Tweets, I just returned from two weeks touring Israel where I worked in some
birding opportunities -- mainly before-breakfast strolls. I hired a guide
out of Eilat for a day (instead of going to Petra!), the regional
coordinator for Israel Ornithological Center/International Birding and
Research Center ( http://www.birds.org.il <http://www.birds.org.il/> ) and
one of the organizers of the Eilat International Birding Festival in late
March (during spring migration, producing between approx 220-250 species
during the week-long event). We saw 80 species, more migrants that expected
due to late migration there (too), and fewer residents and specialties than
expected due to timing (nesting season) and unfavorable weather. In
Jerusalem our B&B happened to be within walking distance to the Jerusalem
Bird Observatory ( www.jbo.org.il <http://www.jbo.org.il/> ), where I
birded at daybreak 3 mornings and observed the banding operation. Good
numbers of later-than-usual migrants were still passing through. 113 species
for the trip, including 27 lifers. Feel free to contact me directly for more
info, including the conservation programs in Israel.
-- Paul Hicks / Tenino / phicks AT accessgrace.org