Birding sites in Israel

Eilat and The Arava
Eilat is undoubtedly one of the most famous birding sites in the Western Palearctic . In spring it provides tremendous spectacles as thousands of birds migrate along the Arava from Africa to Europe. Birds rest and drink in the area before continuing on there migration. The migration of Birds gives unparalleled views of thousands of Migrants fly in the skies . a unique selection of natural and manmade habitats in the form of mountains , deserts , agricultural land,Palm Groves , wades , salt ponds and the red sea coast line guarantee every birder a wide range of species in the Spring and huge numbers in the peak days when the heavy waves of Wagtailes,Buntings,Pipits Wheatears,Raptors and Waders are passing in the sky and resting in the man made Oasis habitats which are perfect " petrol station" for the exhausted migrants.
Resident and migrating species that should be noted are Lichtensteins Sandgrouse,Humes Owl,Oriental Honey Buzzard,Sooty Falcon,Caspian Plover and many more birds that on top of the wish list of many Birders. Recommended places to visit in The Arava are:
The salt ponds at km 20 on route 90 north to Eilat are a wonderful place where a huge amount of Waders Gulls and a 800 strong flock of flamingos can be seen in the migration season. The Holland park is another area great for migrating Warblers . The Eilat mountains in the early morning is probably the best time and place to watch raptors at the beginning of there migration when they are steel migrating in low height
The bird sanctuary near Aqaba border post is another great place were you can meet up close many species from the area. The northeastern shores of Eilat is the place to see sea birds such as Bridled Terns,Parasitic Jaeger,Brown Booby and many more.
Km 77 on road 90 is an exellent birding spoot in years when there is good rainfall.
Shezaf Nature Reserve Next to Moshav Hatzeva is home to Arabian Babblers ,Arabian Warbler and Pharaoh Eagle-owl .