A few weeks ago I had seen an especially large raptor that landed on one of the light posts on the perimeter fence of the kibbutz. I did not have my binoculars with me, so I could not make an identification. Yif’at Zelzus, birder from the north of the country and a frequent visitor here, saw the bird as well and had the good fortune to have a camera handy. She took a few pictures while it was in flight. She had seen it at rest, but was scared away by a vehicle. She realized that she had to take the pictures before it disappeared out of sight.
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The pictures are therefore not very clear but from the flight pattern and the markings it can be deduced that we have a Cinereous Vulture. Furthermore, Yif’at has shown the pictures to Dan Alon of the Israel Ornithological Center and concurs with the estimation. The bird was seen around the southern part of Lotan for a few days more, and then no more. I have been searching the area and have not found it (I did see the Imperial Eagle again). I am including some of the photos for your enjoyment, and would be happy to receive comments about the identification.
David Schoneveld
Licensed Tour Guide and birder
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