Sinai Rosefinch

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Over the last twenty years, I've probably spent a minimum of ten days in the 'Rose Red' city of Petra. Away from the Treasury which all most tourists ever see, it is a quiet archaeological wonder encompassed by the mountains with a rich diversity flora and fauna. Wildflowers cling onto life in a crevice in the multi-coloured rocks or you see the tip of a rodent’s tail as it dives for cover. Long before I became interested in birds, I remember how delightful it was to see the male Sinai Rosefinch [Carpodacus synoicus].

Now that I’m attempting to get a close-up of one of these beautiful birds, someone up there is saying: ‘You had you chance.’

So, this is the best I could do during my last visit to Jordan and the pix are a real stub to their national bird which has only been recorded in Jordan, Israel and a limited part of Egypt.

[AndyB]

One of the great things about this bird is the scenery you can see it in. Would love to see Petra.

[Jacqueline Burrell]

One of the great things about this bird is the scenery you can see it in. Would love to see Petra.

Jordan is well worth the trip from California and if you do decide to go, the best time is spring or autumn. There can be heavy snow in the north in winter and the summers are unbearable for exploring. For me spring in perfect, particularly the end of March and beginning of April because of the bird migration, the profusion of wildflowers and the trees in the orchards hanging with blossom.

Also, the people are some of the friendliest on earth, which stems back to the Bedouin tradition of hospitality in a harsh land.