September 2004

Eyal Shochat

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

Hula Valley
On 19/9 there were two Marbled Teals and one Red-necked Phalarope at the lake (A. Gefen, L. Kislev). On 22/9 One Flamingo and one Caspian Tern (B. Dvir).

Bet She'an Valley
Shorebirds and plovers included Cream-coloured Coursers (one on 2-3/9 and seven on 8/9) and a Black-winged Pratincole (4-5/9), both at Kfar Rupin's turf fields, Red-necked Phalarope (6/9 Maoz Hayim), eight Broad-billed Sandpipers throughout the valley during early September (Y. Perelman, B. Granit, E. Dvir, Z. Labinger). At Ramat Serin there was a Ruppel's Warbler on 13/9 (J. Meyrav)

Northern Valleys
During the soaring bird survey of the IOC, at least seven Crested Honey Buzzards and four Eleonoras Falcons were counted up to 18/9.

Maagan Micha'el
B. Dvir found a Knot at Maagan Michael's fishponds in 4/9. 1-2 birds were seen by others (T. Landsberger, Y. Dax) during the month, and one was still present on 30/9 (A. Haver). Other birds at Maagan Michael were 3 Broad-billed Sandpipers 4-6/9 (B. Dvir, T. Landsberger), and at least 8 on the 11/9 (E. Vanunu), a Whimbrel (6/9 T. Landsberger), Terek Sandpiper (6/9 T. Landsberger).

Eilat area
On the 21/09 a Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel was brought to the IBRC Eilat after it was found moribund at Eilat's fish farms (N. Weiss, R. Yossef). Off Eilat's north beach there was 1 Lesser Crested Tern and 10 White-cheeked Tern (N. Weiss).

	Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma monorhis)

	Eila, 21-SEP