The first flock of migrating cranes arrived Monday at the KKL-JNF Hula Valley Nature Reserve, marking the start of the region’s annual spectacle as the birds move from their Russian breeding grounds toward Africa.
Among the arrivals are young cranes experiencing their first long-distance migration, traveling with their parents to ensure a safe journey. Some flocks are expected to remain in the Hula Valley for the entire winter, while others will continue on to Africa.
“The arrival of the first cranes at the Hula Valley is always moving, filling the heart with beauty and hope. The magic of migration is exciting time after time, and one can never get used to these breathtaking sights when the lake fills with the voices of the cranes,” said Inbar Shlomit Rubin, field manager at the KKL-JNF Hula Lake. “We all hope that, just like the cranes, all the hostages will return to us soon, so that the joy will be complete,” she added.
The Hula Valley, recognized as one of Israel’s and the world’s most important avian habitats, serves as a crucial stopover for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year. The reserve offers safety, plentiful food, and rest needed to fuel the birds’ journeys.
Nature enthusiasts can watch the migration live through cameras operating around the clock on the KKL-JNF’s website.
