Hoopoe Celebrating as Hoopoes Do

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In honor of Israel's 78th Independence day celebration which took place this week, here's my annual picture of the national bird - the Hoopoe (Upupa epops דוכיפת) - celebrating as Israelis do, by having a big meal in a park! 

Granted, the Hoopoe has not lit a fire to have a braii or barbecue as is traditional, but it's doing the best it can. 

As part of the 2008 celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary, president Shimon Peres announced the results of a national poll where the Hoopoe was voted "National Bird". How long ago that seems! 




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