Migrating birds flock to the wetlands of Israel’s first nature reserve, founded in 1964. More than 200 species of small waterfowl mingle happily with cormorants, herons, pelicans, raptors, storks and cranes, while water buffalo (jamoose) roam certain areas of the reserve, their grazing important to the preservation of open meadows. The main 1.5km Swamp Trail , which passes birdwatching hides, is wheelchair accessible. Situated 15km north of Rosh Pina, at a point 2km west of Rte 90.
The visitors centre offers an excellent, 40-minute 3D film (available in English) on bird migration and informative dioramas on Hula wildlife. In the shallow lake, you may spot fur, shells and fins in addition to feathers – these will be attached to nutrias, otters, swamp turtles or catfish weighting up to 20kg. Unlike the rest of Israel, the Hula is at its greenest in the summer. Around sunset in the winter, you can see birds returning from their daytime feeding. Renting binoculars costs 10NIS.
