Thanks to a phone call from Ayala Wise and a quick bike ride from Lotan to Ketura, I was able to share wonderful views of a Long-eared Owl with a gathering of admirers from Ketura. This remarkably tame bird was perched openly in a palm tree just outside Ketura's tourism office. The bird seemed extremely tolerant of its audience and allowed a very close approach, perhaps indicating that it was not entirely well. However, it gave amazing views in the same tree and apparently stayed on the same branch all day.

Ayala and I also had good close views of the Hume's Warbler, last seen on 29th November and it was good to know that it was sticking around in the same area and could well attempt to overwinter there.

An adult Imperial Eagle and an adult Steppe Eagle at the dairy barn added to the short but excellent selection of species present at Ketura today.

Good birding,

James Smith