First Cranes Arrive in Israel, Signaling Start of Fall Migration

The first gray cranes of the autumn season have arrived in Israel, landing at the Agamon Hula Park in northern Israel. Their arrival marks the beginning of the annual fall migration, which is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. These cranes primarily migrate from northern Russia, as well as Finland and Estonia, traveling in family groups with young birds born in the spring. Tens of thousands more cranes are anticipated to spend the winter in the Agamon Hula area.

This year's migration began slightly later than usual. Inbar Shlomit Rubin, Head of Field Operations at Agamon Hula Park, noted that the first cranes typically arrive between September 23 and the end of the month, but this year's arrival was delayed until early October. Rubin suggested that warmer weather in Europe may have prompted the birds to postpone their journey, allowing younger cranes to gain strength and energy reserves for the long flight.

The newly arrived cranes are joining other migratory species already present at Agamon Hula, including flamingos, spoonbills, sandpipers, ibises, and herons. The Agamon Hula wetland is a crucial stopover point on bird migration routes in Israel, providing essential opportunities for rest, food, and energy replenishment.

The arrival of the cranes is not only a significant natural spectacle for residents of northern Israel but also an important event for the local economy. The valley anticipates a large influx of birds in the coming weeks, heralding the start of the birdwatching season.