Agamon Hula: A Paradise for Birds and People

It's easy to see why Agamon Hula Wildlife Preserve is called "a paradise for birds and people": Some 500 million birds of 400 species, including these white pelicans, migrate through this valley in Israel every migration season. The valley is surrounded by the Golan, the Korazim, and the Metulla Heights and the Lebanon and the Naphtali mountain ranges in the northern part of Israel and is in the center of the Afro-Syrian Rift –– one of the most significant bird migration routes in the world.

In the 1950s the Israeli government worked to drain the valley to allow for agriculture. But as the landscape changed, the birds and other animals declined in the area. The government then divided the land, reserving some space for preservation and agriculture. The Agamon region represents a unique model of cooperation between nature and agriculture in Israel.

These injured donkeys were rescued by the Agamon Hula Wildlife Preserve.

Bee-eaters are one of the many species of birds that migrate through the valley. These bright-colored birds catch bees and other insects when the bugs are in flight.

At the Hula Valley Ringing Station, birds (like this blackcap warbler) are studied. A small metal ring is attached to one of their legs so they can be tracked throughout their life. The process of adding the rings is called branding.

A swallow is fitted with a small identification ring.

This blackcap warbler is studied before being released back into the wild. The Hula Valley is an important resting area for migrating birds. Many fly from Africa and rest in Israel before they travel on to Europe and Asia.

Visitors can help release birds back into the wild — an amazing experience.

Water buffalos were brought to Israel during the times of the Ottoman Empire by refugee tribes from Sudan.

The noisy plover is a common sight in the Agamon Hula.

My approaching bike sent a flock of cranes into flight. Visitors can tour the park by bike, golf cart or safari vehicle.

For more park information, visit Agamon Hula's Website.