Bridled Terns (Sterna anaethetus) at Eilat north beach

July 26th

Daniel Gelbart, who spent the spring of 2002 on Kibbutz Lotan carrying out a raptors survey, reported an exceptional flock of 36 Bridled Terns (Sterna anaethetus) at Eilat north beach on 26th July. This amazing record instantly became the largest flock of Bridled Terns ever recorded in Israel. The previous largest flock was in August 1980 when Hadoram Shirihai recorded one flock of 29 birds.

Daniel also recorded a Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis) and a White-winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)

Eariler in the week, Josef Kiat also recorded a flock of 24 Bridled Terns on 21st July at Eilat's north beach. Although not a national rarity, Bridled Tern generally only occurs in July-August in Israel and is best described as a scarce, non-breeding summer visitor. Summer 2003 appears to be the best that we've seen for this species for many years, continuing the sequence of excellent mid-summer tern observations from Eilat.

Other news, well Lotan had its first Hoopoe Lark (aleamon alaudipes) for about three years when I discovered a single bird in the dunes just east of Lotan's date plantation. In past years, July through to December has proved to be the best period in which to see Hoopoe Lark in the immediate area of Lotan and perhaps this will be another good season for them.

Good birding,

James P. Smith & The Birdingisrael Team

Contact info

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