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Israel '98
A trip to Eilat and southern
Israel 9-23 November 1998
By Richard Fuller & Rebecca Webb
A two-week November trip based in Eilat provided the chance to
do a bit of birding, while enjoying a relaxing holiday. I had
been to Israel twice before, taking part in the Northern Valleys
Raptor Survey, so tailored my birding to catch up with several
species I had not yet seen in Israel, mainly southern and winter
specialities. According to the Birdwatching Centre, trips to see
Hume's Tawny Owl are only organised by Hadoram Shirihai during
the spring months when the birds are calling, but all other info
is well covered by Dave Gosney's Finding Birds in Israel.
There were no major rarities during our stay, and passerine and
raptor passage appeared largely to be over.
This report takes the form of a daily log followed by a
systematic list of birds recorded during the trip. English names
are capitalised in the daily log, and scientific names are given
only in the systematic section. Given the apparent rise of the
Phylogenetic Species Concept, I attempted to identify as many
species as possible down to subspecies level, but in many cases
only geographical location was used to determine subspecific
identification. Shirihai's (1996) Birds of Israel is essential
reading before a trip to Israel.
Daily Log
10th November
Up at dawn to look at the North Beach and wander along the
sewage canal. Large numbers of WHITE-EYED GULL, several SLENDER-BILLED
GULL and CASPIAN TERNS immediately obvious. A couple of flyover
BLACK STORKS were a nice surprise and 22 HOUSE CROWS were in the
area. Walking north alongside the canal, a feeding flock of RED-THROATED
PIPITS gave excellent views on the short grass by the lagoon (which
held a pipit flock for the whole two week period). WHITE WAGTAILS
of the race alba were abundant in the area. The scrub
opposite the salt pans held very large numbers of abeitinus
CHIFFCHAFFS, several BLUETHROATS of indeterminate race, a rubicola
STONECHAT and a NORTHERN WHEATEAR. The salt pans produced an
adult ARMENIAN GULL, 38 WHITE STORKS, 35 LITTLE STINTS, 15
TEMMINCK'S STINTS, a juvenile GREY PLOVER and 2 PURPLE HERONS.
After breakfast, we spent most of the middle part of the day
looking round Eilat, but a light phase BOOTED EAGLE was watched
circling low over the town being mobbed by 4 HOUSE CROWS and a
PALESTINE SUNBIRD was feeding in the bushes along the seafront.
At dusk, I checked the North Beach again, noting 13 LITTLE EGRETS,
40 GREY HERONS, 50 WHITE-EYED GULLS, an OSPREY with a fish, an
adult CASPIAN GULL and a CORY'S SHEARWATER.
11th November
Another dawn trip to the North Beach produced a flyover flock
of 30 TRISTRAM'S GRACKLES. The sewage canal area had a gibraltariensis
BLACK REDSTART, 2
GULL-BILLED TERNS, 2 SPUR-WINGED PLOVER, 14 HOUSE CROW, an
adult PURPLE HERON, 2 PIED KINGFISHER, 21 BLACK-WINGED STILT and
2 GREENSHANK. The field system to the north-east of the salt pans
had 10 LITTLE GREEN BEE-EATERS, a BLUETHROAT, 2 ROBINS, 10 PALE
CRAG MARTINS and a BARN OWL, the latter flying over at 0820 (c. 2½
hours after dawn!).
Again we looked around Eilat in the afternoon, visiting the
old birdwatching centre which is now the site of the research
wing (!) of the IBCE. The new birdwatching centre is located in
the blue tourist information building by the garage at Eilot
Junction about 2 miles N of Eilat airport along route 90. After
hearing reports (in the UK) that the traditional water pumping
station at Eilat had overgrown and no longer had Lichtenstein's
Sandgrouse, we checked out the site in the early afternoon. It
seemed in good condition, and we noted 6+ BLACKSTART, a PALESTINE
SUNBIRD and a phoenicurus COMMON REDSTART.
12th November
We woke to find a letter from the tour operator advising us to
leave the country following the massing of allied troops in the
Gulf of Persia preparing for an attack on Iraq! We decided to
stay on and spent most of the day on the beach. I decided to head
up to the Water Pumping Station in the evening and settled down
about 1645. The first LICHTENSTEIN'S SANDGROUSE flew in at 1705
and by 1725 another 23 had come in to drink, giving excellent
views.
13th November
We spent the day visiting the underwater observatory and noted
nothing out of the ordinary birdwise, although the view from the
observatory is absolutely fantastic and we identified Picasso
Trigger Fish, Horn Antenna Butterfly Fish, Threadfin Butterfly
Fish, Banded Coral Fish and Domino Coral Fish.
14th November
A dawn trip produced a CORN BUNTING with the RED-THROATED
PIPIT flock and further along the track on the east side of the
canal were a BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT with a small flock of WATER PIPIT,
3 ARABIAN BABBLERS single MARSH HARRIER and BLACK KITE. In the
field system to the north were a maura STONECHAT, 3
BLUETHROAT, a GREAT WHITE EGRET, an adult PURPLE HERON and a fine
male NAMAQUA DOVE watched at close range on the main track by the
far greenhouses.
We spent the afternoon at Dolphin Reef where they have a free-swimming
group of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and a nice beach. The North Beach
that evening had 40 WHITE-EYED GULLS, 12 SLENDER-BILLED GULLS and
4 CASPIAN GULLS.
15th November
We picked up a hire car about midday (US$280 for a week's hire)
from Budget, and headed straight out to the spring at En Netaphim.
We had to park near the top of the track as it plunges very
steeply into the wadi and looked awkward to get back out of
safely. We had 2 BROWN-NECKED RAVENS, 25 TRISTRAM'S GRACKLE, 7
SCRUB WARBLERS, 2 DESERT LARKS and a WHITE-CROWNED BLACK WHEATEAR.
16th November
Up before dawn, I drove to Alaemon Nature Reserve ("kilometre
33") for first light. Parking by the pumping house at the T-junction
of the tracks, I explored the desert area between the car and the
border fence. I had good views of a BAR-TAILED DESERT LARK about
150m NE of the T-junction for several minutes after which it flew
to the area of the car, although I could not relocate it. A male
DESERT WHEATEAR and a pale juvenile SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE showing
characters of the race elegans were noted, as was a DORCAS
GAZELLE resting in the early morning cool. I then found a HOOPOE
LARK feeding alongside and beyond the border fence to the ESE of
the T-junction. This bird was very tolerant and gave excellent
views for about half an hour until I left. A MOURNING WHEATEAR
and SPECTACLED WARBLER were noted in the bushes around the T-junction,
but I couldn't locate any Desert Warblers.
I then moved on to Shizzafon sewage farm, which was crowded
with birds. A male HOODED WHEATEAR was perched on the fence;
other birds included 5 BLUETHROATS, 2 MOURNING WHEATEAR, hundreds
of alba WHITE WAGTAILS, a WHITE-CROWNED BLACK WHEATEAR, 10
feldegg YELLOW WAGTAILS, 5 GREEN SANDPIPER, 4 rubicola
STONECHAT, 2 BROWN-NECKED RAVEN and a female SPARROWHAWK. On the
way back to Eilat, I stopped at Yotvata where 2 ARABIAN WARBLERS
were present in the acacias behind the garage. Also 2 HOOPOE, and
an ARABIAN BABBLER there. The sewage farm to the south had a male
POCHARD and 15 LITTLE GREEN BEE-EATERS while 120 WHITE PELICANS
and a marvellous subadult STEPPE EAGLE overflew.
In the afternoon we visited Timna Valley which has some nicely
preserved Egyptian ruins as well as some spectacular scenery. The
typical desert birds were present, as were 8 Nubian Ibex,
although it was too late in the year for Sooty Falcons, which
breed here.
17th November
At dawn I visited the wadi just W of Eilat (see Dave Gosney's
guide), a traditional site for wintering Striated Scops Owl, but
unfortunately without success, noting of interest only a nice
adult LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD of the race rufinus. Moving on
to Amram's Pillars I managed to dip Sinai Rosefinch as well,
although largely due to the hoards of tourist buses which seem to
descend on the area from about 0900 onwards. The only birds of
note were a couple of heyi SAND PARTRIDGES and several
TRISTRAM'S GRACKLES.
We spent the main part of the day snorkelling and sunbathing
at Coral Beach. The experience simply cannot be missed on a visit
to Eilat. We managed to identify Sohal Surgeon Fish, Blue Tang,
Parrot Fish sp, Common Lion Fish (out of this world!), Common
Goldfish, Sergeant Major Damsel Fish, Coral Grouper and Trumpet
Fish.
18th November
We left at 0730 only to find the car had been broken into and
the radio stolen! It took us a couple of hours to get a new car
and the episode later cost us £99. However, eventually we left
for a touristic trip to the Dead Sea. En route we stopped at
Yotvata where we had an ARABIAN WARBLER and a late HONEY BUZZARD
over. Other
birds on the trip were 2 BROWN-NECKED RAVENS at Km100 and a
LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD near Hazeva. We arrived at Massada around
1400 and immediately noted 75 FAN-TAILED RAVENS around the
fortress. We got excellent views of these birds from the top (we
took the cable car up!) of the amazingly well-preserved and
historically rich site. A feldeggii LANNER was patrolling
around the cliffs here, lots of PALE CRAG MARTINS were around,
and a SCRUB WARBLER was something of a surprise around the ruins.
After going for a float in the Dead Sea, we drove back, hearing a
STONE CURLEW calling from near Km105.
19th November
At dawn I went to Amram's Pillars again, enjoying a superb
female HOODED WHEATEAR along the approach track, and eventually
had a female / immature SINAI ROSEFINCH on the craggy hillside S
of the car park. It flew in calling but only gave distant perched
views. I then tried the North Reservoirs reached by crossing
straight back over the Arava highway on leaving Amram's Pillars.
There were many CHAFFINCHES and SONG THRUSHES here, and on the
main reservoirs, I had 108 GREATER FLAMINGOES, 7+ WATER PIPITS,
40 PINTAIL, a GREENSHANK, 51 REDSHANK, an adult SLENDER-BILLED
GULL and about 50 LITTLE STINT. Around the reservoirs were 2 fine
maura SIBERIAN STONECHATS and 12 PALE CRAG MARTINS.
A visit to the Hai-Bar Yotvata Reserve that afternoon was very
interesting. They breed many species now extinct in Israel
including Arabian Oryx and negevensis Lappet-faced Vulture.
The latter unfortunately can now only be seen behind bars in
Israel. Notable birds seen on the guided mini safari were a
HOOPOE, 2 LITTLE GREEN BEE-EATERS and a juvenile MASKED SHRIKE. A
quick visit to the Northern Reservoirs on the way back to show
Rebecca the flamingos produced in addition a juvenile GREY PLOVER,
3+ DUNLIN, 2 SANDERLING, a TEMMINCK'S STINT, 2 WIGEON and a
NORTHERN WHEATEAR. The North Beach that evening held 45 WHITE-EYED
GULLS, 15 SLENDER-BILLED GULLS, 50 GREY HERON, 25 sinensis
GREAT CORMORANT, 2 CASPIAN TERN and a CORY'S SHEARWATER.
20th November
The second major day trip of the holiday was to Urim, in the
Northern Negev. We stopped briefly at Shizzafon sewage farm where
we were lucky enough to jam into c. 150 SPOTTED SANDGROUSE flying
E along the approach road to Shizzafon at about Km 4. At the
sewage farm itself we had 2 GADWALL and 3 GREEN SANDPIPER. After
calling in at Mizpe Ramon for refreshments (and noting several
Nubian Ibex, two CHUKAR, a SCRUB WARBLER, MOURNING WHEATEAR,
WHITE-CROWNED BLACK WHEATEAR and BROWN-NECKED RAVEN), our route
took us via the magnificent gorge of En Avdat. At the latter site
we searched the cliffs in vain for roosting Eagle Owls, but noted
a fine pair of BONELLI'S EAGLE, a BLUE ROCK THRUSH, LONG-LEGGED
BUZZARD and 50 ROCK DOVES.
We explored the Urim area for about 3 hours. The whole place
is full of birds, and several full days could easily be spent
here. The fields E & W of the main road held about 1500
SKYLARK, 50 MEADOW PIPIT, 20 RED-THROATED PIPIT, 2500 STARLINGS,
50 LAPWING, 12 SOCIABLE PLOVER, 20 SPUR-WINGED PLOVER, a FAN-TAILED
WARBLER and a CATTLE EGRET. Towards dusk, two
huge flocks of sandgrouse passed W of the main road - there
were about 700 SPOTTED SANDGROUSE and 4000 PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE.
Six COMMON CRANES overflew at the same time. Raptors were also in
abundance here: 87 BLACK KITE, 3 MONTAGU'S HARRIER, 1 SPARROWHAWK,
1 LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD, 17 EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLE, 4 KESTREL, 1
MERLIN, 1 SAKER and 1 PEREGRINE. The EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLES gave
excellent views low in flight and perched on pylons; while SAKER
proved harder, superb views were eventually gained of a juvenile
sitting on a pylon by driving along an agricultural track which
follows the line of pylons W from the main road. It took the full
three hours to locate the SAKER, and this site really needs
plenty of time to guarantee seeing this species.
21st November
First thing in the morning I went out to the wadi just W of
Eilat and to my amazement eventually located a superb STRIATED
SCOPS OWL in a large flat-topped Acacia by pylon 6EN. This bird
gave very good views, although I did not approach it too closely.
Overall, this species had taken about 5 hours of searching and I
was overjoyed finally to have clapped eyes on one! I brought
Rebecca to have a look and took several photos of the bird.
After spending the day on the beach, I headed up to Km 50 in
the afternoon where I had 2 cracking ARABIAN WARBLERS, a SCRUB
WARBLER, 2 WHITE-CROWNED BLACK WHEATEARS, 2 LITTLE GREEN BEE-EATERS
and 2 PALESTINE SUNBIRDS.
22nd November
Last day with the hire car. A dawn visit to the North Beach
produced the usual assortment of birds, but striking north
alongside the new lagoon, I noticed a fine adult BARBARY FALCON
perched on a telegraph pole eating a prey item. The sewage canal
had a pale phase WESTERN REEF HERON, an adult PURPLE HERON and 20
RED-THROATED PIPTS. The salt pans held a juvenile GREY PLOVER, 7
MARSH SANDPIPER, 10 RUFF, 30 KENTISH PLOVER and 10 tundrae
RINGED PLOVER.
Searching the fields along the way, I drove north along the
track to the Northern Reservoirs where I noted a fine aucheri
SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE, a male DESERT WHEATEAR, an orientalis
CURLEW and a variegata SIBERIAN STONECHAT. On the SW tip
of the reservoirs, I noticed three larks feeding by the base of
the embankment. Quickly scoping them, I realised they were
ORIENTAL
SKYLARKS. I got excellent views until they moved out of sight.
I parked up south of
the reservoirs where I bumped into Hadoram Shirihai.
Subsequently we had the birds fly over uttering their distinctive
call. The large melon field there held many CHAFFINCHES, DESERT
FINCHES and SKYLARKS, and upon forming a line and walking through
the field, Hadoram picked out a splendid BIMACULATED LARK of
which we had excellent views on the ground.
A brilliant end to the trip, we took back the hire care and
sunbathed away the remaining morning, returning to London on
Monday evening.
Systematic List
Trinomials are given wherever birds were subspecifically
identified. Each account indicates whether the subspecific
identification was made on the basis of geographical distribution
or the attributes of the birds in question. It is beyond the
scope of this report to discuss subspecific identification, but
see Shirihai (1996) for an in-depth treatment of subspecies
occurrence and identification in Israel.
1. Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea
diomedea)
Singles off North Beach 10th &
19th. Identified to subspecies diomedea on the
basis of geographic distribution only.
2. White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
120 south over Yotvata 16th.
Monotypic species.
3. Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)
Common Eilat area, largest count 25. All birds
were identified as sinensis based on their attributes.
4. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea cinerea)
Common Eilat area, largest count 50. All birds
were identified as cinerea based on their attributes.
5. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Five records from the sewage canal area, Eilat.
Monotypic species.
6. Great White Egret (Casmerodius albus albus)
Single on the salt pans at Eilat 14th
November. Identified to subspecies alba on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
7. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta garzetta)
Common Eilat area, largest count 13. All birds
were identified as garzetta based on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
8. Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis)
Three light phase birds North Beach 14th
November, one sewage canal 22nd November. Monotypic
species.
9. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
Single Urim 20th November.
Identified as ibis based on its attributes.
10. Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Two flew inland N up the Arava valley 10th
November. Monotypic species.
11. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia ciconia)
Up to 38 birds on Eilat salt pans. These late-staying
birds were the remnant of a large flock fed by the IBCE after
they turned back during migration over Sinai. Identified to
subspecies ciconia on the basis of geographic distribution
only.
12. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus)
Up to 108 on the Northern Reservoirs, 19th
& 22nd November. Identified to subspecies roseus
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
13. European Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Two Northern Reservoirs 19th
November. Monotypic species.
14. Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Two Shizzafon sewage farm 20th
November. Monotypic species.
15. Common Teal (Anas crecca crecca)
Two at the sewage farm at Km 40 19th
November. Identified as crecca based on their attributes.
16. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos)
Single on the new lagoon 14th
November. Identified to subspecies platyrhynchos on the
basis of geographic distribution only.
17. Pintail (Anas acuta)
40 Northern Reservoirs 19th November
but only 6 there on 22nd. Monotypic species.
18. Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Drake at Yotvata sewage farm 16th
November. Monotypic species.
19. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus haliaetus)
Single North Beach 10th November
with fish in talons. Identified to subspecies haliaetus on
the basis of geographic distribution only.
20. Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Single S over Yotvata 18th November.
Monotypic species.
21. Black Kite (Milvus migrans ssp.)
Single over Eilat salt pans 14th
November, and 87 Urim area 20th November. No birds
identified to subspecific level.
22. Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Three ringtails Urim 20th November.
Monotypic species.
23. Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus aeruginosus)
Single over Eilat salt pans 14th
November. Identified to subspecies aeruginosus on the
basis of geographic distribution only.
24. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus nisus)
Single female Shizzafon Sewage Farm 16th
November, one at Urim 20th November. Identified to
subspecies nisus on the basis of geographic distribution
only.
25. Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus rufinus)
Four scattered records of this uncommon
resident (Wadi just outside Eilat 17th, En Hazeva 18th,
En Avdat 20th, Urim 20th). All birds were
identified as rufinus based on their attributes.
26. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis orientalis)
Subadult south over Yotvata 16th
November. Identified as orientalis based on its attributes.
27. Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
17 at Urim 20th November. Monotypic
species. WORLD TICK.
28. Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus
fasciatus)
Pair at En Avdat 20th November.
Identified to subspecies fasciatus on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
29. Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus pennatus)
Light phase adult over Eilat town on 10th
November. It or another over Eilat town on 22nd
November. Identified to subspecies pennatus on the basis
of geographic distribution only.
30. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus tinnunculus)
Fairly common. Identified to subspecies tinnunculus
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
31. Merlin (Falco columbarius ssp.)
Male at Urim 20th November.
Seemingly an intermediate individual between insignis and aesalon.
32. Lanner (Falco biarmicus feldeggii)
A very pale individual of the race feldeggii
at Massada 18th November.
33. Saker (Falco cherrug cherrug)
Juvenile perched on a pylon at Urim 20th
November. Identified to subspecies cherrug on the basis of
geographic distribution only. WORLD TICK.
34. Peregrine (Falco peregrinus peregrinus)
Adult perched on a pylon at Urim 20th
November. Identified as peregrinus based on attributes.
35. Barbary Falcon (Falco pelegrinoides ssp.)
Adult of indeterminate race feeding on prey
perched on a telegraph pole Eilat sewage canal 22nd
November.
36. Sand Partridge (Ammoperdix heyi heyi)
Pair in car park at Amram's Pillars 17th
November, pair along approach road to Amram's Pillars 19th
November. All birds were identified as heyi based on their
attributes.
37. Chukar (Alectoris chukar sinaica)
Two Mizpe Ramon 20th November.
Identified to subspecies sinaica on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
38. Common Crane (Grus grus grus)
Six flew over the Urim area on 20th
November. Identified to subspecies grus on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
39. Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus aquaticus)
Single heard along the sewage canal 14th
November. Identified to subspecies aquaticus on the basis
of geographic distribution only.
40. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus)
One at Yotvata sewage farm on 16th
November. Identified to subspecies chloropus on the basis
of geographic distribution only.
41. Coot (Fulica atra atra)
Six at Yotvata sewage farm and one at Shizzafon
seage farm on 16th November. Identified to subspecies atra
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
42. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Up to 21 birds on Eilat salt pans throughout.
Monotypic species.
43. Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus saharae)
Singles heard in the northern Arava Valley (18th)
and at Urim (20th).
44. Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
One at Shizzafon sewage farm 16th
November, about 50 at Urim 20th November.
45. Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus)
Fairly common in suitable habitat, more further
north. Monotypic species.
46. Sociable Plover (Vanellus gregarius)
12 at Urim 20th November in fields
about a mile east of the main road.
47. Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Juveniles at Eilat salt pans and the Northern
Reservoirs 10th-22nd November.
48. Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula tundrae)
Up to 30 at Eilat salt pans and the Northern
Reservoirs throughout. All birds were identified as tundrae
based on their attributes.
49. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus
alexandrinus)
Up to 80 at Eilat salt pans and the Northern
Reservoirs throughout. Identified to subspecies alexandrinus
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
50. Western Curlew (Numenius arquata orientalis)
A single bird of the race orientalis
("Eastern Curlew") was on the Northern Reservoirs on 22nd
November. Identified by its striking white underwing and very
pale ground colour, the bird was confirmed as an orientalis
by Hadoram Shirihai.
51. Common Redshank (Tringa totanus ssp.)
Common. Groups of up to 75 birds in suitable
habitat. Several races occur in Israel, and the birds were not
studied closely enough to be sure of racial identity.
52. Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Up to 7 birds on Eilat salt pans 14th-22nd
November. Monotypic species.
53. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
1-2 present at Eilat salt pans / Northern
Reservoirs throughout. Monotypic species.
54. Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
Two Eilat sewage canal 11th November.
Up to 5 at Shizzafon sewage farm 16th & 20th
November. Monotypic species.
55. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Single at Eilat salt pans 10-11th
November. Monotypic species
56. Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Two on the Northern Reservoirs 19th
November. Monotypic species.
57. Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
Up to 150 at Northern Reservoirs / Eilat salt
pans 10th-22nd November. Monotypic species.
58. Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii)
15 at Eilat salt pans 10th November.
Otherwise, 1-5 birds Eilat salt pans / Northern Reservoirs 10th-19th
November.
59. Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina)
Small numbers at Eilat salt pans and Northern
Reservoirs19th-22nd November. Identified to subspecies
alpina on the basis of geographic distribution only.
60. Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
10 and Eilat salt pans on 22nd
November. Monotypic species.
61. White-eyed Gull (Larus leucophthalmus)
Up to 50 at Eilat north beach throughout.
Monotypic species.
62. Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)
Up to 4 at Eilat 12th-14th
November. Only adults were identified. Monotypic species. WORLD
TICK.
63. Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus)
Single adult Eilat salt pans 10th
November. Monotypic species.
64. Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
Up to 12 birds around Eilat 10th-22nd
November. Monotypic species.
65. Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei)
Up to 15 birds around Eilat 10th-22nd
November. Monotypic species.
66. Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida hybrida)
Adult feeding over "North Sewage" on
19th November. Identified to subspecies hybrida
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
67. Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica
nilotica)
Up to three at Eilat salt pans10th-14th
November. Identified to subspecies nilotica on the basis
of geographic distribution only.
68. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia caspia)
Up to 7 birds around Eilat 10th-22nd
November. Identified to subspecies caspia on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
69. Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata
caudacutus)
Distant views of 4000 birds in flight at Urim
on 20th November. About 1 mile W of the main road.
70. Spotted Sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus)
Flock of 150 over the road about 3Km E of
Shizzafon sewage farm early morning 20th November, and
a further 700 seen in flight at Urim. Monotypic species. WORLD
TICK.
71. Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse (Pterocles
lichtensteinii lichtensteinii)
Excellent views of 24 birds that came in to
drink at Eilat water pumping station between 1705-1725 on 12th
November. Two flying over the wadi just W of Eilat at dusk on 17th.
Identified to subspecies lichtensteinii on the basis of
geographic distribution only. WORLD TICK.
72. Rock Dove (Columba livia palaestinae)
Apparently genuine birds at En Netaphim (15th),
Timna Valley (16th) and En Avdat (20th).
Identified to subspecies palaestinae on the basis of
geographic distribution only. Feral birds common in non-desert
habitats.
73. Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto)
Abundant in non-desert habitats. Identified to
subspecies decaocto on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
74. Palm Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis ssp.)
Very common in non-desert habitats. Several
forms occur in Israel, and identifications could not be made to
subspecific level.
75. Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis capensis)
Crippling views of a male feeding on path by
greenhouses on 14th November. Identified to subspecies
capensis on the basis of geographic distribution only.
76. Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri
borealis)
Small numbers around Eilat. Identified to
subspecies borealis on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
77. Barn Owl (Tyto alba erlangeri)
Single over Eilat fields at 0820h on 11th
November. Identified to subspecies erlangeri on the basis
of geographic distribution only.
78. Striated Scops Owl (Otus brucei ssp.)
Good views of a single in the wadi just W of
Eilat on 21st November. The bird could not be
identified to subspecific level. WORLD TICK.
79. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis rudis)
Fairly common around Eilat, including one
fishing some distance out to sea on 12th November.
80. Little Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis
cyanophrys)
Fairly common through the area, with groups of
up to 15 noted. All birds were identified as cyanophrys
based on their attributes.
81. Hoopoe (Upupa epops epops)
Two at Yotvata (16th) and one at the
Hai-Bar Yotvata reserve (19th). Identified to
subspecies epops on the basis of geographic distribution
only.
82. Hoopoe Lark (Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes)
Crippling views of a bird feeding along the
border fence ESE of the T-junction at El Alaemon nature reserve
("Kilometre 33"). Very tolerant of observer presence
and watched for over half an hour. Identified to subspecies alaudipes
on the basis of geographic distribution only. WORLD TICK.
83. Bimaculated Lark (Melanocorypha bimaculata
ssp.)
Single feeding and resting in the melon field
at the SW corner of the Northern Reservoirs on 22nd
November. It could not be identified to subspecies level. WORLD
TICK.
84. Bar-tailed Desert Lark (Ammomanes cincturus
arenicolor)
Single seen very well just after dawn (at 0620)
about 150m NE of T-junction at El Alaemon nature reserve ("Kilometre
33"). Feeding actively then flew towards the pumphouse but
could not be relocated. Identified to subspecies arenicolor
on the basis of geographic distribution only. WORLD TICK.
85. Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti isabellinus)
Common desert species. Most birds appeared to
be of this race, although the birds at En Avdat may well have
been deserti.
86. Crested Lark (Galerida cristata brachyura)
Common in most habitats. Identified to
subspecies brachyura on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
87. Skylark (Alauda arvensis cantarella)
Small numbers around Eilat throughout, but over
1500 at Urim 20th. Identified to subspecies cantarella
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
88. Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgula ssp.)
Three birds watched feeding from the car at
very close range, by the SW corner of the Northern Reservoirs on
22nd November, and then flew over calling. The birds
could not be identified to subspecies level. WORLD TICK.
89. Pale Crag Martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta)
Fairly common in most habitats. Identified to
subspecies obsoleta on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
90. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica ssp.)
Singles at Eilat 12th & 14th
November. The birds could not be identified to subspecies level.
91. Black-headed Wagtail (Motacilla flava feldegg)
Ten at Shizzafon sewage farm 16th
November. All birds were identified as feldegg based on
their attributes.
92. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba &
dukhunensis)
Birds of the race alba abundant in all
habitats. At least two birds showing the very pale tertials
characteristic of dukhunensis were observed at Eilat
sewage canal on 10th November.
93. Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis pratensis)
Fairly common species in agricultural habitat.
50 at Urim on 20th. Identified to subspecies pratensis
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
94. Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
Up to 20 birds daily at Eilat salt pans. 20 at
Urim on 20th November. Monotypic species.
95. Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta ssp.)
Up to 7 birds at Eilat / Northern Reservoirs
throughout.
96. Buff-bellied Pipit (Anthus rubescens
japonicus)
A single bird was with a few Water Pipits on
the track just S of the date plantation on 14th
November. Identified as japoncus based on its attributes. WORLD
TICK.
97. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)
Common in all habitats. Monotypic species.
98. Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis
aucheri & elegans)
Races separable in the field. Aucheri
was an uncommon resident in developed habitats. A juvenile elegans
was seen very well at El Alaemon nature reserve ("Kilometre
33") on 16th November. No black in lores, very
pale overall and increased white in wing (primary patch and pale-tipped
tertials).
99. Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus)
An immature was at Hai-Bar Yotvata nature
reserve on 19th November. Monotypic species.
100. European Robin (Erithacus rubecula ssp.)
Two birds of indeterminate race were at Eilat
fields on 16th November, while one was at Urim on 20th.
101. Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica ssp)
Common around Eilat and at Shizzafon sewage
farm. No birds could be confidently identified to subspecific
level.
102. Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros
gibraltariensis)
Singles around Eilat 11th-14th
November, and one at Shizzafon sewage farm on 16th.
All birds were identified as gibraltariensis based on
their attributes.
103. Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus
phoenicurus)
Odd singles in secondary habitats 11th-14th
November. All birds were identified as phoenicurus based
on their attributes.
104. Blackstart (Cercomela melanura melanura)
Common in desert and semi-desert areas.
Identified to subspecies melanura on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
105. Stonechat (Saxicola torquata rubicola, maura
& variegata)
Races separable in the field. Rubicola
was common in developed habitats. A single variegata was
watched from close range at the Northern Reservoirs on 22nd
November, while two maura were there on 19th.
Another maura was at Eilat fields on 14th
November.
106. Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe ssp.)
Singles at Eilat salt pans (10th)
and the Northern Reservoirs (19th). Subspecies not
determined.
107. Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti deserti)
Singles at Alaemon nature reserve (16th)
and Northern Reservoirs (22nd). Bothl birds were
identified as deserti based on their attributes.
108. Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens)
Fairly common desert species. Identified to
subspecies lugens on the basis of geographic distribution
only.
109. Hooded Wheatear (Oenanthe monacha)
Very good views of a male on the fence of
Shizzafon sewage farm on 16th, and a female along the
approach road to Amram's Pillars on 19th November.
Monotypic species. WORLD TICK.
110. White-crowned Black Wheatear (Oenanthe
leucopyga ernesti)
Fairly common desert species. Identified to
subspecies ernesti on the basis of geographic distribution
only.
111. Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius
solitarius)
Single at En Advat on 20th November.
Identified to subspecies solitarius on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
112. Blackbird (Turdus merula syriacus)
Single at Urim on 20th November.
Identified to subspecies syriacus on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
113. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos philomelos)
Small numbers around Eilat fields / Northern
Reservoirs. Identified to subspecies philomelos on the
basis of geographic distribution only.
114. Arabian Babbler (Turdoides squamiceps
squamiceps)
Uncommon species in secondary habitats.
Observed at Eilat fields and Yotvata. Identified to subspecies squamiceps
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
115. Arabian Warbler (Sylvia leucomelaena
negevensis)
Two at Yotvata on 16th, and one
there on 18th; two by the Arava highway Kilometre 50
post on 21st NOvember. Identified to subspecies negevensis
on the basis of geographic distribution only. WORLD TICK.
116. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla ssp.)
Male in the wadi just W of Eilat on 21st.
Could not be identified to subspecies level.
117. Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala ssp.)
Common species in many habitats, although no
birds were identified to subspecies level.
118. Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata
conspicillata)
Two at the Alaemon nature reserve ("Kilometre
33") on 16th November. Identified to subspecies conspicillata
on the basis of geographic distribution only.
119. Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybitus
abietinus)
Abundant species in all habitats with
vegetation. All birds were identified as abeitinus based
on their attributes.
120. Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta inquieta)
Seven at En Netaphim on 15th, one at
Massada on 18th and 1 at Mizpe Ramon on 20th.
121. Fan-tailed Warbler (Cisticola juncidis ssp.)
Single at Urim on 20th November.
This area is the intergrade zone between neuroticus and juncidis.
122. Graceful Warbler (Prinia gracilis
palaestinae)
Abundant species in secondary habitats.
Identified to subspecies palaestinae on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
123. Palestine Sunbird (Nectarinia osea osea)
Common species in vegetate semi-desert habitats.
Identified to subspecies osea on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
124. Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)
Single with Red-throated Pipits at Eilat new
lagoon on 14th November. Monotypic species.
125. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs coelebs)
Common in agricultural habitat around Eilat /
Northern Reservoirs. Identified to subspecies coelebs on
the basis of geographic distribution only.
126. Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis niediecki)
25 at Urim on 20th November.
Identified to subspecies neidiecki on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
127. Linnet (Acanthis cannabina ssp.)
10 at Eilat on 10th November and 5
at Mizpe Ramon on 20th. The birds could not be
identified to subspecific level.
128. Desert Finch (Rhodopechys obsoleta)
Common in North fields, Eilat, e.g. 35 on 22nd
November. Monotypic species.
129. Sinai Rosefinch (Carpodacus synoicus
synoicus)
Female / immature type at Amram's Pillar's on
19th November, after several attempts for this species.
Identified to subspecies synoicus on the basis of
geographic distribution only. WORLD TICK.
130. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus ssp.
& biblicus)
Common throughout, but confusing racial
variation made identification of individuals very hard, although
50 birds at Massada on 18th were thought to be biblicus.
131. Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis ssp.)
Also common, e.g. 100 Northern Reservoirs 22nd
November. No birds could be identified to subspecific level.
132. Tristram's Grackle (Onychognathus tristramii)
Fairly common desert species e.g. 25 at En
Netaphim on 15th November, 25 at Massada on 18th,
although 30 overflew Eilat town on 11th November.
Monotypic species.
133. Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris tauricus)
10 at Shizzafon sewage farm on 16th
November, 2500 at Urim on 20th November. Identified to
subspecies tauricus on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
134. House Crow (Corvus splendens splendens)
Up to 30 birds at Eilat daily. Identified to
subspecies splendens on the basis of geographic
distribution only.
135. Hooded Crow (Corvus corone sardonius)
100 at Urim on 20th November.
Identified to subspecies sardonius on the basis of
geographic distribution only.
136. Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis
ruficollis)
Singles and pairs observed fairly frequently in
all desert areas. Identified to subspecies ruficollis on
the basis of geographic distribution only.
137. Fan-tailed Raven (Corvus rhipidurus)
75 at Massada on 20th November.
Monotypic species.
Other Species Recorded
138. Painted Lady (Cynthia cardui)
Fairly comon in many habitats.
139. Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)
Singles in Eilat on 14th and at Urim
on 20th Novmber.
140. Trumpet Fish (Fistularia petimba)
12 while snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th
November. WORLD TICK.
141. Coral Grouper (Cephalopolis miniata)
Single while snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th
November. WORLD TICK.
142. Sergeant Major Damsel Fish (Abudefduf
saxatilis)
200 while snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th
November. WORLD TICK.
143. Common Goldfish (Anthias squamipinnis)
100 while snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th
November. WORLD TICK.
144. Common Lion Fish (Pterois volitans)
Brilliant views of a beautiful individual while
snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th November. WORLD
TICK.
145. Blue Tang (Zebrastoma xanthurum)
10 while snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th
November. WORLD TICK.
146. Sohal Surgeon Fish (Acanthurus sohal)
1 while snorkelling at Coral Beach on 17th
November. WORLD TICK.
147. Domino Coral Fish (Chromis caerulea)
Single seen from the underwater observatory on
13th November. WORLD TICK.
148. Banded Coral Fish (Dascyllus marginatus)
3 seen from the underwater observatory on 13th
November. WORLD TICK.
149. Threadfin Butterfly Fish (Chastodon aurica)
10 seen from the underwater observatory on 13th
November. WORLD TICK.
150. Horn Antenna Butterfly Fish (Heniochus
diphreutes)
20 seen from the underwater observatory on 13th
November. WORLD TICK.
151. Picasso Trigger Fish (Rhinecanthus assasi)
Single seen from the underwater observatory on
13th November. WORLD TICK.
152. Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana)
8 in Timna Valley 16th November, 10
Mizpe Ramon 20th November.
153. Dorcas Gazelle (Gazella dorcas)
Good views of a sitting individual early in the
morning at Alaemon Nature Reserve ("Kilometre 33"). The
Arava valley holds several hundred Dorcas Gazelles. WORLD TICK.
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