They’re Here! The First Cranes of the Season Have Arrived at KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park

08 October 2026
We’ve missed these incredible sights and sounds! The first cranes of the season have arrived at KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park, and tens of thousands more are expected to reach the area in the coming weeks.
The first cranes arrived at KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park in early October. They come to Israel primarily from northern Russia, as well as from Finland and Estonia. At this time of year, they arrive in family groups, accompanied by young cranes that hatched last spring.
 
Over the coming weeks and months, tens of thousands of cranes are expected to arrive at the park as part of the autumn migration.
 
Photo: Einbar Shlomit Rubin, KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park
 
Eyal Ostreinsky, Chairman of KKL-JNF: “KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park is much more than a unique nature site. It is a vital tourism and economic asset for the residents of northern Israel and the Galilee. The cranes’ eagerly awaited return each year reminds us of the importance of protecting nature, as well as our responsibility to continue strengthening the Galilee, local tourism and the communities that live and work there. KKL-JNF will continue investing in the region and working to ensure that the park and the entire Galilee continue to grow, develop and attract visitors from across Israel and around the world.”

Einbar Shlomit Rubin, Site Manager at KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park: “Over the past several nights, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the park’s wildlife cameras to see whether the cranes had arrived yet. What a thrill! The cranes were a little late this year, but last night they finally arrived. At first light, we waited in the observation cart, hoping to see them and share this beautiful sight with everyone.”

The cranes join the many other bird species that have already arrived at the park, including flamingos, spoonbills, shorebirds, ibises and herons. Visitors should keep in mind that the crane migration is only just beginning and will continue over the coming weeks.

KKL-JNF Hula Lake Park is one of Israel’s most important habitats and a key site along the birds’ migration route. It provides a crucial stopover for migratory birds, offering abundant food for a wide variety of species and a safe place to rest and replenish their energy.