Birds Trip to Eilat

At the Ornithological Birdwatching Park in Eilat awaits a unique experience of nature: a fascinating encounter with migratory birds that land here to rest and prepare for the long flight ahead that entails crossing the Sahara Desert.

Migratory Birds in Eilat

Eilat –A gas refill station for birds

The Land of Israel, and especially Eilat, is amongst the most important points for migrating birds. Millions if not billions of birds that migrate between the continents of Europe and Asia to Africa, fly over Israel because thanks to its geographical position that forms a main bridge that connects the continents.

Eilat is then southernmost “gas station” for the birds before they continue south to the most difficult and challenging part of their journey which entails crossing the Sahara Desert. The crossing takes about 10 days during which the birds fly over 3000 km of desert without food. Ei-lat’s municipal and industrial development had severely affected areas in which birds fed, and the Birdwatching Park was established in order to repair the damage. The Park is a joint initiative of the Jewish National Fund, Eilat Municipality, the Israel Government Tourist Corporation and the International Birding Center in Eilat.

At the Ornithological Birdwatching Park in Eilat

Preparing for the Big Trip

If birds could speak they certainly would thank all those involved in the transformation of an abandoned dump on the outskirts of Eilat into a roadhouse for millions of migratory birds. The garbage and waste were replaced with a freshwater lake, a salt lake and forest vegetation that effectively provide food for the migrating birds. The entire park is irrigated to increase the production of food, and an effort was made to create a comfortable and natural habitat providing almost every bird a place rest and replenish themselves towards the great challenges ahead.

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A guided tour of the Birdwatching Park is a great way to get to know and recognize the migrating birds. During the tour you will meet birds that have been captured and brought to the research station, where their physical condition and migration skills are examined. The Park gives a detailed explanation of the birds’ heroic journey and extraordinary abilities to overcome obstacles during migration. Then, together with the Park’s team, release the birds on their way to the next part of their long flight. Amazingly, some of these birds weigh no more than 5 grams, but despite this, these “featherweight champions” manage to complete a journey of 25,000 miles in harsh conditions, every year.

Desert Oasis next to Eilat

Each bird you encounter has its own unique and fascinating story that completes and complements the colorful picturesque scene of the migrating birds along the Eilat landscape. After an intriguing introduction to the birds, you can tour the Park and see the Growth Cages / hab-itats and the birds that live there.

The Birdwatching Park has begun, in recent years, to promote tourism in Eilat to all birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The diversity and the large number of birds during the migratory periods, attract both professional and amateur birdwatchers that eagerly come to visit the meeting point for flocks of birds that arrive from all over Europe and northern Asia. Eilat is the meeting point for a variety of species of birds that include among them the English Miller’s Warbler, Mongolian Eagle Harrier and Kazakhstan Zaronfields with birds and birdwatchers from around the world, who come to see this unique natural phenomenon. Israeli tourists also visit and enthusiastically enjoy the experience of watching the big bird migration, and the various activities that the Birdwatching Center offers.

The Park offers guided tours, at a fee, that include a visit to the bird research center that provides a close encounter with birds and bird re-searchers, a bird watching tour, and also a visit to the flamingo ponds.

Did you know?

About 70% of the world’s birds migrate at night. This has several advantages, navigation with the aid of the night skies, avoiding predators and reducing the risk of heat and dehydration.

Guided Bird Watching Tours For Hotel Guests

Bird watching Tours for Dan Panorama Eilat Guests

The activities offered at Dan Hotels are part of the chain’s policy in order to enhance your vacation experience. This time the Dan Panorama Eilat offers complimentary guided bird watching tours for hotel guests. The tours take place on Saturdays, mainly during the migration periods.

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