony canyon along a track opposite the cement works on the Ovda Road, Route 12). Two females were at Holland Park on the 19th, with a male there on the 23rd. Others seen in the Eilat Mountains on the 20th and Shizafon Sewage Works on the 22nd.

154. White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga Easy to see in areas of suitable habitat (rocky wadis and hillsides with little or no scrub) in the southern half of Israel. They often proved to be confiding and could be coaxed out by filling hollowed out stones with water, where they would come to drink and put on a display for the camera. The first ones were at Amram’s Pillars on the 18th. They were seen there again on subsequent visits and were also recorded in the Eilat Mountains on the 20th, Yotvata on the 21st, Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd and Wadi Salvatora, near Ein Gedi, on the 25th.

White-crowned Black Wheatear, Amram’s Pillars, 20th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

155. Blackstart Cercomela melanura Common in the southern half of Israel and regularly encountered in many areas, such as Amram’s Pillars, Shizafon, Yotvata, Wadi Shelomo, Mitzpe Ramon, Sde Boker and Wadi Salvatora.

156. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Just one female near Nizzana on the 24th.

157. Kurdish Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna One of our most unexpected finds. Whilst climbing a rocky hillside above a quarry between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ on the afternoon of the 28th March, my attention was drawn to a compact chat sitting on one of the boulders. It looked like a Wheatear sp. but not one I’d ever encountered before. As it dropped onto the ground I could see that it had an obvious rusty rump. I called over to Andy and, when he joined me, asked him if this was a possible Red-rumped Wheatear. He had experience of Red-rumped in Morocco and said that this bird was distinctly different to the ones he recalled seeing there. Realising this was potentially something special, we decided to consult the books – I stayed with the bird while Andy walked back to the car, alerting Dave en route. When Andy returned about ten minutes later he had a distinct smile on his face, proclaiming ‘It’s a Kurdish’. Luckily, the bird behaved itself and performed brilliantly for the rest of the time we stayed – allowing Dave to get some crippling full-framers. Kurdish Wheatears are scarce passage migrants in Israel, with small numbers noted annually in the south. On the lower slopes of Mount Hermon, in the far north of the country, they are noteworthy. However, it is easy to imagine that many go through undetected. A cracking species!

Kurdish Wheatear, between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ, 28th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

158. (Common) Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Recorded at the Eilat Date Palms, Shizafon, Yotvata, Mitzpe Ramon, Nizzana and Ma’agan Mikhael.

159. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura A male at Eilat Date Palms on the 17th March, followed by another at Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th. A female was at Agamon Hula on the 27th.

160. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos One near Majdal Shams on the 28th and another in the gardens of our accommodation at Ramot Naftali on the 29th.

161. Blackbird Turdus merula First heard singing and then seen at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th, with a few more subsequently seen and heard around habitations in the northern parts of Israel.

Blackstart, Amram’s Pillars, Near Eilat, 20th March (Photo: Dave Walker)

Siberian Stonechat, Eilat Birdwathing Centre, 20th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

162. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Thinly spread but quite widely encountered. Singles or pairs seen in the Eilat Mountains, at Holland Park, Shizafon Sewage Works, Yotvata, Wadi Amud and around the lower slopes and foothills of Mount Hermon.

163. (Rufous-tailed) Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis A male seen on a rocky hillside below Majdal Shams on the 28th.

164. Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta This species took some finding. The first one encountered was in a small wadi south of Mitzpe Ramon (km92 Route 40) on the 22nd. A singing bird gave good close views at Ein Avdat canyon, near Sde Boker, on the 24th. Also at Wadi Salvatora on the 25th.

165. Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis By contrast with the former species, this one was widespread and easy to find. First recorded along the stream behind Eilat North Beach on the 17th and, thereafter, in mainly lush areas but occasionally drier sites, including Eilat Birdwatching Centre, Holland Park, Quesiot Pools near Nizzana, Ein Avdat Canyon, Kfar Ruppin, Wadi Amud, Neve Ativ, Lehavot Habashan and Ma’agan Mikhael.

Scrub Warbler, Avdat Gorge, Sde Boker, 24th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

166. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Generally common in suitable habitats throughout.

167. (Common) Whitethroat Sylvia communis Recorded at Amram’s Pillars on the 18th, the km20 Date Palms on the 19th and the 21st,the km19 Sewage Pools on the 20th, Shizafon T-junction café on the 22nd and Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 23rd. Also seen at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

Graceful Prinia, Kfar Ruppin, 26th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

168. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Abundant in most places. Probably the most commonly encountered Warbler during our visit.

169. Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia cassirostris Present in good numbers in several locations, especially in Holland Park, Eilat. Also seen at Shizafon, Yotvata, Wadi Zihor, Nizzana, Wadi Amud and between Majdal Shams and neve Ativ.

170. Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena This elusive species was seen in the acacia woodland south of Yotvata on the morning of the 21st.

171. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala At least two present in scrub along the stream behind Eilat North Beach on the 17th. Also present at Shizafon Sewage Works, Wadi Zihor and Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd. In the north, seen around Neve Ativ and Majdal Shams on the 28th.

172. Cyprus Warbler Sylvia melanothorax First seen at Amram’s Pillars on the 18th. Two at Yotvata on the 21st and another at Wadi Salvatora on the 25th.

Common Whitethroat (eastern form), Amram’s Pillars, 18th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

173. Rüppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli Generally quite common. The first was encountered in trees and bushes on waste ground in Eilat, adjacent to where we were staying at the Arava Hostel, on the 17th. Subsequently seen at Holland Park, Yotvata, Shizafon, Wadi Zihor, Nizzana and between Neve Ativ and Majdal Shams.

Lesser Whitethroat (Photo: Dave Barnes)

174. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus shoenobaenus Recorded at several sites, such as Kfar Ruppin, Lehavot Habashan and the Hula wetlands.

175. Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon Individuals recorded at the km19 Sewage Pools, Kfar Ruppin and Lehavot Habashan.

176. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Singing birds encountered at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and 26th and at Agamon Hula on the 29th.

177. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides One seen in lush roadside cultivations at Shizafon on the 18th. Good views of singing birds in more typical reedbed habitat at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and 26th. Singing birds also noted in the Hula Valley, at Agamon on the 27th and 29th and at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

178. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Recorded at the Eilat Birdwatching Centre on the 20th, Kfar Ruppin on the 25th, Agamon Hula on the 27th and the Hula Nature Reserve on the 29th.

179. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Regularly recorded in suitable reedbed habitats.

180. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus One or two singing birds present around Lehavot Habashan fish ponds on the 29th.

Great Reed Warbler, Lehavot Habashan Fish Ponds, 29th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

181. Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Singing birds were generally quite easy to see around Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and 26th, including one of the melanistic forms. Also commonly encountered in the wetlands of the Hula Valley plus one or two seen at Ma’agan Micha’el.

Clamorous Reed Warbler, Kfar Ruppin, 26th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

182. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida The first one was seen in streamside scrub between Eilat North Beach and the Date Palms on the 17th. Further birds recorded at the km19 Sewage Pools on the 21st, Kfar Ruppin on the 25th, Wadi Amud on the 26th and Ma’agan Mikhael on the 30th.

183. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis Passage migration appeared to be in full swing for this species as it was a common sight, especially in southern Israel. Found in even the scantest wadis as well as in more lush vegetation, such as date palms, near wetlands and cultivated areas around habitations. Even found on the beach at Eilat – presumably freshly arrived migrants.

184. (Common) Chiffchaff Phylloscopus colybita Common in suitable habitats throughout.

185. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Singing birds around the village of Neve Ativ were the only ones encountered.

186. Great Tit Parus major Reasonably common in northern Israel. Recorded at Kfar Ruppin, Wadi Amud, Lehavot Habashan, Ramot Naftali and between Neve Ativ and Majdal Shams.

187. Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris Several seen around the lower slopes of Mount Hermon and between Neve Ativ and Majdal Shams on the 28th.

188. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus Pairs were seen around Agamon-Hula on the 27th and at Lehavot Habashan on the 29th.

Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Eilat, 17th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

189. (Western) Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer Four or five seen around the lower slopes of Mount Hermon, between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ on the 28th.

190. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis Two seen around Nizzana on the 24th , one at Kfar Ruppin , one at Wadi Amud and another nearby on Route 90 on the 26th.

Southern Grey Shrike, Kfar Ruppin, 26th March

191. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator This stunning species was the commonest Shrike during our visit, first seen near the date palms at Eilat on the 17th. Further individuals were seen at Shizafon on the 18th, Yotvata on the 19th and 21st, two around Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd, one at Nizzana on the 24th plus others around Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and 26th and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ on the 28th.

Woodchat Shrike, Yotvata Circular Fields, 19th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

192. Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus Singles encountered at Yotvata on the 21st, Mitzpe Ramon on the 22nd, in date palms near the km20 pools on the 23rd and Nizzana on the 24th.

Masked Shrike, Mitzpe Ramon, 22nd March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

White-spectacled Bulbul, Eilat (Photo: Dave Walker)

193. White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos Common everywhere and found in most habitats, from dry mountain wadis in the south to fertile wetlands in the north.

Tristram’s Starling, Ein Gedi, 25th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

Palestine Sunbird, Hula Nature Reserve, 29th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

194. Palestine Sunbird Cinnyris osea This fantastic, exotic jewel-of-a-bird is rather common and widespread in Israel. One of the duller grey females was the first one seen - feeding on flower nectar in the garden of the Shizafon T-junction café on the 18th. Thereafter recorded almost every day at locations such as Holland Park, Yotvata, Wadi Shelomo, Nizzana, Wadi Salvatora, Kfar Ruppin, Wadi Amud and the Hula Nature Reserve.

195. Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps Generally encountered in small groups in various locations in southern Israel, such as Holland Park, Eilat, on the 18th and 23rd, Yotvata on the 18th, and Quesiot Pools, Nizzana on the 24th.

196. Jay Garrulus glandarius The Middle-Eastern form, atricapillus, was only encountered in northern Israel. First observed whilst driving through the West Bank near Jericho on the 25th. Further recorded at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ on the 28th.

197. Jackdaw Corvus monedula Two near Ma’agan Micha’el were the only ones observed during the trip.

Arabian Babbler, Holland Park, 19th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

198. Hooded Crow Corvus cornix Common in central and northern Israel and the first species seen on the trip, at Ben Gurion airport, Tel Aviv on the 16th.

Hooded Crow, Sde Boker, 24th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

199. Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis Fairly common in several areas in the southern half of Israel. Seen at Amram’s Pillars, Wadi Shelomo Wadi Zihor, Mitzpe Ramon, Sde Boker and Wadi Salvatora.

Brown-necked Raven, Mitzpe Ramon, 22nd March (Photo: Dave Walker)

200. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus Common around Ein Gedi / Wadi Salvatora. Not encountered outside the environs of the Dead Sea.

201. House Crow Corvus splendens Fairly common in Eilat but not seen anywhere else.

202. Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii Locally common around the date palms at Yotvata. Also seen further north, at Ein Avdat Gorge near Sde Boker, and around the Dead Sea (Ein Gedi / Wadi Salvatora).

203. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Small flocks seen around Tel Aviv airport on the 16th and one seen near a service station on Route 77 north of Nazareth on the 30th.

204. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Present and often very common near habitations and cultivations throughout.

House Crow, Eilat North Beach (Photo: Dave Walker)

205. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Locally common with good numbers present in several areas. Recorded at Eilat (north of the Date Palms) on the 17th, Ovda Valley on the 18th, the km19/20 pools on the 19th, Yotvata on the 21st, Shizafon on the 22nd, Ein Gedi on the 25th and Kfar Ruppin on the 25th and 26th. Also present in several areas in the Hula Valley.

Male Spanish Sparrow, Ovda Road, 18th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

206. Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus A male was seen drinking underneath date palms near the km20 pools, north of Eilat, on the 19th. A small breeding colony near Kfar Ruppin ringing centre on the 25th and 26th eventually gave good views as they were building their nests.

Male Dead Sea Sparrow, Kfar Ruppin, 26th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

207. Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus sinoicus This sought-after species didn’t give itself up easily. On our second visit to Amram’s Pillars, we were getting a bit desperate so we placed some seed and some water on the rocks around the car-park. This eventually did the trick and we were duly treated to the spectacle of six birds feeding at close range. A singing male was also present at Wadi Salvatora near Ein Gedi on the 25th, when we were looking for the Striolated Bunting.

208. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus Dozens present amongst the flocks of Larks in the Ovda Valley on the 18th.

209. Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguineus Two seen at the summit of Mount Hermon on the 28th, where the weather conditions were horrendous - cold with deep snow, drizzle and thick fog patches!

210. Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta A flock of around twenty individuals feeding amongst vegetation in dried out sewage pits at km19, north of Eilat on the 19th, followed by a single bird at Kfar Ruppin on the 26th.

Sinai Rosefinch, Amram’s Pillars, Near Eilat, 20th March (Photo: Dave Walker)

Trumpeter Finch, Ovda Valley, 18th March (Photo: Dave Barnes)

211. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Recorded in the northernmost parts of Israel, at Lehavot Habashan and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ.

212. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Commonly recorded in the north of Israel.

213. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Common throughout.

215. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Common in the north. First recorded at Kfar Ruppin on the 25th.

216. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes One seen in a tall poplar at Neve Ativ on the 28th.

217. Cretzchmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia This lovely species was passing through in good numbers during our visit. The first ones were seen feeding around the Date Palms in Eilat on the 17th. Further birds (often in sizeable flocks) were recorded around Shizafon, the Ovda Valley, the km20 Date Palms, Yotvata, Agamon Hula and between Majdal Shams and Neve Ativ.

218. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra One seen at Yotvata on the 21st , several singing around Wadi Amud on the 26th, three at Agamon Hula on the 27th and at least five singing on the hillsides below Majdal Shams on the 28th.

219. Striolated Bunting Emberiza striolata A singing male at the head of Wadi Salvatora, near the Dead Sea, on the 25th, eventually gave good close views.