We began with a new group this week - Ken and Margaret Smith, and Roy and Bev Ingham had all previously spent time on Lotan and the prospect of some exciting autumn birding had drawn them back once again. If the first morning was going to be an indicator of the week to come, then it was going to be a cracking trip! A short walk around Lotan this morning produced close views of 3 Namaqua Doves, numerous Little Green Bee-eaters and a superb Richard's Pipit by the swimming pool.

Our post breakfast session at Yotvata was equally productive with 2 stunning male Lesser Kestrels, 8 Northern Lapwings, 2 Desert Wheatears, an Eastern Stonechat and no less than 4 Richard's Pipits.

In the afternoon we headed south to the Km19 area of Eilat finding a young Greater Spotted Eagle, 3 Short-toed Larks, and a juvenile Citrine Wagtail at the north sewage pools. I was also delighted to relocate last week's adult 'Isabelline Shrike' near the melon fields, which was a 'life' bird for everyone in our party. All in all, it had been an excellent opening day to the tour."

Good birding,

James Smith