Eilat
Eilat is a modern seaside resort at the southern tip of Israel. It is popular with people who like sunshine, beaches, and scuba diving on a big coral reef. However, it is also a major birding hotspot.
The Steppe Eagle
The Steppe Eagle’s range is mainly throughout the Middle East and southern Asia. Its population is between 50,000 and 74,000. Almost all of them pass over Eilat on their annual migration to Africa, along with most of the world’s Levant Sparrowhawks.
Other migrating raptors include the Common Buzzard, European Honey Buzzard, Pallid Harrier, and the Black Kite.
The best times to see them are in March and the first week of April, and again in October. They are not present in Eilat from mid-May to mid-September.
Other Birds in Eilat
More than 500 million birds of 230 species pass through Eilat on their annual migration. Although the Steppe Eagle is the most magnificent of these, there are other wonderful species to be found.
Desert species include Hume’s Tawny Owl, Desert Lark, Sand Partridge, Tristram’s Starling, Dead Sea Sparrow, Arabian Babbler, White-eyed Gull, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Oriental Skylark, Bimaculated Lark, Citrine Wagtail, Bluethroat, Cyprus Warbler, and White-tailed Wheatear.
Wherever there is water, you might find Greater Flamingos, Gull-billed Terns, Greater Sand Plovers, three species of rails, and several other waders and shorebirds.
If you like Gulls, you might see Slender-billed, Heuglin’s, Yellow-legged, Armenian, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
In the parks and gardens of the city, you might see White-throated Kingfishers, Palestine Sunbirds, Namaqua Doves and the beautiful Green Bee-eater.
Be sure to visit the International Bird-watching Centre for information and tips on local avifauna. They can also get you a guide if you wish.
Photo of the Steppe Eagle courtesy of Kevin Diles