Israël : actualités ornithologiques de décembre 2010

Among others rarities, a Cotton Pygmy Goose (Nettapus coromandelianus), was observed at Revadim reservoir, Judean Plains, the 17/12/10 : a 1st for Israel if accepted.
The 31st annual Birding Lecture Day was held at Tel Aviv University. Over 1,000 people attended and were delighted by the interesting lectures and exhibitions that covered a wide range of subjects.
December was a quiet month at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory.
December was a real wintry month with rains and cold mornings in the Hula Valley. The autumn migration is over and at the moment many wintering birds are at the Agamon: ducks, cranes, raptors, songbirds and many more. During December the ringing station team was able to ring several raptors species. Three wounded Spotted Eagles and one wounded Imperial Eagle were found in the Agamon area. Lead bullets were found in two of them.
During the monthly count, 49 Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) were counted in the Gamla Nature Reserve. Six vultures that were born in 2008 were released from the rehabilitation cage. They are all marked with rings and wing tags and are carrying a radio transmitter.
At last, Saudi Arabian security forces captured a vulture that was carrying a global positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter and a ring etched with the words « Tel Aviv University. » They suspect the bird of spying for Israel!
Tthe 5th International Spring Migration Festival will hold in Eilat from the 20th to the 27th March 2011. More informations on Eilatbirdsfestival.com.