An influx of Upcher's Warblers - 10th May 2003

The prolonged hot spell of eastern winds brought a major influx of Upcher's Warblers (Hippolais languida) today. This morning at least five were present in Neot Semadar's western fields and orchards, and this evening I found one in Ketura's experimental gardens. All of these were feeding on, or close to the ground, quite different behaviour to that of the many bush dwelling Eastern Olivaceous Warblers (Hippolais pallida) feeding close by.

Other good birds around this weekend (on 9th May) included this superb Siberian Gull (Larus heuglini) at Eilat's north sewage pools where I also photographed this small, dark Yellow Wagtail showing characteristics of the Egyptian form 'pygmaea'. Two Dunn's Larks were also present for much of the day in the Yotvata fields.

Just amazing!

Cheers,

James P. Smith & The Birdingisrael Team

Upcher's Warbler	Siberian Gull	Yellow Wagtail

 

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