15 February
At 1720 hrs - just on sunset - we arrived at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport on RJ117 from Heathrow via Berlin. After completing immigration and customs procedures, we waited for our connection to Aqaba. On arrival there, we were driven straight to the Aquamarina 2 Hotel.
16 February
Pre-breakfast walk to the beach. With our military pass, we explored the sewage works which abut the Israeli border. A fine adult Great Black-headed Gull was a highlight. We found raptor passage to be underway with many Steppe Eagles close overhead. After lunching at a local restaurant, we walked some distance along the South Beaches. We were rewarded with splendid views of 15 Greater Sand Plovers. Back to the town for ice creams! Second night in the Aquamarina 2 Hotel.
17 February
Our first stop after driving up Wadi Yutum from Aqaba, was at some irrigated farms at Disi. At nearby Wadi Rum we walked beneath the towering sandstone cliffs and drank tea in the bedouin tent. We made one further stop once we reached the Sharra Highlands (at an altitude of 1500 m). Night in the Petra Plaza Hotel.
18 February
A full day at Petra. We entered the siq and began our tour of Petra's high places (not only two in one day, but two before lunch!). After photographing the Treasury, the group climbed the steps to the High Place of Sacrifice and then down through the almost deserted Wadi Farasa. Here, we had discussions about the amazing rock patterns for which Petra is famous. The round trip to the Monastery was also completed before lunch, after which we returned up the siq - a total round trip of some 12 km (7-8 miles). We just managed the drive to Dana in daylight. Night at the new Dana Hotel, run by the RSCN.
19 February
Our 'leisurely walk' in the morning turned out a little more of a scramble than originally suggested by our guide, Ghazi. We visited a remote spring in the Barra area of white sandstone domes. After lunch and photo call for the national newspaper, we walked from our hotel to the terraces and orchards behind the village. A male Finsch's Wheatear performed well. At dusk, we listened for owls from the hotel veranda. Second night at the Dana Hotel.
20 February
With guide Ghazi (and RSCN project leader and writer Rebecca) we began our spectacular walk down Wadi Dana - a distance of some 15 km (c.10 miles) that was to take all day. We witnessed Griffon Vultures nest building and counted three other incubating birds. Two sunbathing Rock Hyraxes were an unexpected bonus. Our evening meal was eaten cross-legged, local style. A windy night was spent in tents at the Feinan camp.
21 February
Unfortunately, next morning the weather had broken and our walk to Qurayqira was hampered by a strong wind, dust and the occasional very heavy shower. We visited the ruins of Feinan, a long-standing settlement based on the local copper deposits. The last few kilometres were completed in the back of a pick-up (yes, 11 in a single vehicle!). Between the showers, we then explored some acacias at Fidan. A desert walk in Wadi Araba was the highlight of the day with a surprising number of birds being seen, including several groups of Bar-tailed Desert Larks and a displaying pair of Hoopoe Larks. Drive back to Aqaba. Night in the Aquamarina 2 Hotel.
22 February
Before breakfast, we visited the beach once more. Then it was a repeat visit to the sewage works. This time we had fine views of Dead Sea Sparrows and spent some time studying the various gull species (or subspecies). We lunched on fish by the shore of the Red Sea at the Al Farr Restaurant. In the afternoon we broke new ground exploring the high, multicoloured mountains behind Aqaba. The weather was decidedly cool and overcast! Night in the Aquamarina 2 Hotel.
23 February
Low cloud prevented us flying from Aqaba to Amman, so we were eventually bussed there via the Wadi Araba-Dead Sea road. Hill fog and rain greeted us in Amman. Unscheduled night in the Alia Gateway Hotel, Amman Airport.
24 February
Our direct flight back to Heathrow, albeit a day late, left on time, and we touched down at c.1500 hrs.
The final bird list of the tour totalled 119 species.