Negev, 27/Mar/06

On March 27th I drove south to the dunes areas of the Western Negev desert ('Holot Agur'). Migrant passerines are present at every green spot in the dunes – mainly Blackcaps and Lesser Whitethroats. Scanning the plateau ('beer Milka') I found a Cream-colored courser and a few Desert Wheatears.

I then continued to Sde-Boker campus. I was surprised to find relatively large numbers of Cretzschmar's Bunting virtually everywhere – 95 birds were present at the park alone (the total no. around that area is a few hundreds, at least 250-300 birds), undoubtfully the biggest 'wave' of this species that I ever saw at Sde Boker. Interestingly, at least in the park (where I counted the birds), no. of males and females was almost equal. Among the Cretzschmar's were 18 Ortolan Buntings and a single Cinereous Bunting. Also around about 10 Tree Pipits, 3 Wrynek and all the other typical birds for the area, such as Little Green Bee-eater and Desert Finch.

Ein Ovdat

The pair of Bonelli's Eagle at Ein Ovdat is doing well, providing excellent views as usual. The two young are about 6-7 weeks old now (probably hatched during the first week of February), both were active and fed by the female (first photo, 2nd showing the male). Other raptors around were a few Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Long-legged Buzzard and some Black Kites.
Along the water stream, a few 'feldegg' Yellow Wagtail, Water Pipits, a Water Rail and Trumpeter Finches. 1-2 Crag Martin was also present at the canyon.