Birding Hot-Spots of Israel

Every spring thousands of birdwatchers from around the world set out on the annual pilgrimage to the birdwatchers Mecca of the Middle East - Southern Israel. They come to watch a spectacle, a show of numbers in the avian world, with which few other places in the world can compare. The mass migration of million of birds, representing a couple of hundreds of species, and their concentration at this bottleneck is second to no other site in the world. However, many birders are often so overwhelmed by Southern Israel, and Eilat in particular, that they risk missing many other species and birding hotspots throughout the length of Israel. Here we highlight some of major birding sites in Israel, and hopefully ensure a wider appreciation of this marvellous country, which is able to offer an extensive vacation and a choice from a wide range of subjects.

Israel is a small country (28 946 km²) located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The neighbouring countries are Lebanon to the north, Syria in the north-east, Jordan to the east and Egypt to the south-west. The northernmost point of the country is the snow-covered Mount Hermon, the southernmost is the eastern arm of the balmy Red Sea. It is here that the three world "Old World" continents meet Europe, Asia and Africa. The result is an exceptionally diverse flora and fauna, especially avifauna. This land bridge forms one of the major routes for birds migrating between Eurasia and Africa and hundreds of millions of migrant pass south through Israel on their way to Africa in the Autumn, and north to Europe and Asia in Spring. Israel's location on the edge of the Western Palearctic also offers species that are considered exotic in the region and yet are regularly observed another special attraction for birders.

The country can be visited at most times of the year, but the most popular periods for birding are the spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and Winter (December to February).

In all cases, the resident species such as raptors, large varieties of Middle Eastern and desert specialities such as the five species of sandgrouse, and many species of larks and wheatears can be seen at all times.

such as Spotted Eagle and Sociable Plover may still be found. This period also coincides with some of the most spectacular soaring bird migrations of storks, pelicans and over 30 species of raptors. Of the latter, over a hundred thousand may pass by some migration points in just a few hours.

The autumn migration can be an extremely interesting period because of the greater Asiatic component of species. The Eilat region, Dead Sea area, Bet Shean Valley and Hula Valley offer ,undoubtedly, the best attraction to migrants in the Syrian-African Rift Valley during both migration seasons.

Winter is especially interesting in northern Israel where hundreds of thousands of birds such as White Pelicans, White-headed Ducks, Greater Spotted and Imperial Eagles, Common Cranes and Great Black-headed and Armenian Gulls winter in the rich fish ponds of the Bet Shean, Hula and Jezreel Valleys. In addition, the Golan Heights and especially Mount Hermon, host a wide range of interesting scarce wintering species such as Radde's Accentor, Wallcreeper, Red-fronted Serin and Pine Bunting. The Northwest Negev offers a mixture of vast cultivated areas and transitional habitats, from natural steppe to semi-desert. This is an area with a wealth of birds that includes large concentrations of raptors, Houbara Bustards, Cream-coloured Coursers, and at least four species of sandgrouse. The open areas often hold Pallid Harriers, Imperial Eagles, Long Legged Buzzards, Lanner and Saker Falcons, as well as Sociable Plovers and Finsch's Wheatears. Pin-tailed and Spotted Sandgrouse can occur in large flocks during the winter months.

Travel to and within Israel is very simple and the choice of accommodation suits every budget. Package holidays to the north via flights to Tel Aviv or straight to Eilat are available throughout the year, and many are not expensive. Public transport is good and also relatively cheap. However, we would recommend car hire, especially if visiting the remote Negev Desert and some of the northern regions. The country's small size lends itself to efficient travel and a two-week trip should allow sufficient time to cover the main sites throughout the country, as well as spending some time at Eilat.

In addition, we would recommend all birdwatchers to use the facilities offered by the local green organisations the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNl) the International Birdwatching Center in Eilat (IBCE) and the Green Kibbutz Movement so as to contribute towards our efforts to conserve avian habitats for future generations. These organisations will also be glad to supply you with a list of companies (e.g. hotels and guesthouses, car rental, etc.). If you decide to hike in Israel we recommend you to equip yourself with a set of the National Trails map where all of the trails are colour-coded and correspondingly marked in the field. These can be acquired from any SPNI, INRPA or IBCE store. Also recommended for birdwatchers is the purchase of the annual Israeli Nature reserves and Parks Authority (INRPA) pass giving entrance to all the nature reserves of Israel. Many of the good birding spots such as Gamla, Hula and Ein Gedi are within the boundaries of nature reserves and it is cost effective to acquire this annual pass.

The developing peace process has recently resulted in the opening of a border crossing into Jordan just outside Eilat and also near Jericho and the Bet Shean Valley, so it is now possible to cover some of the birding areas in Jordan, especially in the southern part of the country. One or two-day trips from Eilat are recommended.

The political situation in Israel and the associated problems do give some cause for concern. However, problematic political areas are very localised, and avoiding areas such as the West Bank and the Gaza strip will ensure a trouble-free trip. Beware too of journalist sensationalism that makes the region look far worse than it actually is and encourages people to put off a well-planned birding vacation in Eilat or the rest of Israel.

Presented here are the major birding hotspots of Israel, beginning with the snow-capped peaks in the north, through central Israel, the Negev and Judean Deserts, and finally to the shores of the Red Sea and Eilat.

Mount Hermon

The northeastern corner of Israel is a very mountainous region, Mount Hermon at 2 224 111, being the highest peak in Israel. It is the only ski resort in Israel which is snow covered in winter . Walking the woods below the snow line or the alpine habitat above it yields species rarely found elsewhere in the region. These include breeding species such as Sombre Tit. Western Rock Nuthatch, Syrian Serin, Crimson-winged Finch, Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting. Most of these can be found during most of the year while Upcher's Warbler, Pale Rock Sparrow and White-throated Robin are only found in late spring and summer. Some scarce wintering species such as Red-fronted Serin and Pine Bunting occur and this is one of the few places where Great Grey, Red-backed, Woodchat and Masked shrikes are known to breed sympatrically. On the southern slopes of the mountain there is a scenic village, Majdal Shams which is surrounded by large fruit orchards of mostly cherries and apples. Syrian Serin, Western Rock Nuthatch, Black-eared Wheatear, Ruppell's (spring migrant) and Upcher's Warblers, Rock Sparrow and Cretzschmar' s Bunting are regularly observed especially between spring and autumn. We recommend birders to equip themselves with warm protective clothing as snowstorms are regular during winter and may occur as late as April. An en trance fee is charged for access to the higher elevations, most of which is under army jurisdiction so caution is required. Verify at the booth that you are allowed to get out at the top of the ski lift otherwise it is pointless to pay the entrance fee.

Golan Heights

To the south of Mount Hermon lies the volcanic plateau blown as the Golan Heights. Driving south from Majdal Shams the area consists mostly agricultural and rocky grasslands, including some military training areas. Calandra, Short-toed and Bimaculated Larks, Isabelline Wheatear and Rock Sparrow are seen in spring to late summer while Little Bustard (Iocalised), Finsch's Wheatear, and scarce species such as Wallcreeper, Radde's Accentor and Pine Bunting are sometimes recorded in winter. The Golan Heights are drained by several large gorges of which the most impressive in the complex is the "Gamla Nature reserve", managed by the INRP A. An entrance fee is charged. The reserve is in the southern part of the Golan and is northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The area was declared a national nature reserve because of the high density of breeding raptors, which can be observed in the two gorges Gamla and Daliyot. The Gamla gorge now hosts the last of once many colonies of Griffon Vulture in Israel, and is perhaps the easiest place in which still to see tens of these majestic birds. These, together with Egyptian Vultures, Bonelli's and Short-toed Eagles, Long-legged Buzzards, and Eagle Owls add up to one of the highest densities of breeding raptors in the Middle East. In addition to the raptors, there is a colony of Little Swifts around the waterfall in Nahal Gamla. Long-billed Pipit, Blue Rock Thrush and Great Grey Shrike also breed in the reserve.

Further to the south, in Wadi Meizar, a small number of Black Vultures are seen each year. It is prefer able to visit the area in the early morning or late afternoon, which coincides with the birds either departing from or arriving at the roost cliff. The last confirmed sighting of the Brown Fish Owl in our region (1975) was also in the same area, in Wadi Sumakh.

Hula Valley

Once one of the largest wetlands in the region, most of it was drained by early settlers and converted to agriculture. The Hula Valley had extensive Papyrus beds and open water swamps. Fortunately, the authorities have now pre served a small area of the marsh, which is known as the "Hula Nature reserve" and operated by the INRP A. The species seen at the reserve are far too numerous to list but White Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Marbled Teal, Ferruginous Duck, and Clamorous Reed Warbler are some of the more notable regular species. Pygmy Cormorants forage in the area and wintering species includes Black Stork, the rather scarce Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, and White-headed Duck. Of particular note is a substantial roost of raptors in the re serve, especially eagles, harriers and Merlins.

North of the Hula Nature reserve is an area that has been recently reflooded, and surrounding this are agricultural fields and fishponds. This area is especially good for the overwhelming sight and sound of tens of thousands of Common Cranes. The grassy fringes to the fields surrounding the lake support concentrations of Black Francolin as well as over 20 Greater Spotted Eagle, with smaller numbers of Imperial and White-tailed Eagle. In fact, recent census work suggests that the entire Hula Valley supports over 60 Greater Spotted Eagles and 30 Imperial Eagles in winter , these being internationally significant numbers. This mixture of fields, reed beds and grasslands provides habitat for tens of hunting harriers (Marsh, Hen, and Pallid), which may take you by surprise when flying low over the vegetation. Scarcer species appearing in recent winters include Demoiselle Crane and Oriental Sky lark. The most recent record of Lammergeier in Israel was in 97/98. A Swinhoe's Snipe was seen in early spring '98, constituting the first Western Palearctic record.

A yearly Winter Birding Festival at the Hula Valley is now organised by the SPNI, and indeed visiting birders can benefit from making full use of the wide range of facilities available while visiting the best winter birding hotspot in the Western Palearctic.

Sea of Galilee

South of the Hula Valley lies the famous Sea of Galilee (a.k.a. Lake Tiberias). Owing to its size it has in the past been difficult to see offshore birds there. How ever, it has become a regular site for Pygmy Cormorant, Great Black-headed and Armenian Gulls. A marsh holds in the northern section of the lake that has good numbers of Squacco Heron, a winter concentration of Whiskered Tern, and breeding Clamorous Reed Warbler. The tamarisk trees harbour a colony of Dead Sea Sparrows. The surrounding hills are good for the elusive Long-billed Pipit. Wadi Amud, to the northwest of the lake, is one of the best known sites for this species and also for the endangered Lesser Kestrel, as well as Eagle Owl, Little Swift, Syrian Woodpecker and good numbers of Rock Sparrow. The cliff:" of Mt. Arbel, west of the lake, are also good for Long-billed Pipit and a regular winter haunt of Wallcreeper, where several individuals may be seen together. Alpine Accentor is an occasional winter visitor and Radde's Accentor has been recorded consorting with this species, along with the more regular Dunnock.

Bet Shean Valley, Jezreel Valley and the cross country raptor survey

Driving south from the town of Tiberias you soon reach the ancient town of Bet Shean. You can bird while visiting the Roman amphitheatre and other ruins, or drive to the fishponds and small reservoirs of the neighbouring kibbutzim scattered through the Bet Shean Valley . There are three major concentrations of fishponds: Neve Eitan -Maoz Hayhim, Kfar Ruppin and Tirat Zevi and are all well worth exploring. They are good for birds at all times of the year, but especially during winter and the migration periods of spring and autumn. The reed beds at the fish ponds hold Spotted, Little and Baillon's Crakes, and White-breasted and Pied Kingfishers are very numerous. A Pygmy Cormorant colony can be seen in the no-man's land zone on the Israeli-Jordanian border, along the banks of the Jordan River and nowadays good numbers can be seen flying over the fishponds of Kfar Ruppin during most of the year. There are also large colonies of several species of breeding herons and egrets. Hundreds of Great Black-headed Gulls and Black Storks winter in the ponds. In the neighbouring fields there are Little Bustards and Pallid Harriers in winter, and in some years the area becomes a key site for Oriental Skylark, up to 14 having been seen in the alfalfa fields.

During spring and autumn migration, massive passages of White Storks (daily counts of over 100000!) can be seen over these fields, which also pro- vide an important and safe staging area, where some individuals lingering for up to one month. Collared and Black-winged Pratincoles can be found in good numbers especially on the turf fields, which are also the haunt of small groups of Sociable Plovers. Isabelline Shrike is an occasional visitor to the valley, usually present in October and November, with several winter records as well. The scrub fringes of the fields are very good for Black Francolin and Dead Sea Sparrow, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater summers in the area, as well as passing through in considerable numbers (up to lOO daily in September). A sewage pool at Tirat Zevi attracts several Jack Snipe and Citrine Wagtail each winter.

For the past two years the SPNI has operated a Birdwatching Centre and ringing station at Kfar Ruppin during the migration seasons. We recommend birders to coordinate their visit with the Birdwatching Centre staff here to ensure close up views of some skulking species such as Clamorous Reed and Cetti's Warblers. Increased observer coverage at Kfar Ruppin has led to the discovery of several national rarities such as Pintail Snipe, Demoiselle Crane, Pacific Golden Plover (annual), Oriental Turtle Dove, Blyth's Pipit and Paddyfield Warbler. West of Bet Shean, the Jezreel Valley stretches across the northern third of Israel. Within the valley and to the north of Afula, there are several reservoirs and fishponds, where Pink -backed Pelican and Yellow-billed Stork have occurred as rarities. The area is best known for the Tishlovet Reservoir and its wintering White-headed Ducks (up to 400) along with as many as 70 Mar- bled Ducks. During autumn, the fields surrounding the reservoir are good for migrant raptors especially Red-footed Falcons and Lesser Kestrels.

Annual autumn raptor surveys have been conducted in the Afula area since the late 1980' s when, owing to political unrest, the famous Kfar Qassem survey was moved to this valley. The more recent 'Northern Valleys' survey spans the breadth of Israel from the Jordanian border to the Haifa coast. Both sites have produced about the same variety of species and numbers. Honey Buzzards are the most numerous species, the first half of September producing up to half a million birds. The entire world populations of Lesser Spotted Eagle (80 000 -140 000) and Levant Sparrowhawk (45 000) pass through this area in relative]y limited periods in the autumn. The raptors survey is open to experienced volunteers and birders can coordinate their visit with the SPNI staff.

Ma'agan Mikhael

Ma'agan Mikhael is located on the Mediterranean coast between Tel-Aviv to the south and Haifa to the north. It is an excellent area with fish ponds that attract a host of wintering water birds and passage migrants, including large numbers of storks, pelicans, many species of herons and egrets and a wide range of waders. The latter are seen in large numbers and include scarcer species such as Broad-billed and Terek Sandpipers, Greater Sand Plovers with some records of Kittlitz Plover and Crab Plover, both extreme rarities in Israel. Migration periods can produce three species of crakes. Other much-sought-after wintering birds include Great Black-headed and Armenian Gulls and Citrine Wagtail are all relatively easy to find here.

The Negev Desert

The Negev occupies 60 % of the land surface area of Israel and yet it is the least densely populated. Delineated as being south of Be'er Sheva and Dimona, it is mainly a stone and sand desert with sparse vegetation. However, following periods of heavy rain during the winter and early spring, the desert is transformed into a colourful carpet of flowers including many of Israel's desert specialities.

Be'er Sheva is a good, central base for exploring the northern and central portions of the Negev. In the northeastern section, some 20 kilometres east of Be'er Sheva, Cream-coloured Courser and Pin-tailed, Black-bellied and Spotted sandgrouse occur and between November and February relatively large flocks of Dotterel can be seen. The sewage ponds to the southeast of Be'er Sheva usually yield a wide range of species. Pallid Harrier and Black-winged Pratincoles both occur in good numbers during September and October, and Sociable and White-tailed Plovers in October and November. The experimental agricultural fields to the south of the pools are good for Oriental Skylarks between October and mid March.

The north-western Negev is a vast expanse of natural steppe and semi- desert with transitional vast mixed cultivated areas, which supports a wealth of birds. Although the region can be productive al] year round, it is outstanding in winter when large concentrations of raptors and sandgrouse are present. The fields around Urim are very good for Saker and Lanner falcons and relatively large numbers of Imperial Eagle and Long-Legged Buzzard. The best area is the now famous line of electricity pylons that cross the road between Urim and Ze'elim. The raptors often perching on the pylons are easy to find, providing superb opportunities to study some difficult species and plumages at length. The agricultural fields are the best places to find hunting Pallid Harriers as well as Sociable Plover, Dotterel, Isabelline and Finsch's Wheatear. Black Kites gather in large numbers and use traditional roost sites in Eucalyptus trees (over 1 000 near Gevulot). In the more natural steppe and semi-desert areas good numbers of Cream-coloured Coursers occur, especially in autumn. In winter in the cultivated plains Pin-tailed sandgrouse can be found in large numbers, and flocks of up to 8 000 have been recorded. Smaller, but none the less impressive flocks of up to 3000 Spotted Sandgrouse have also been seen during the winter months.

One of the better known areas to the southwest of Be'er Sheva is the Nizzana desert plain, close to the Egyptian border. This is the most productive site for Houbara Bustard, which can be seen in concentrations in winter. Nizzana is also perhaps the most reliable place to see them during the breeding season. We recommend early morning visits for the best views, before the heat haze affects viewing conditions. In the past the Nizzana sewage pools were easily accessible in order to view sandgrouse. Sad to say most of them have dried out and are not used by the birds anymore. If you wish to see Pin-tailed, Crowned, Spotted or Black-bellied Sandgrouse you will need to reach specific feeding plains around the area, The SPNI, however, are now working on creating special constant water supply for the sandgrouse, to replace the sewage pools, which may offer a glimmer of hope for attracting large numbers of sandgrouse back to the Nizzana plains. Lanner is frequent in the area and it is one of the best desert regions for observing migrating White Storks, Pallid Harriers, Lesser Spotted Eagles and Cranes, especially in spring. Desert Wheatear, Finsch' s Wheatear (winter only) and Spectacled Warbler are not difficult to see, and the latter breeds in shallow, bushy wadis.

Sede Boqer is perhaps one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Negev. This oasis is situated on the loess plain overlooking the deep gorge of Nahal Zin. The area is especially good for raptors such as breeding Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli's Eagle, Lanner and Barbary Falcons. A feeding station at the eastern edge of the Zin Plain is maintained by the INRP A with the purpose of supplying supplementary food to the breeding Griffon and Egyptian Vultures and sometimes in winter, Black Vulture. On the ledges of towering cliffs, Sooty Falcons breed from mid-May until early October. The gorges also host breeding Desert Eagle Owl and Alpine Swifts, and in some winters, Sinai Rosefinch and Wallcreeper.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest sea on earth and at 412 metres below sea level, is located in the heart of the Rift Valley depression. It marks the beginning of a region influenced by evolutionary incursions of flora and fauna from regions in the south of Israel. Although the Dead Sea itself is indeed dead as far as supporting bird life is concerned, the surrounding areas have much to offer. Fan-tailed Raven breed in the canyons, while Sand Partridge, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Blackstart, Scrub Warbler and Arabian Babbler are all readily seen. Also of interest, certain points on the mountainsides are the "cleaning stations" of Tristram's Grackle which clean ectoparasites from the hides of the Nubian Ibex roaming the area.

One of the most popular sites on the shores of the Dead Sea is the natural spring at En Gedi. The En Gedi and Nahal Arugot canyons are a nature reserve supervised by the INRPA and separate entrance fees are charged for each of them. There is also a field school, which is a convenient place to stay and a good spot in which to see all the local birds. There is a concentration of wintering and early spring migrant Cyprus Warblers in the neighbouring wadis, especially those to the south, (e.g. Nahal Hever). During spring, it is possible to look down and up from the cliff tops to observe a myriad of soaring raptors and storks that pour through in such concentrations that they may be difficult to count accurately.

The cliff top holiday village of Metzoqe Dragot is located to the north of En Gedi. Beyond tile entrance there is a dirt path which leads into the desert. After several hundred metres you will see a memorial comprised of disks to the south of the path. Breeding species on the cliffs of this extremely steep sided wadi under the memorial are Bonelli's Eagle, Lanner and Barbary Falcon. If lucky, you can also see Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, three species of Raven, Trumpeter Finch, Hooded Wheatear and House Bunting. The display of desert flowers in tile spring is breathtaking in this area.

Between En Gedi and the legendary fort of Massada to the south there are many large canyons that are colour marked with hiking trails. Many desert and migrant species can be seen when on a hike on anyone of these trails.

The Arava Valley

The Arava Valley is a portion of the Syrio-African Rift valley which runs from the southern Dead Sea to Eilat and the eastern arm of the Red Sea, other- wise known as the Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat. This valley is used by hundreds of millions of migrants during spring and autumn migration. The Arava depression is mostly desert with Acacia scrub. Driving south from the Dead Sea to- wards Eilat you can see local species such as Barbary Falcon, Brown-necked Ravens, three species of black-and- white wheatear, Blackstarts, Desert Larks and others. At the Hatzeva Field Study Center, Arabian Babblers have been extensively studied for many years by local researchers. All types of green habitats in the area are full of local desert birds and a wealth of migratory species but the most important breeding species is the Arabian Warbler, present in some of the larger Acacias and restricted to prime areas of Acacia scrub.

Continuing south and only some 50 kilometres north of Eilat is Kibbutz Lotan, which is noted in Israel for its strong ecological direction. Eco- volunteers here have created a migrant bird refuge on the Lotan premises, including observation hides overlooking freshwater drinking pools and an attractive alfalfa field. The pools attract raptors during migration seasons especially on days of easterly or southerly winds, when tens of thousands of raptors pass over Lotan. Also making use of the pools are Purple and Squacco Herons, White Storks, Little Crakes and a wide range of passerines, of which the Desert Finch is now regular. It is possible to observe three species of Bee-eater on some days in spring and multiple numbers of Richard's, Tawny and Red-throated Pipit in the autumn.

The Kibbutz offers accommodation and a retreat for birders with many regional birds easily seen around the gar- dens and the houses. These include Barbary Falcon, Spur-winged Plover, Little Green Bee-eater, White-breasted King- fisher (winter only), African Rock Martin, Palestine Sunbird, White-crowned Black and Hooded Wheatears, and Great Grey Shrike. However, during the migration season a wealth of migrants are attracted to the oasis-like conditions offering food to tens or even hundreds of bee-eaters, larks, pipits, wheatears, flycatchers and warblers. Houbara Bustards have been seen in spring and autumn in the dunes to the north of the Kibbutz but are unpredictable at best. In addition, the local birders have produced a steady series of nationally rare species including Crested Honey Buzzard, Black Bush Robin, Pied Stonechat, Dusky Warbler, Menetries's Warbler and Mountain Chiffchaff and Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler. Yellow-browed Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatcher have proven to be annual in late autumn, and Syrian Serin in early spring.

At night, European Nightjar (spring and autumn), Long-eared and Barn Owls are easily seen hunting around the kibbutz. Several Striated Scops Owls have been found wintering in some of the local Acacia wadis, where Arabian Warbler is also found. The location of Lotan gives easy access to the desert areas of the west and north as well as being close to Eilat, and indeed visiting birders can benefit from making full use of the wide range of facilities offered and the birder-friendly environment.

Ten minutes west of Lotan, on the Negev plateau, lies Kibbutz Shizzafon. The sewage pools here offer a drinking site to many desert birds including Crowned sandgrouse, which is becoming increasingly difficult to see in the area. The birds are notoriously infrequent and perhaps only drink every second or third day. However they can be very obliging when they do come in, and up to 28 birds may spend twenty minutes in the area before heading back into the desert. Lichtenstein's Sand- grouse often drink here in the evenings, six being the largest number recorded.

Yotvata, a little further south, sup- ports a large area of Acacia scrub and is an excellent place to look for migrants, as well as some of the resident species. Orange-tufted (Palestine) Sunbird is common, as are Arabian Babbler and Little Green Bee-eater. The area is also a good place to look for Arabian Warbler, sadly declining in Israel. The agricultural areas around Yotvata can be very productive for migrants; in particular, the alfalfa and melon fields regularly hold Bimaculated Lark, and in spring they are good for Caspian Plover. The southern fields are one of the few remaining areas where alfalfa is still grown and, during migration seasons, large numbers of larks, pipits and wagtails are seen. Red-throated Pipits and Short-toed Larks are usually quite numerous and Tawny and Richard ' s Pipits are seen rather regularly. Oriental Skylark sometimes winters here. A nearby Date plantation at- tracts hordes of Tristram's Grackle and many migrants. The local sewage pools at Yotvata fairly regularly produce White-tailed Plover, pratincoles and Little Crake. The surrounding scrub holds breeding species such as Rufous Bush Robin, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Scrub Warbler and Dead Sea Sparrow. Migrants such as Masked Shrike, Olivaceous Warbler, Citrine Wagtail and several flycatcher species can enliven any day in spring when large numbers of migrating raptors, including Steppe Buzzard, Steppe Eagle and Levant Sparrow- hawk, pass overhead. Vagrants such as Black Bush Robin and Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler have been reported almost annually in recent years, and a Grey Hypocolious turned up in the winter of 98/99.

The stony desert at KM post 33, north of Eilat offers an excellent habitat for larks. It has been hallowed ground for many years for birders and the only reliable place in which breeding species such as Hoopoe Lark and Bar-tailed Desert Lark, and rarities such as Temminck's Homed and Dunn's Lark can be found. The last species often winters in the area and can also be seen in early spring. During the migration seasons, very large numbers of larks pass through this area. It is possible to see the above mentioned species in the company of large flocks of either Lesser Short-toed, Short-toed, Bimaculated or even the rare Thick-billed Lark. Cream-coloured Courser occur in some years, particularly in spring, while the few bushes and small acacias provide cover for wintering Desert Warblers, which remain until early spring. The northern section is now lost to agriculture and today we are trying to save this threatened and unique area from the hands of those who think that only a human-modified desert is of any value.

Eilat

Eilat is undoubtedly the "jewel in the crown" of Israel's birding hot spots. The unique combination of extreme habitats in the form of mountains, deserts, agricultural fields, wadis, salt pans and the Red Sea guarantees every birder a wide range of species at almost all times of the year.

Many of the resident species, such as Yellow-vented Bulbul and Laughing Dove, and invading species such as Indian House Crow are common within the town. The date palms regularly hold plenty of migrants such as Wryneck, Masked Shrike, Bluethroat, Collared and Semi-collared Flycatcher, Spanish and Dead Sea Sparrows. Residents such as White-breasted Kingfisher (considered scarce in the south) and the invading Indian Silverbill are best found here. Sea-watching can be very productive and nowadays White-eyed Gull is a common visitor throughout the year with Brown Booby chiefly seen in winter. Strong southerly winds may bring very rare seabirds such as Red-billed Tropic bird close inshore pushed much further north than usual, these rare sea- birds (shearwaters, petrels, skuas etc.) may originate from the southern Red Sea or even the Indian Ocean. Grey-headed Gull and Streaked Shearwater have occurred in the past, while Sooty and Cory's Shearwater are regular visitors to the bay. Checking the sea from the north beach early in the morning for Western Reef Heron and small flocks of Greater Sand Plover is a fine way to start a day's birding. Oft'- shore fish farms offer floating perches for Striated Heron, and in the summer it is not uncommon to see off shore sea- birds such as Bridled, Lesser Crested and White-cheeked Tern. Caspian Tern is present throughout the year.

The salt pans, now encompassing wider areas even further north to kilometre post 20 (where the pans are actually at their best) regularly hold waders such as large flocks of Calidris and Tringa sandpipers. The patient birder can find small numbers of Terek, Marsh, Curlew and Broad-billed Sandpipers, and the only two Israeli records of Lesser Sand Plover come from these pans. Over one hundred Greater Flamingos are present for much of the year. In the second half of April the salt pans host hundreds, or even thousands of White-winged Black Terns ( over 80 000 recorded III one day) and tens of Collared Pratincoles on peak days.

North of the southernmost salt pans you can witness one of Israel's finest at - tempts to help the migratory birds by the IBCE, which has recycled the local garbage tip and converted the area into a lush habitat offering migratory species a staging area. After years of development all of Eilat' s dry-salt marsh has eventually been lost and to compensate for this, indigenous species that fruit and flower during spring and autumn are planted. Salt and fresh water ponds have also been created. This is also the location of the IBCE's passerine, wader and raptor ringing operations (the oldest station in the Middle East, operated since 1984). The "Bird Sanctuary" and the adjacent agricultural areas of Kibbutz Eilot (north at KM post 15-20) attract large numbers of migrants. Cretzschmar's, Ortolan and Cinereous Buntings, Richard's, Tawny, Water, Tree, Red-throated and Buff-bellied Pipits (rare), Black-eared and Isabelline (and occasional Pied and Cyprus Pied) Wheatears, Citrine (scarce), White and Yellow Wagtails (particularly the race feldegg) are some of the many species that can be seen. Passage migrant Blue- cheeked and European Bee-eaters, Red-rumped Swallows and European Crag Martins are frequent, mostly during March to May An old bathtub providing drinking water, placed in an open area at the back of Eilat town is well-known (the so-called "Pumping Station") for Lichtenstein's sandgrouse, which arrive in numbers every evening at dusk. During the daytime, many migrants come to drink here and it is also a good place to find Trumpeter Finch and House Bunting, Only four pairs of Hume's Tawny Owl can be found in the cliff-wadis of the Eilat region these days and the best time to see them is in the spring when they become very active prior to breeding. It must be stressed that it is illegal to play tapes to attract them and the consequences of being caught so doing can be severe! However, in season, special trips to see the owl are organised by the IBCE.

The "Eilat Mountains Nature reserve", also known as the Moon Valley Mountains, which are comprised of granite, sandstone and limestone mountains create a plethora of dramatically coloured landscapes. This is probably the best place to watch migrating raptors and other soaring birds, against the dramatic backdrop of Eilat, the Red Sea and the Edom mountains of Jordan. Spring pas- sage often involves literally millions of birds. Steppe Eagles, Black Kites, Steppe Buzzards, Levant Sparrowhawks and Honey Buzzards are the dominant species, but other species include Imperial, Booted, and Short-toed Eagles, while rarities such as Verreaux's Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard and Bateleur have been recorded.

The mountain wadis also have their attractions. During spring, Ruppell's and Orphean Warblers are found, along with over-wintering or passage Cyprus Warblers and Sinai Rosefinch. Resident species are also a feature of the wadis - especially Scrub Warbler and Trumpeter Finch. In recent winters, Striated Scops Owl has become a regular visitor, and the occasional Red-tailed Wheatear or two appear.

Broadly speaking, the Eilat area is considered to be at its best in the spring. It provides a tremendous spectacle as thousands of birds migrate along the Arava Valley in a visual display of both numbers and variety of bird species. The migration of raptors is unparalleled in the whole Palaearctic region. In addition to this, Eilat offers fantastic potential for finding rarities and over the years, extra-limital vagrants such as Shy Albatross, Didric Cuckoo, and Hume's Short-toed Lark have been found, to mention just a few.

Summary

To summarise, birders who wish to see a maximum number of birds, of a wide range of species, will profit by under- taking a short trip encompassing the whole of Israel.

Bibliography

Alon, D. and Shirihai, H. 1991. A Survey of wintering raptors in Israel 1987-88. Raptors in Israel. Passage and Wintering populations 46-52. IBCE, IRIC.
Fisher, D., McMinn, S. and Shirihai, H. (in press). A birdwatching guide to Israel and Jordan. Prion.
McMinn, S. and Shirihai, H. 1996. Birding in Israel. Birding World 9: 98-107.
Morgan, I. and Shirihai, H. 1997. Passerines and passerine migration in Eilat. IBCE.
Shirihai, H. and Bahat, 0. 1993. Birdwatching ill the deserts of Israel. IBCE.
Shirihai, H. 1996. The birds of Israel. Academic Press.
Shirihai, H., Smith, J. and Kirwan, (I. M. (in prep.). A guide to the birding hotspots of northern Israel.
Shirihai, H., Yosef, R., Alon, D. and Kirwan, G M. (in prep.) Raptors migration in Israel and the Middle East.