Birdwatching in Israel, even in times of war

Yotam Bashan, senior ornithologist for the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (Photo: Screenshot/Kan 11)

To escape to nature and enjoy birdwatching in times of war is a good thing: To breathe and renew the human soul in nature. In Israel, IDF military reservists who get released from their duties, along with scholars, nature reserve guides, professional birders and even random hikers, are heading out to nature to see the wonders of the bird’s flying.

Recently, strong winds from the Mediterranean Sea have brought many various bird species to the seashore of Israel, most of them sea birds, something that all birdwatching specialists seek. A couple of days ago, at Ma’agan Michael on the seashore, a very rare bird called “Hybrid Wagtail” was seen. This rare and beautiful yellow tiny bird is something that will likely only be seen only once in a lifetime.

Israel is not only a place for endemic bird species, but also a well-known bird migration corridor.

The birds’ migration from Europe to Africa, and vice-versa, is made through three main “aerial highways”: but always above dryland as much as possible. The first way is through the Strait of Gibraltar. The second through Sicily and Tunis, the third through Israel.

Migration is a cyclic movement observed in animals like birds, fish, insects, and mammals. Birds usually migrate from northern breeding areas to warmer regions during autumn, returning northward in spring as temperatures rise. This movement helps them find food and adapt to seasonal changes.

Israel’s strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Desert, makes it a crucial migratory hub for birds. The narrow “bottleneck” funneling birds through Israel often requires rest and fueling before or after crossing the desert. Approximately 500 million birds migrate over Israel each season, influenced by both geography and by divine inspiration. The thousands of miles (kilometers) to fly above huge seas and desertic areas is something incredible and challenging for the human mind to understand.

There are two categories of migratory birds: Those that migrate during the day and those that migrate at night.

Daytime migration relies on warm air currents and typically includes birds like raptors, storks, cranes, geese and various passerines. Altitude during daytime migration varies depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Nocturnal migration demands considerable energy expenditure and encompasses birds like songbirds, waterfowl and ducks. Altitude during nocturnal migration varies widely, with some birds flying at low altitudes and others reaching heights of over 6,000 meters.

Where can we see the migration taking place in Israel?

Migration in Israel is complex, occurring almost throughout the country. Generally, autumn migration is focused in the north and center, while spring migration is prominent in the south and center. The coastal plain is a key migration route for birds during both seasons.

Although a lot of different species can be seen almost anywhere, there is still a specific main highway: Through the long Syrian-African rift, which is in Israel passing by the Hula Valley, the Jordan Valley, and down to Eilat and the Red Sea. Two main stop stations for fueling are the Hula Valley and the Eilat ponds. During the autumn migration, these are the stations before crossing the very long way of the Red Sea and the Egyptian/Sudanese deserts. The final destination should be Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda at the big lakes and rivers.

In the Hula Valley, cranes migrate during autumn and spring. By late February, they leave northward, offering a stunning sight with Mount Hermon in the background. Storks and pelicans follow shortly after. The Valley of Springs, especially Beit She’an Valley, is also excellent for birdwatching. During migration season, hundreds of thousands of storks rest in the valley’s fields before moving on. For a memorable experience, consider visiting the birdwatching center in Kfar Ruppin.

Eilat is a vital stopover for millions of migratory birds crossing between Europe, Asia and Africa. However, human development has depleted their resting and refueling areas. The International Birding and Research Center in Eilat (IBRCE) works to protect habitats, restore food sources and research ways to safeguard their migration routes.

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