Israel
Southern Israel in spring I
Southern Israel in spring II
Southern Israel in May
March 19th - 27th  2006
March 20th - 27th  2006
30th April - 7th May 2006

*News of the Israel tours in March 2005*




Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes, Southern Negev, Israel, March 2003.

For many birders the mere mention of Israel inspires visions of great migrations of raptors, storks and pelicans. Others think of tiny songbirds feeding actively in desert oases, or the ever present possibility of rare migrants waiting to be discovered in the arid landscape. Some of the rarest resident species in the Near East can be found here, and it’s not too surprising that Israel in spring has been a perennial favorite amongst birders for over 25 years.

This tiny country has the fortune to be at the confluence of Europe, Asia and Africa ensuring that the resident avifauna is every bit as diverse as the famed migration. The protracted spring migration season begins in early February (perhaps best noted for Steppe Eagles) and closes in late May with the massive passages of Honey Buzzards. Great birding experiences are ensured thoughout the spring, and the ever changing landscape of Eilat provides an ideal base for most tours with an excellent variaty of habitats within comfortable reach of the town.

James P. Smith