It's not every day that Rufous and Black Bush Robins can be simultaneously observed in Israel, but Yotvata provided breathtaking views of both on 23rd April. The two species are closely related though visually very different and share the habit of rhythmically pumping and fanning the tail which's often the first clue to their presence in dense Acacia scrub. They will also perch openly on wires, fence posts or stones giving the photographer an opportunity to seize his or her moment.

Black Bush Robin (Cercotrichas podobe) was the second species this spring to appear in our 'Guest of Honor' series on 23rd March. Since that time another was found by Jonathan Meyrav just north of Eilat on 15th April, and this featured bird was found by Yoav Perlman and the Israeli birding youth group on the morning of 23rd April. The latter, though clearly a different individual on plumage features, turned up in exactly the same place as the first bird of 23rd March!! It's perfectly possible that several more Black Bush Robins will appear before the end of the spring.

Rufous Bush Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes) is generally a late season migrant and breeds quite commonly in the Southern Arava. Even so, I was surprised by the high numbers present at Yotvata and counted at least 25 within the immediate area of the sewage pools on 23rd April. Reference to 'The Birds of Israel' by Hadoram Shirihai indicated that the date falls right in the middle of the first major wave of spring migrants during 19th - 29th April!

Do enjoy this gallery of images. All were taken at Yotvata sewage pools on 23rd April 2003.

The 'mega' spring goes on........

Good birding,

James P. Smith & The Birdingisrael Team