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The Hula Birdwatching Centre is part of a network of
regional birdwatching centres in Israel
that operates under the wing of the Israel Ornithological
Centre (IOC) of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
(SPNI). The Hula Birdwatching Centre was founded to provide local
environmental awareness and protection through research, conservation,
education and ecotourism.
Situated within the heart of the Great Rift Valley, the Hula Valley in the
north of Israel is one of the main wintering and migratory sites of over
300 bird species.
The Hula Valley, once one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Middle
East, was drained in the 1950’s for agriculture. In the southern part of
the valley, the Hula Nature Reserve was created to help offset the loss of
the marsh and lake that were there in the past. However, today most of the
valley, some 30 sq. km, is agricultural land.
In 1994, a relatively large area of poor agricultural land has been
restored to wetlands and marshes. The combination of the restored area,
nature reserve and the surrounding agricultural fields has created over 60
sq. km with a variety of habitats attracting many birds and other
wildlife. Today the area draws tens of thousands of waterfowl, raptors
and waders.
Twenty Globally Threatened species are found in the valley including the
endangered Imperial Eagle, Spotted Eagle, and Marbled
Duck. Many more 'rare' species can be seen in the valley such as Pygmy
Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Pallid Harrier, Black
Francolin, White-tailed Eagle, Oriental Skylark and Siberian Stonechat
to name just a few.
One of the most amazing phenomena occurring here is the migration and
wintering of tens of thousands of Common Crane. During peak season,
October through November up to 30,000 cranes can be seen at one time. Up to
20,000 cranes regularly winter in the Hula Valley every year since
the early 90's. The spectacle of seeing so many of those magnificent birds
is something that will soften the heart of even the most cynical.
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Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle Rudis |
