More hot news and a beautiful bird!

Neot Semadar - 7th May 2003

This morning (7th May '03), an adult male Turkestan Shrike in the western orchard groves of Kibbutz Neot Semadar. Few birds of the 'Isabelline Shrike' group are specifically/sub-specifically identified in Israel but this male gave wonderful views and no identification problems.

'Phoenicuroides' is a long distance migrant and this bird may well have been on its way from East Africa to Central Asia. Whatever its true route, it was a personal first for me and an absolute cracker!!

Almost kicked to the sidelines were a Dunn's Lark and a Crested Honey Buzzard at Yotvata fields this morning.

What a phenomenal spring!

All the images are fresh from the field.

Good birding,

James P. Smith & The Birdingisrael Team