Birds of Eilat / Israel

Birds of Eilat / Israel

Eilat is one of the most important hotspots for migratory birds in the world. Situated on the only overland bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa, it's a bottleneck that hosts hundreds of millions of migratory birds; it's also the last haven before the foodless and hostile Saharan desert.

The IBRCE lies on what was once a saltmarsh before it was turned into an industrial waste site and is an example of cooperation between a municipality and environmental organisation. Today the IBRCE is one of the most unique and important birding sites in the country, with millions of birds passing through the area during the main migration seasons. More than 480 species of birds have been recorded in the Eilat area - probably the greatest bird diversity in the western Palearctic!

The IBRCE is also deeply involved in nature conservation work and campaigns throughout the Southern Arava region, making sure the desert skies are clear from hazards and the stop-over sites are safe and welcoming for the birds. We also conduct research to support our conservation work (studying the condition of the migrants, birds as pest controllers in fields, etc…), we run educational programs for schools, events and community engagement and make the bird sanctuary a hub for environmental culture.

The IBRCE focuses on conservation, research and monitoring of migrant birds. Visitors can follow wheelchair-accessible trails that lead to cool, shady hides looking out over different areas of the park where you can see a variety of local and migratory birdlife. In the visitors centre and shop, you'll find up-to-date information and sightings news, exclusive merchandise, maps, guides and more.

During spring and autumn (15th Feb to 15th May & 15th Aug to 30th Nov) you can watch bird ringing and see many of these incredible species upclose and in the hand!

Entrance to the bird sanctuary is free and the gate never closes.
Two professional photography hides are built under the ground and are available with prior arrangement for a small fee - one is located on a small artificial drinking pool, and the other is on the edge of the freshwater lake.
Guided tours of the sanctuary or birding tours of Eilat and Southern Arava can be booked in advance. contact me :
https://www.yuvaldax.com