Thousands of Cranes Flock to Israel During Annual Migration

The annual autumn migration of cranes is intensifying, with thousands of the birds traveling from Europe through Israel to Africa. Some will remain in Israel for the entire winter. On the morning of the report, 19,600 cranes were counted at Agamon Hula-KKL. Cranes are known for their strength and, unlike other large birds, migrate at night. During the fall migration, cranes travel as family units, with parents and young birds that hatched in the spring. They maintain family bonds primarily through vocal communication, enabling them to identify family members within large flocks. Eyal Ostrovsky, Chairman of KKL-JNF, stated that Agamon Hula is a strategic asset for tourism in the entire north, with the crane migration attracting many visitors annually, boosting local tourism and the economy. KKL-JNF will continue to invest in the site to preserve its unique natural values and strengthen its position as a significant tourist anchor in the Galilee. Einbar Shlomit Rubin, Field Manager at Agamon Hula-KKL, described the cranes as "wonderful" and their lifestyle as fascinating, noting their ability to communicate within families and flocks helps protect and teach the young how to survive. During this season, cranes spend their days in the Hula Valley fields and gather at Agamon Hula for safe overnight roosting away from predators. Agamon Hula-KKL serves as a crucial stopover point and one of the most important habitats in Israel and the world for migratory birds, providing a safe haven for rest, nourishment, and energy replenishment for their long journey.