Hula Valley, Common Kestrel Nest — Live Webcam Online

Hula Valley History: From Drainage to Revival

The Hula Valley in northern Israel experienced a dramatic transformation in the 20th century. In the early 1950s, the young state faced the urgent need to combat malaria and expand agricultural land. Thus began a large-scale project that forever changed the face of this region. The drainage of Lake Hula took place between 1951 and 1958 under the direction of the Jewish National Fund (KKL). Peat bogs were drained, the Jordan River channel was straightened, and the unique lake covering about 60 square kilometers virtually disappeared.

The goals were achieved — malaria was eradicated, and fertile farmland appeared. But the cost proved too high. The endemic ecosystem was lost: unique fish species, including the Hula bream, and amphibians vanished forever. The exposed peat soil began to spontaneously ignite, and underground fires poisoned the air for decades. Dust storms from the lake's bare bed carried pesticides across surrounding settlements. The ecological disaster became evident as early as the 1960s, but it took decades more to begin correcting the mistakes.

The turning point came in the 1990s, when a portion of the drained lands was re-flooded. This gave rise to the Hula restoration project. In 2011, the Hula painted frog — considered extinct since the drainage — was discovered in the park. This amphibian, endemic to Israel, had been listed by the IUCN Red List as extinct in the wild, and its return became a symbol of the revival program's success. Today, Agamón Hula Park is an artificial lake-reservoir covering about one square kilometer, surrounded by restored wetlands that provide habitat for hundreds of bird species.

The Great Flyway: Migration Through Hula

The Hula Valley occupies a unique position on the bird migration map. It lies at the center of the Great Rift Valley — a giant corridor connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Twice a year, this corridor becomes an incredible stream of winged travelers. Over 500 million birds fly through the Hula Valley twice a year — figures that astonish even experienced ornithologists.

In spring, from February to May, millions of birds travel from African wintering grounds to breeding sites in Europe and Asia. In autumn, from August to November, they return. During these periods, the sky above Hula is literally blanketed in flocks. Over 200 species of migratory birds have been recorded in the park: pelicans, cormorants, herons, raptors of all sizes. Here you can spot Dalmatian pelicans, marbled teals, greater spotted eagles, and many other species listed in the Red Book.

The concentration of birds during peak migration is especially impressive. On certain days, tens of thousands of individuals pass overhead. For many species, Hula serves as the last refueling stop before crossing the Sinai Desert or, conversely, the first resting place after an exhausting journey. This is why preserving this natural area is of international importance.

Winter Guests of the Valley: Rare Birds of Israel

Winter in Hula is the season when the valley transforms into a vast bird sanctuary. Thousands of birds arrive here seeking warm waters and abundant food. Up to 40,000 common cranes gather in the Hula Valley in winter — one of the largest concentrations of this species in the Middle East. Common cranes arrive here from Russia, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe, and their piercing calls echo across the wetlands from dawn to dusk.

However, cranes are only part of the winter bird community. The park hosts rare raptors: the white-tailed eagle, the largest predator among Israel's avifauna with a wingspan of up to two meters, the greater spotted eagle listed in the Red Book, and the western marsh harrier. On the water surface, you can observe Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants, and marbled teals — a species considered among the rarest in the region.

An interesting practice has developed in the relationship between the park and farmers. Migratory birds, especially cranes and pelicans, tend to feed on agricultural fields, damaging crops. To avoid conflict, the park administration and local farmers reached an agreement: part of the harvest is deliberately left in the fields, and grain is laid out at specific feeding sites. This compromise allows both birds to survive and farmers to protect their livelihoods.

Agamón Hula Park: A Hub for Birdwatchers

Today, Agamón Hula Park is not just a natural area but a full-fledged ecotourism center. It features well-maintained birdwatching trails, equipped observation decks, and hidden blinds where you can watch birds without disturbing them. Bicycles and special electric carts are available for getting around the park, making it easy to cover large distances.

The park's infrastructure is designed with birdwatchers' needs in mind. Information boards describe species you can see in different seasons. Educational programs run for schoolchildren and students. And for those who cannot visit in person, webcams have been installed to broadcast bird life in real time. One of these cameras is aimed at a common kestrel nest — a small raptor that has become one of the park's symbols.

The park is open year-round, and each season brings something special. But it is the winter months that attract the greatest number of visitors — both tourists and researchers from across the globe. Hula is included in international ornithological expedition routes and is recognized by UNESCO as an important natural heritage site.

Common Kestrel: A Predator in the Frame

The common kestrel is a small falcon widespread throughout Israel and across Eurasia. Slightly larger than a pigeon, it is nevertheless a true predator with a sharp beak and grasping talons. The kestrel hunts small rodents, lizards, and large insects, often hovering in mid-air while scanning for prey below. This characteristic hunting behavior — "winnowing flight" — makes the bird easily recognizable even for untrained observers.

In Agamón Hula Park, kestrels nest on specially installed artificial platforms and in tree cavities. A camera set up near one of the nests allows real-time observation of these birds' lives. The incubation period for common kestrel eggs is 28–30 days. In the Hula region, egg-laying typically occurs in March and early April, so hatching falls in April and early May. Exact timing depends on weather conditions in a given year and the start of incubation.

The kestrel is a species well adapted to coexisting with humans. Unlike larger predators, it does not avoid anthropogenic landscapes and often nests near farmlands where food is plentiful. In Israel, the kestrel is both a resident and migratory species — some individuals remain in the valley year-round, while others fly to warmer regions for winter.

When to Visit Hula: Seasonal Observations

The timing of your park visit depends on what you want to see. Every season in Hula has its own special features and attracts different bird species.

Autumn (October–November) — the peak of autumn migration. Hundreds of thousands of birds pass through the park, including huge flocks of pelicans and cranes. This is the best time to witness the full scale of migration in all its grandeur.

Winter (December–February) — the season for wintering birds. These months offer the maximum concentration of common cranes, white-tailed eagles, and other rare species. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures usually hovering around 15–20 degrees.

Spring (February–April) — the peak of spring migration, when birds return from Africa. This period shows the greatest species diversity. Nature awakens, flowers bloom, and the park looks especially picturesque.

Summer (June–August) — the least favorable time for birdwatching. Most migratory birds have already departed, and local species hide from the scorching heat. Daytime temperatures often exceed 35 degrees, making observations uncomfortable.

What You Can See on the Camera

The webcam in Hula is mounted directly at a common kestrel nest and broadcasts everything happening there in real time. During the nesting season, which typically falls in spring months, viewers can observe all stages of these remarkable predators' lives: from egg-laying to the fledging of chicks.

The camera operates in live broadcast mode, allowing you to see how the mother kestrel incubates her eggs, how chicks hatch, and how the parents feed and raise their offspring. At other times of year, you can watch adult birds resting near the nest or other bird species drawn to this location.

The live stream from Agamón Hula Park is a unique opportunity to witness Israeli wildlife without traveling. The real-time webcam opens a window into a world where something new happens every day: a kestrel brings prey to her chicks, a flock of pelicans flies by, a white-tailed eagle appears on the horizon. Observing bird life through the online camera is not just entertainment — it's a way to better understand why places like the Hula Valley must be preserved for future generations.