Possible first for Israel – Greater Yellowlegs – Eilat 16/8/05

On the 16 th of August 2005 Eran Peled, a visiting birder from central Israel , found and photographed this bird in the Eilat birdwatching park. Eran then downloaded his images and requested for help on the identification of this and various other shorebirds. His images caused a stir as the bird looks good for Greater Yellowlegs. Unfortunately none of Israel 's birders caught up with this particular bird at Eilat and we remain with 3 images of a potential first for Israel.

We welcome all feedback and comments Greater Yellowlegs – Tringa melanoleuca is an American wader, with very few records in Europe and no prior record in Israel. Due to the importance of this record we will be very happy to hear your views on this bird.

The opinions vary amongst the birders that looked into the images and birders with experience with the species are invited to give us their insight on this one.

I would like to thank Eran Peled for his images and his great cooperation with Israel 's rarities committee and all interested in resolving this puzzler. We will keep you updated on this issue and are happy to bring you fresh field reports from the IOC and IAF northern valleys soaring bird survey soon, as migration gets into gear.

Jonathan Meyrav and the BirdingIsrael Team

Breaking News: 1/9/2005 -  The Tringa Species in Eilat – issue resolved

Contact info

Daphna Abell
Program Coordinator
lotan-programs@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356935;
Toll Free: 1800 2000 75 (when in Israel)