Few countries can simultaneously boast skies filled with raptors, storks and pelicans, wetlands heaving with egrets, herons, wildfowl and shorebirds, hillsides alive with the songs of warblers, wheatears and buntings. Israel has all of these, and more, to be enjoyed amidst spectacular scenery. Quite simply, it is one of the most exciting and accessible regions for birdwatching in the whole of the Western Palaearctic. More than 500 species have been recorded in Israel, many of which are Middle Eastern specialties such as, Black Francolin, Spur-winged Plover, White-breasted and Pied Kingfishers, Clamorous Reed Warbler. Many raptor species can be seen with ease year-round, and unforgettable concentrations of White Pelican, Raptors, Crane, and Great Black-headed Gull occur.