James Smith's Daily Sightings Reports Fall 2001

3rd & 4th December 2001 - Kibbutz Lotan

The last two days have seen more than just a sense of winter setting in. Not only has there been a significant drop in temperature, but strong western winds coupled with cloud have really made it feel quite chilly, even here in the Arava.

The slowing down of migration has been noticeable with very few birds to report around the Kibbutz. Yesterday, 3rd December, I noted several Water, Meadow and Red-throated Pipits on the grass by the swimming pool, as well as about 12 Chiffchaffs and a wandering Black Kite. Although, non-migratory, Palestine Sunbirds were plentiful with over 10 counted on a short walk around the Kibbutz. Further south, Killian Mullarney's last morning in Eilat produced breathtaking views of the Red-wattled Lapwing at the north sewage pools, and the female Pied Stonechat remained at Eilat's birdwatching park.

Today, 4th December, I had a good walk around the date plantation to the north of the Kibbutz. Although I tend not to do birding here very frequently, I'm usually quite impressed with place when I do. Effectively it's a mini forest in the middle of the desert and attractive for a number of typically woodland birds such as Robin and Song Thrush which will spend the winter here. Good numbers of Sardinian Warbler and Graceful Prinia were also present with at least ten of each. There were also 6 Arabian Babblers bathing in a puddle created by a leaking irrigation pipe.

The most interesting birds were 13 Siskin flying over towards Lotan's fields, this being one of the largest
groups that I've seen at Lotan. Also of note were 2 Dead Sea Sparrows and a single Desert Finch, as well
as a Mourning Wheatear just north of the plantation.

Good birding to all,

James Smith.

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Contact info

Daphna Abell
Program Coordinator
lotan-programs@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356935;
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