Approximately 10,600 cranes were counted at Hula Lake Park in northern Israel early Tuesday morning, marking the first official count of the autumn migration season as thousands of birds make their annual journey south.
The count, conducted at dawn by experienced observers, comes as migratory activity intensifies across the Hula Valley, one of Israel's most important stopover sites for birds traveling between Europe, Asia and Africa.
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Over 10,000 cranes counted at KKL-JNFs Hula Lake Park as autumn migration reaches full swing
(Photo: Inbar Shlomit Rubin/KKL-JNF)
The cranes arrive primarily from northwestern Russia, Finland and Estonia, traveling south toward wintering grounds in the Lake Tana region of Ethiopia. While many continue their journey to Africa, others remain in the Hula Valley throughout the winter.
The birds spend their nights at Hula Lake, where the water provides a relatively protected roosting area away from predators and disturbances. At first light, thousands take flight and disperse across the surrounding valley in search of food, allowing observers to assess their numbers.
Located in the Upper Galilee, Hula Lake Park is a major stopover along one of the world's important bird migration routes. Its wetlands provide migratory birds with places to rest and feed during their long journeys.
The first crane families arrive at Lake Hula earlier this month
(Video: Inbar Shlomit Rubin/KKL-JNF)
The current migration season is bringing more than just cranes to the area. Pelicans, flamingos, birds of prey and numerous other species are also passing through the valley, according to Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), which operates the park.
"We are now in the midst of the autumn migration, and alongside the cranes, pelicans, flamingos, birds of prey and many other species are passing through the area," said Inbar Shlomit Rubin, field manager at Hula Lake Park.
"We have missed these wonderful sights and sounds, especially the moment when the first light rises over the Golan Heights and the magic of Hula Lake Park is revealed in all its beauty," she added.
Beyond its ecological significance, the park is also a major destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, drawing visitors to the Galilee and supporting tourism-related businesses and employment in northern Israel.
Cranes land at Agamon Hula
(Photo: Inbar Shlomit Rubin/KKL-JNF)
KKL-JNF World Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said the organization views the park as both a conservation site and an economic resource for surrounding communities.
"Hula Lake Park is one of Israel's most beautiful natural sites, inspiring millions of visitors year after year," Ostrinsky said. "We are proud of the park's role in driving economic growth for local communities and attracting tourists from Israel and abroad."
With the autumn migration underway, crane numbers are expected to remain a major feature of the Hula Valley's landscape in the coming months as some birds continue south and others settle in for the winter.