Arguably the most exciting birding destination in the Western Palearctic
► Why you should go
► When you should go
► Where you should visit
All the answers and more …
Birding Israel explores this small, Middle Eastern country’s dramatic habitat diversity and its influence on the distribution of many birds, along with the importance of its geographical position as a key migration flyway for some of the world’s most vulnerable species. The talk includes an overview of the key birding sites, providing an insight into the birds which are likely to be encountered during autumn, winter and spring and highlights recent regional conservation initiatives for migrants, wintering and breeding birds.
► Top birding locations
► Migration, breeding & winter visitors
► History & local population trends
Are leading edge optics really the best value? Find out more
► Top testing tips
► The decision-making process
► Pitfalls and the things to avoid
Budget bins to top tier scopes …

A Neotropical paradise – birds from the Amazon to the Andes
95% positive ID of a female Merlin in our eucalyptus tree today. My son came rushing through to me to say there was a sparrowhawk in the tree. I thought it looked too small for a sparrowhawk and then I remember reading that a Merlin had been spotted recently so grabbed the Collins. The curved markings around the eye and the small size makes me reasonably sure it was a female Merlin.
I’ve seen sparrowhawks many times and this one wasn’t one.
In the garden in Barnwell, south of Oundle c.2:50 pm for about 90 seconds.
Thanks, Clayton.