Hen and Marsh harriers

The fields around here once again produced some good birds. A fine male Hen harrier was first on the scene, quartering the crop and swooping down. This followed by an equally fine,but distant, Marsh harrier.

Returning to the northern Nir Oz fields was a good idea. A large pipit flew by and landed about 10 m from the car. I only managed a short view but it was enough. Broad supercilium, pale lores, strong bill, dark streaks on buff breast and white underparts told me this was a textbook Richard's pipit - my first for Nir Oz.

Black kites again in abundance utilizing the agricultural machinery as convenient perches.