Hula Valley Bird Festival 2026

November 15–19, 2026

We are delighted to announce the return of the Hula Valley Bird Festival in November 2026 — an unforgettable celebration of migration, birdwatching and conservation in one of the world’s great birding destinations.

Hosted by BirdLife Israel, the festival brings together birders from Israel and around the globe for five extraordinary days immersed in the spectacle of fall migration along the Great Rift Valley flyway.

A World-Class Migration Experience

Fall in northern Israel is simply spectacular. Millions of birds funnel through the country on their journey south to Africa, while many others remain to winter in the region. November is one of the most exciting times of year in the Hula Valley, with vast movements of Common Cranes, pelicans, raptors, storks, passerines and waterbirds filling the skies and wetlands.

The combination of exceptional bird diversity, huge concentrations of migrants, comfortable weather, beautiful landscapes and a warm international birding atmosphere makes the Hula Valley Bird Festival one of the premier birding events in the Western Palearctic.

The festival is based in the legendary Hula Valley, situated along the Great Rift Valley — one of the busiest bird migration corridors on Earth. Our carefully designed program explores the finest birding sites of northern Israel, with a special focus on the Hula wetlands and surrounding valleys.

Beyond the Hula, the itinerary includes visits to several of Israel’s most important birding regions:

The alpine slopes of Mount Hermon

The volcanic landscapes and grasslands of the Golan Heights

The restored wetlands of the Beit Shean Valley

The Mediterranean coast and fishponds of Ma’agan Michael

Throughout the week we expect an extraordinary diversity of birds and wildlife set against some of Israel’s most dramatic landscapes.

Expected Highlights

Over 200 bird species can be expected during the festival, including exciting regional specialties and globally threatened species such as:

Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Finsch’s Wheatear, Dead Sea Sparrow, Syrian Serin, Moustached Warbler, Penduline Tit, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Black Francolin, Sombre Tit, Western Rock Nuthatch, Long-billed Pipit, Desert Finch, Rock Bunting, Little Swift, Namaqua Dove, Pygmy Cormorant, Greater Sand-Plover.…and much more.

Mass movements of cranes, pelicans, raptors, pipits, larks, gulls and waterfowl are a daily feature of the festival.

Accommodation & Group Size

Participants will stay at the excellent Pastoral Hotel in Kfar Blum, ideally located in the heart of the Upper Galilee. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, outstanding food and excellent birding directly from the grounds.

To ensure a high-quality birding experience, group sizes are kept small and transportation is by spacious minibuses.

Festival Package Includes

Pickup and transfer from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem on Day 1

Return transfer to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Ben Gurion Airport on Day 5

Four nights accommodation at the Pastoral Hotel on half-board basis (breakfast and dinner included)

Full program of guided birding excursions

Expert Israeli bird guides and tour leaders (all fluent English speakers)

Entry fees to all reserves and sites included in the program

Evening lectures and activities

All transportation during the festival

Not Included

Flights, visas (if required), insurance, lunches, beverages, laundry, telephone charges and gratuities. Lunch stops at convenient spots are included in the program.

Festival Schedule

(The program may change slightly according to weather conditions and current bird reports.)

Sunday, November 15 – The Beit Shean Valley

We will meet our buses and guides in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv before heading north to the remarkable Beit Shean Valley. This low-lying region, characterized by extensive agriculture, wetlands and fishponds, is one of Israel’s most productive winter birding areas.

We will explore the restored wetlands at Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin, part of the Start-Up Nature restoration program of SPNI/BirdLife Israel. Huge concentrations of Black Kites, Black Storks, pelicans, gulls, herons and waterfowl can often be found here during autumn and winter.

We will also search for one of the valley’s most sought-after species — the enigmatic Dead Sea Sparrow — alongside a rich supporting cast of raptors, ducks and passerines.

In the late afternoon we continue north past the beautiful Sea of Galilee toward our hotel in the Hula Valley.

Dinner and overnight at the Pastoral Hotel, Kfar Blum.

Monday, November 16 – Agamon Hula and the Crane Spectacle

Today is devoted to one of the Middle East’s greatest birding sites — Agamon Hula Park.

Our day begins before dawn with the famous “mobile hide” sunrise experience, widely considered one of the most memorable birdwatching spectacles in the region. As the sun rises over the valley, tens of thousands of Common Cranes, pelicans and waterbirds lift from their night roosts in breathtaking waves.

After breakfast back at the hotel, we return to Agamon Hula to explore the wetlands, fields and pools in search of raptors, passerines, larks, pipits, ducks and waterbirds.

This is one of the best opportunities during the festival to observe globally threatened species such as Eastern Imperial Eagle and Greater Spotted Eagle.

Dinner and evening lecture at the hotel.

Overnight Pastoral Hotel, Kfar Blum.

Tuesday, November 17 – The Golan Heights & Mount Hermon

After an early breakfast we ascend into the dramatic landscapes of the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon.

Mount Hermon, Israel’s highest mountain, hosts a unique assemblage of species found nowhere else in the country. We will search for specialties including: Western Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Syrian Serin, Rock Bunting and Long-billed Pipit.

Depending on weather conditions, we may reach higher elevations in search of Horned Lark and Crimson-winged Finch.

Following our mountain birding, we will stop for lunch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams before exploring additional birding hotspots in the northern Golan Heights according to recent sightings and conditions.

Dinner and evening lecture at the hotel.

Overnight Pastoral Hotel, Kfar Blum.

Wednesday, November 18 – Hula Nature Reserve & Sunset Crane Flight

The day begins with an optional early morning walk around the hotel and kibbutz grounds before breakfast.

Later we visit the Hula Nature Reserve, Israel’s first nature reserve and home to the northernmost papyrus reedbeds in the world. The reserve supports more than 100 species of birds and offers excellent opportunities for close observation of reedbed specialists and wetland birds, including White-tailed Eagle.

After a midday break at the hotel, we continue birding around several key hotspots in the valley before returning to Agamon Hula for a spectacular sunset mobile-hide excursion.

As evening falls, tens of thousands of cranes and countless other birds stream back into the wetlands to roost, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in the Middle East.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight Pastoral Hotel, Kfar Blum.

Thursday, November 19 – Mediterranean Coast & Ma’agan Michael

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and drive south to the Mediterranean Coast.

Our final birding day focuses on the restored wetlands and fishponds of Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, another important Start-Up Nature restoration project. The coastal lagoons, ponds and beaches host impressive numbers of pelicans, storks, gulls, herons, kingfishers, ducks, waders and raptors.

This productive coastal region often provides excellent final additions to the trip list before we begin our journey back to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in the afternoon.

Pricing

Double Room: 7,622 NIS per person
Single Room: 9,163 NIS per person

SPNI Member Rates:
Double Room: 7,203 NIS per person
Single Room: 8,744 NIS per person

A deposit of 1,000 NIS per person is required upon registration.

Final invoices will be sent after September 1st. Full payment is required for all registrations made after September 1st.

A minimum number of participants is required for the festival to operate.

Conservation Commitment

The Hula Valley Bird Festival is organized by BirdLife Israel, part of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI).

By participating in the festival, you directly support the conservation, research and education work of BirdLife Israel, helping protect vital stopover sites used by hundreds of millions of migratory birds every year.

Carbon Offset Donations

Participants are invited to contribute an optional donation to help offset the carbon footprint of their participation.

All donations support the Start-Up Nature restoration programme of SPNI/BirdLife Israel, which restores wetlands and natural habitats throughout Israel to benefit migratory birds and biodiversity.

Cancellation Policy

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel’s cancellation policy complies with Israeli consumer protection regulations while providing favorable conditions for festival participants.

Cancellation up to two months before the festival: 5% cancellation fee

Cancellation between two months and one month before the festival: 50% of total fee charged

Cancellation less than one month before the festival: full payment charged

Participants cancelling due to medical reasons are requested to provide appropriate documentation. Cases will be reviewed individually.

If SPNI cancels the festival for any reason, a full refund will be issued.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including coverage for cancellations and flight disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to participate in all activities?

No. On Days 2 and 4 there will be several shorter outings with breaks at the hotel in between, allowing participants to rest if desired.

On travel days and the Mount Hermon excursion, the group will generally remain together throughout the day.

How much walking is involved?

The festival involves light to moderate walking each day.

Most walks are along good paths, boardwalks or easy trails, though some uneven terrain may be encountered. Participants should be comfortable walking short distances and entering/exiting minibuses regularly.

What field guide is recommended?

We recommend the Collins Bird Guide (3rd Edition) by Lars Svensson and colleagues, widely regarded as the best field guide for Israel and the Western Palearctic.

Both Merlin and Collins smartphone apps are also highly recommended and include calls, songs and photographs.

What will the weather be like?

November weather in northern Israel is generally pleasant but variable. Conditions may range from warm and sunny to cool and rainy.

We recommend bringing:

• Layered clothing
• Warm fleece or jacket
• Waterproof outer layer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunglasses

Where can I buy lunch?

Lunch is not included in the package. On longer excursions we will stop at locations where light meals and snacks can be purchased.

The kibbutz mini-market also offers groceries and refreshments. Rooms include a mini-fridge and electric kettle.

Can I bring optics into Israel?

There is generally no issue bringing personal binoculars or telescopes into Israel.

However, participants planning onward travel to Jordan or Egypt should note that optics may occasionally be restricted at land border crossings.

Do I need cash?

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Israel, and cash is generally unnecessary.

However, participants may wish to carry some shekels for lunches, drinks or optional guide and driver tips.

Is the festival suitable for photographers?

Yes — the festival offers excellent photographic opportunities due to the sheer abundance and diversity of birds.

However, the program is designed primarily around birdwatching rather than dedicated photography sessions. The pace will generally suit birders rather than photographers waiting extended periods for specific shots.

We ask all participants to be considerate of others by avoiding blocking views, leaving designated paths or disturbing birds through playback or off-trail approaches.

Registration & Information

For additional information and registration details, please contact:

Alena Kacal
BirdLife Israel / SPNI
alenk@spni.org.il

We look forward to welcoming you to the Hula Valley for an unforgettable celebration of migration and birdwatching in Israel.