Birding in the southern Arava was tougher than expected today. Heat and wind again featured throughout the day and migrants between Eilat and Yotvata appeared to be in very short supply indeed. We fared better in the afternoon when we tried an area of 'green desert' just to the north of Kibbutz Yahel, about an hour north of Eilat. On arrival, a dozen Spotted Sandgrouse flew over heading north. Initially, wheatears appeared to be the most obvious migrants with Isabelline, Northern and Desert Wheatears being found within a few minutes. Further exploration of the plains produced numerous Tawny Pipits, Greater Short-toed Larks, Lesser Whitethroats and a dozen Cretschmar's Buntings. The highlight would have to be the Pale Rock Sparrow picked out by group participant Neil Maxwell, a bird which we all saw extremely well. Towards the end of the day we also found a nice range of migrants including Common Whitethroat, Ruppell's and Orphean Warblers plus a Wryneck, wrapping up an extremely productive afternoon.
Cretschmar's Bunting - Km77, Eilot region, Israel. March 13th, 2013.
Panasonic Lumix FZ7.
Pale Rock Sparrow - Km77, Eilot region, Israel. March 13th, 2013.
Panasonic Lumix FZ7.
Tawny Pipit - Km77, Eilot region, Israel. March 13th, 2013.
Panasonic Lumix FZ7.
Desert Locust - Km77, Eilot region, Israel. March 13th, 2013.
Panasonic Lumix FZ7.
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