The Galilee is home and host to hundreds of species due to its unique combination of geography and climate.

Location

The Hula Valley is situated at the edge of four climatic zones and influenced by each: the temperate European, the Mediterranean, the Asian steppe and the Arabian desert. The Hula, separated by mountains from the Mediterranean, offers a small paradise on the flight path of migrating birds from north to south in the fall and from south to north in the spring.

The northern Hula Valley contains most of Israel's fresh water sources: the Dan, Hermon, and other rivers join the Hatzbani to form the Jordan. Rising in the north and fed by melting snows from the mountains and underground springs, these rivers have formed breathtaking waterfalls enjoyed by both animal and human visitors. They are also home to myriad varieties of plants, trees and flowers.

Birds and Waterfowl

Waterbirds find a lush retreat here; pelicans, storks and raptors find plenty of food. These big birds need specific climatic conditions in order to survive their long annual treks, and the Hula Valley area provides them all. They are seen in the area every year from September through November and from March through May.

Birds in the Hula Valley

However, they are not the only birds here - eagles, hawks and other raptors spend their nights on the mountainsides and descend in the late morning to feed on the small mammals abundant in the valley. Summer is nesting time. This noisy, bustling scene is repeated all over the valley. Songbird nests are hidden, although the perceptive and patient birdwatcher will be amply rewarded.

Some of the most beautiful birds, such as the sunbird, are native to the area and are not known at all in Europe. Two vulture nesting sites are located not far away and the Hula area provides them with fruitful feeding grounds. In recent years, hundreds of storks have stayed in the area throughout the summer, mainly fledglings who are not yet ready to nest.

Winter is the best time for water bird observation. They seem to thrive on company, and the large flocks in the fishponds and rivers make for uninhibited observation - almost as if they were posing!

Mammals

The Galilee is also a paradise for small mammals. The mammal inhabitants of the Galilee are varied: the rock hyrax or coney, for example, is a native. They live in packs and are found only in Africa and the Middle East. Another mammal that at one time was nearing extinction is the Israeli gazelle. They live in large herds of between 10 - 70 members, and their grace and sheer loveliness is not easily forgotten. They are found on the slopes throughout the valley. The area teems with various types of insects; butterflies, moths and other flying insects are spectacular. Plant life is prolific throughout the year, but for a real show of Nature's bounty, spring is the time to enjoy the thousands of blooms.

Rock hyrax or coney are native to the Galilee

In sum, the natural riches of the Hula Valley area are inspiring, but they, like all natural phenomena, need care and nurturing to prevent irreversible damage to the delicate ecological structure. Plan a visit with care, but remember that not all sites and animals can be seen in a single visit.

This lack can be overcome with a visit to the Ussishkin Nature Museum, with its displays of local flora and fauna and audiovisual presentation. There are also films on the Hula Valley bird life and birdwatchers can be advised where the best spots for bird watching are to be found in each season. The museum is the perfect introduction or finishing touch to a visit to the area.