Photo by
Maya Kadosh/TPS-IL on 25 October, 2026
Photo Essay: Autumn Migration Reaches Full Swing in Israel’s Mitzpe Vikar
Jerusalem, 25 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Editor’s note: Due to an editing error, the photo essay and captions incorrectly stated that photos were taken at the Hula Valley. The photos were in fact taken at Mitzpe Vikar. TPS-IL regrets the error.
Every autumn, Israel’s Mitzpe Vikar in te Hefer Valley region of northern Israel becomes a staging ground for one of nature’s great spectacles as hundreds of millions of birds cross the country on their journeys between Europe, Asia and Africa. Cranes and pelicans gather in the valley’s wetlands and fields to rest and feed before continuing south.
The annual migration draws birdwatchers and photographers eager to witness the flocks take to the skies at sunrise.
Other popular birdwatching sites include the Hula Valley, the Beit Shean Valley, and Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael.
Around 45,000 pelicans winter in the wetlands of Mitzpe Vikar in northern Israell on Oct. 24, 2026 as migrating birds draw birdwatchers and researchers. Photo Maya Kadosh/TPS-IL
The cranes arrive in Israel primarily from northwestern Russia, Finland and Estonia, on their journey toward Ethiopia’s Lake Tana region. The pelicans fly from southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Romanai, to their wintering grounds in Sudan and South Sudan. The Mitzpe Vikar wetlands are a key resting and feeding spot. Photo by Maya Kadosh/TPS-IL
Feeding programs help protect agricultural crops from hungry birds, underscoring cooperation between wildlife managers and local farmers. Photo by Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS-IL
In spring, migrating pelicans will head back north, completing their seasonal journey between Europe and Africa. Photo by Maya Kadosh/TPS-IL
Visitors have the best chance of seeing active flocks early in the morning or near sunset. Photo by Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS-IL
