James Smith's Daily Sightings Reports Fall 2001

6th December 2001 - Kibbutz Lotan

During the middle of the morning I managed to tear myself away from the office and went for a short stroll around the Kibbutz. The cool wintery conditions continued from the previous days and rain threatened on several occaisions. Still, I was really delighted to have my best views to date of our very elusive White-breasted Kingfisher, which perched for several minutes on wires beside the swimming pool. This bird has also been reported from the date palm plantation, so is clearly ranging over a wide area.

In late afternoon, Tamar Zevulun reported a nice flock of 10 -12 Cattle Egrets on the grass lawns close the club house of the Kibbutz. This species has become quite regular round Lotan over the last three winters in flocks of 10 - 15 individuals, and can be found anywhere from the fields to the dairy barn and on occasion within the Kibbutz where it's always a thrill see to them.

Later in the afternoon it rained quite heavily along several parts of the Arava so it will be interesting to see what shows up tomorrow.

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;
Toll Free: 1800 2000 75 (when in Israel)