The first flock of cranes of the season arrived Monday at the Hula Lake Reserve in northern Israel, stirring excitement among birdwatchers and conservationists.
Reserve staff said the birds are migrating south from their summer nesting grounds in Russia on their way to Africa. Many will remain in Israel for the winter, turning the wetlands into one of the country’s most celebrated wildlife spectacles.
First cranes arriving at Hula Lake
For the youngest cranes — only a few months old — this marks their first intercontinental migration. They travel with their parents, who guide them across thousands of miles to ensure they complete the journey safely.
“The arrival of the first cranes at Hula Lake always fills the heart with beauty and hope,” said Einbar Shlomit Rubin, field director at the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund’s Hula Lake Park. “The magic of migration is emotional every single time, and it’s impossible to grow accustomed to these wonderful sights as the lake fills with their calls.”
Hula Lake, part of a restored wetland that was once drained in the 1950s, is now considered one of the most important bird habitats in Israel and a critical stopover site along the great bird migration routes linking Europe, Asia, and Africa. The reserve provides food and shelter to tens of thousands of migratory birds each year, allowing them to rest and gain strength for the next leg of their journey.
Live camera feeds of the cranes’ arrival are being streamed from the site.