Hume's Leaf Warblers and more - Mid February 2006 in southern Israel

Hume's Warbler images courtesy of Roni Livne, all other images copyright Jonathan Meyrav

Spring is slowly creeping in. More and more migrants are evident and some of the wintering passerines are becoming vocal and territorial, preparing to depart for their wintering grounds.

Here is a summary of interesting observations from mid February.

14 Feb. –

We started at the north beach where large flocks of ducks congregate on the sea. Flocks of hundreds of ducks, mostly Pintail and Shoveler could be seen flying around and small groups were noted moving north over the valley. Gulls of several species were noted, of interest were several cachinnans and barabensis Gulls and at least 3 Baltic Gulls. The long staying Kittiwake summed up an interesting seawatch.

At the k19 sewage there were at least 2 female type Pochards.

Migrants were evident further north along the Arava with up to 150 Pallid Swifts, dozens of House Martins and single Barn Swallows. At least 2 feldegg Yellow Wagtails, 2 Quail and at least 5 Steppe Eagles (adult and subadult birds) were noted.

15 Feb. –

We started the day at one of my favorite open desert areas not far from Lotan. It was quite dry but a nice Asian Desert Warbler gave decent views. I decided to check the Neo't Smadar date plantation. This organic plantation has a history of good birds, and last year it hosted Israel's first over wintering Red-breasted Flycatcher (LINK ). I was happy to find my first Lesser and Common Whitethroats this year, as well as many Chiffchaffs, Sardinian Warblers and other common passerines. As I was heading for the car I heard the unmistakable call of a Hume's Leaf Warbler… after some searching I located the bird and had decent views for over an hour. It was very vocal and aggressive, attacking Chiffchaffs and restricted to a big Acacia tree. Having seen several Yellow-browed Warblers this winter I was thrilled to find a Hume's Leaf Warbler, only my second bird ever. Liron Ziv and I  worked on the fine details of the bird, the dark legs and bill, the overall drab and grayish appearance, the subtle grayish main wing bar and pale tipped median coverts bar, the pale grey centered tertials and of course the whistling drawn out call.

We then headed south to Yotvata where we found the long staying Yellow-browed Warbler at the Ye'elim Holiday village. It was nice to see these two species in a day and to pay attention to the fine differences in identification.

At the Yotvata circular fields we located at least 2 Buff-bellied Pipits amongst the numerous Water, Red-throated and Meadow Pipits.

16 Feb. –

Another visit to see the Hume's Warbler was our first stop this morning and then we headed north. Howling winds made looking for Larks nearly impossible at the Meishar but a flock of 24 Spotted Sandgrouse and several Desert wheatears made the stop worthwhile. We decided to follow up on the belated report of another Hume's Leaf Warbler, found by Guy Kirwan at the Isrotel inn in Mitzpe Ramon, from the previous week. After searching the trees around the hotel we were ready to give up when I heard the distinctive call of the Warbler from the vegetated slope across the street from the Hotel. After hearing the bird we quickly found it and had great views of yet another Hume's Leaf Warbler. This individual was even drabber than the one I found the day before but still rather distinctive… thank god for calls.

So, birding is picking up pace as the winter is wrapping up and spring is in the air. We are about to open our spring tour season and with the healthy rains and flooding in the desert, this promises to be a green and eventful spring.

Stay posted and good birding.

Jonathan Meyrav

Contact info

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