March 2004 - second half

Eyal Shochat

Northern Israel
The Black-shouldered Kite continues at Kfar-Rupin fields (20/3). Near Gamla the Bearded Vulture was seen again on 21/3. Also at Gamla, a single Dunn's Lark was present between 27-29/3 (all records by V. de Boer).

Southern Israel
A first-summer Pied Wheatear was found at Mitzpe-Ramon on 18/3 (A. Tsairi). This bird was at the same spot where the possible Persica Mourning Wheatear was found in late February, but was not seen on the following day. Further south at HaMeshar there were one Desert Warbler and one Bimaculated Lark at the same day (A. Tsairi). An African Collared Dove was reported at Sapir on 18/3 (J.P. Smith, S. Lerman). Several birders reported Pale Rock Sparrows from the Arava and Nizana, with a daily maximum of 12 birds near Hatzeva on 18/3 (J.P. Smith, S. Lerman). a male Menetries's Warbler was seen at k-77 along the Arava road, sharing a bush with a Desert Warbler. At k-20, north of Eilat there was at the same day an adult male Cyprus Pied Wheatear (B. Granit, D. Shapiro) On 29/3 there was a Red Phalarope near the International Birding Center at Eilat (Y. Meyrav et al.). The bird was seen again at k-20 saltpans on 31/3. Thick-billed Lark: 2-4 birds were observed in Biq'at Uvda between 27-29/3 (M. Jonker et al), together with 8 Bimaculated Larks. On 30/3 One was present at Yoseftal Hospital, Eilat (P. French et al.). Small numbers of Temminck's Horned Larks were seen in different locations in the southern Negev (J.P. Smith). 30/3 at the southern saltpans, at least two Buff-bellied Pipits (J. Aalto). During last days of March good numbers of Skuas off north Beach, Eilat, including 12 Artic, 3 Pomarine and 22 Long-tailed 31/3 (Marnix Jonker et al.).