The rock hyrax (שפן סלע, literally rock rabbit) is a mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. Also known as the dassie or Cape hyrax in South Africa, it is mentioned in the Tanach (bible), where it is often referred to as the coney. Leviticus 11:5 defines it as not kosher, and in Proverbs 30:26 it is described as small but exceedingly wise, because "the conies are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs."

The great tit, Parus major (ירגזי מצוי), though common to Europe and Asia, is not migratory but stable in Israel.

The male Palestine Sunbird - צופית בוהקת

The male Palestine Sunbird - צופית בוהקת

The male Palestine Sunbird - צופית בוהקת

For five years I have been trying to catch a decent picture of צופית בוהקת, the Palestine Sunbird - a picture that is not blurred, is close up and shows the amazing electric blue and green true colours. Not easy, as they move so fast and are very nervous. This is my best to date, but it does not do the bird justice.

European Hedgehog, Erinaceus concolor, קיפוד מצוי.

Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana, יעל נובי), Wadi Agurot.

House sparrow (דרור הבית), Passer domesticus, at Herod's tomb, Herodiyon.

The European Greenfinch (ירקון), Carduelis chloris, in a brosh (cypress tree), looking very yellow indeed in the sun.

The Laughing Dove (צוצלת), Streptopelia senegalensis, is very common and can be seen all over Israel.

Spur-Winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus); Heb:siksak. In unseasonal standing water at Nahal Hilazon near Sakhnin, resulting from a burst water pipe.