MEGA – Israel's second Franklin's Gull – Larus pipixcan

Eilat, North Beach

On the morning of 1 July 2006, Yoav Perlman found an adult Franklins's Gull at Eilat's North Beach. Yoav mentioned that it was one of those times, when the first bird you get your bins on when you get out of the car is a mega… and what a bird.

Franklin's Gull is a North American species that is a rare vagrant to European shores. In Israel, this is the second record of this Nearctic Gull, with the first record also from Eilat in June 2003. There is a possibility that this is the returning 2003 bird, especially since the vagrancy chances of this species to Eilat are so slim.

The bird, which was in full summer plumage, was first found at 7:00 and gave great views throughout the morning. During this time the bird wandered into Jordanian waters several times so if approved should account as the first record for Jordan.

Early summer is by far the best time for seawatching in Eilat. For those willing to endure the heat, there are always great birds to look at. Moribund arctic species, Near-tropical species and birds breeding on islets in the southern Red Sea wander north and reach the North beach.

Yoav reports 3-4 Bridled Terns, a single Arctic Tern, 4 Arctic Skuas and a single Pomarine Skua. All great species on their own right, but this morning they were overshadowed by the superb Franklin's Gull.

* Update *

The Franklin's Gull showed well this morning as well (July 2nd). Besides the Gull there were 13 Bridled Terns, a single White cheeked Tern and two 1st summer Arctic Terns. Summer birding in Eilat is far from dull.

I would like to thank Yoav for letting us post his images and congratulate him on a great find.

Jonathan Meyrav

Contact info

Daphna Abell
Program Coordinator
lotan-programs@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356935;
Toll Free: 1800 2000 75 (when in Israel)