Besor Reservoir II

Golden Orioles are passing through the kibbutz at the moment. Had a couple of spare hours this morning so returned to my favourite pool in the reed beds of Besor Reservoir.

The difference today was the light - a beautifully clear, and almost cool, morning. Today's crop of birds was almost the same as that of a couple of days ago but this time I was able to take a few photos. Nothing particularly rare or unusual seen but a thoroughly enjoyable slice of early September birding.

Lots of Lesser Grey Shrikes around, more than in the last few days. This one was just outside the kibbutz.

What I like about this particular pool is that the birds seem so unconcerned about a human sitting on the bank. The RN Phalarope had flown but in its place was this Little Crake. Very skulking and secretive - hard to get good views of and even harder to photograph. The Water Rail (pictured below the crake) kept chasing it off its patch.

Lots of Clamourous Reed Warblers climbing the reeds, 

and coming to the pool edges. This one without a tail.

 The Kingfishers are still around but seem to prefer the deeper pools further back in the reeds.

Reed Warblers galore . . . .

Ditto Sedge Warblers.

 And, of course, the inevitable Cetti's Warblers. Lovely little half-moon under its eye.

Nice view of the back showing just how short the primary projection is.

Many Willow Warblers also taking advantage of the water and insects.

Hirundines included Red-rumped Swallow, Swallow and House Martin. Shrikes were the usual quartet - Masked, Woodchat, Red-backed and Lesser Grey.