A whole day in the Dead Sea region was on today's agenda. Breaking our journey at Hazeva, Paul and I had an encouraging start to the day with great views of a singing male Arabian Warbler in the Acacias, and a unexpected bonus in the form of a Red-breasted Flycatcher. The Ein Gedi area provided 'close up and personal' looks at some very tame Fan-tailed Ravens, while Paul also tried to photographed the numerous Tristram's Grackles in the car park at Nahal David.

From there we drove south to the fishponds at Neot Hakikkar and were greeted by good numbers of herons, including about 30 Great White Egrets and 2 juvenile Purple Herons. All three kingfishers were present, including a fine White-breasted and there was a juvenile Greater Spotted Eagle completing a good selection of species that we enjoyed in excellent late afternoon light.

All in all, a really enjoyable day.

Good birding,

James Smith."