Great birding today. No huge flocks of large noisy birds but lots of top-quality species showing well enough for a documntation photo. Went up to Mt. Hermon and started off on the higher elevations. Weather was cold and sunny. We managed to get good views of Syrian Serins - about 10 birds. They are present in summer in big numbers but are usually very difficult this time of year here, so we were all very pleased.
We also had about 30 Shore / Horned Larks, some of them showing well.
Shored Lark ssp. bicornis
We had only flight views of Crimson-winged Finch, about 8 birds altogether, but none on the deck. Lower down by the cablecar station and ponds we did well with good views of Western Rock Nuthatch (group of 3-4), Sombre Tit (4) and several Rock Buntings.
Western Rock Nuthatch a mile away
Sombre Tit, into the sun, carrying a ring - my fault
Snow in Syria
After we were done on Mt. Hermon had a fantastic lunch at majday Shams. Then checked some sites in the N Golan. Best bird was a flyover Red-fronted Serin - just close enough to identify. Also had several Finsch's Wheatears, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow and tons of mixed seedeaters.
Got back to the hotel tired but very satisfied.
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