A record-breaking 51,000 cranes made their annual visit in the area of the Hula Lake Ornithology and Nature Park conservation area in northern Israel, north of the Sea of Galilee last Thursday in the Hula Valley, the highest number of these particular birds ever seen at the lake.
The birds are taking a short breather as they travel on their annual migration across the region between the northern and southern hemispheres during the cold season. They migrate to Europe in mid-to-late February, making a stop at Hula Lake for a quick pit stop, tanking on Israeli delectables along the way. At the start of December, the graceful guests migrate back to Africa, again making a stop at the Hula Lake to rest and refresh themselves once more on the feed that is specially provided by the Israeli government.