January 2007

Below is a summary featuring the most interesting observations from this month, based on reports from the ISRABIRDNET mailing list and other sources.

Red-crested Pochard (Netta ruffina): 1 female at Kfar Masarik reservoirs, 13-14/Jan (S. Haham et al.).

	Red-crested Pochard (Netta ruffina)

	13-JAN-07, Kfar Masarik reservoirs.

Smew (Mergellus albellus): a female/1st winter at Nov reservoir, southern Golan heghts, 20-23/Jan (E. Banker et al.).

Black Kite (Milvus migrans): ~23,750 (!) counted in seven roosting sites around the country on 26/Jan (A. Ben-dov and others).

Common Gull (Larus canus): 11 1st winter birds, Acre shore, 20/Jan (S. Haham); 4 at Eliphaz sewage ponds, southern Arava, 25/Jan (N. Weiss).

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus): an adult still present at Acre shore (S. Haham).

Egyptian Nightjar (Caprmulgus aegyptius): 1 at Yotvata's circular field, 25/Jan (N. Weiss).

Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgula): 5 at Yotvata's circular field, 23/Jan (N. Weiss et al.).

Bar-tailed Lark (Ammomanes cincturus): Up to 22 at Km 77, southern Arava (T. Kahn).

Hoopoe Lark (Alaemon alaudipes): 1 at the Meyshar, southern negev, 29/Jan (M. Craig).

Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni): 1 at Eilot's northern date plantation, 28/Jan (N. Weiss).

Buff-bellied Pipit (Anthus rubescens): up to 5 at Yotvata's circular filed, 23/Jan (N. Weiss et al.); 1 at Eilot's southern date plantation, 28/Jan (N. Weiss).

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus): 1-2 at Mt. Herztel, Jerusalem, 19/Jan onwards (A. Shoresh, A. Cohen, E. Banker et al.).

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus): 1 adult at the Hula reserve, 11/Jan (N. Israeli et al.), 2 around Bet-shean valley, 26/Jan (L.Kislev);

	Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

	Bet-shean valley, 26/Jan