Israel is well known as one of the best sites in the world to enjoy Bird Watching. At least 500 million of migrant birds from hundreds of species pass through Israel twice a year, making it one of the world's busiest and most impressive flyways. In the fall, they make their way south to Africa and in the spring they return to Europe to mate and reproduce. As well as being a terrestrial bridge between Africa and the Eurasian landmass, Israel is characterized by a wide range of habitats resulting in a rich biodiversity all year round. Israel’s combination of great weather, fantastic (and rare) birds, and memorable migration moments cannot be beaten. Israel's mild winter hosts over 150 species of European birds, that choose to pass the winter months here, including some very rare species.
Bird lovers visiting Israel enjoy a variety of events and activities. Along the migration route are several main bird watching sites, starting with Lake Hula in the Upper Galilee, through the Beit Shean Valley's Kfar Rupin, Jerusalem, The Dead Sea and the Arava desert north of the Red Sea port city of Eilat. These centers include telescopes and conduct guided tours.
The Hula Valley nature reserve is the most famous place for bird watching. November marks the height of the autumn migration, and the Hula Valley Bird Festival 20/11/2016 - 27/11/2016.
December the reservoirs of the Judean Plains are blessed with the arrival of up to 20 percent of the world population of rare white-headed ducks.
January and February, eastern imperial eagles peregrine falcons can be spotted in the western Negev, and in mid-February you’ll see early spring migrators such as steppe eagles flying in over Eilat.
March is the time for the Eilat Birds Festival, 19-26 March 2017. Hosted by the Israel Ornithological Center, the Eilat Birds Festival brings together birders from around the world for an unforgettable week of birds and nature during the peak of spring migration.
Year Round Birding
Northern Israel with its high mountains and fertile green areas is the southern tip for many birds of European and Asian origin. Mt. Hermon in Israel's extreme north is the tip of the vast Syrian mountain range and as such hosts some regional specialties that are hard to find elsewhere.
Throughout the Winter, the Galilee becomes home to thousands of water birds, songbirds and birds of prey you’ll see cranes and white pelicans in the Hula gulls and herons and waders at Ma’agan Michael.
Southern Israel is mostly arid and its interesting deserts are the northern tip of the breeding range of many African and near eastern bird species.
Israel offers excellent birding year round with every season hosting its own specialties, come and see for yourself!