Today I want to tell a story with a happy ending, a story in which nature shows us that ultimately it is stronger than any manipulation and exploitation that we humans do it.

Our story begins back in the 1930s when pioneers settled in the Hefer Valley, an area in central Israel. The settlers were farmers who came to an area that had once been an agricultural area but whose lands had been abandoned for hundreds of years. In the course of time, and as a result of attempts to store water and create an ancient system of dams, the area became an area of ​​marshes and there was a need to drain so that the land could be cultivated again. The swamp waters were drained and the area once again became a fertile agricultural land. Alexander Stream flowed between the fields and next to it Ponds were excavated for the cultivation of fish.

When the swamps disappeared, many species of flora and fauna disappeared with them. Especially notable was the absence of many species of migrating birds that make their way from From the cold north to warm Africa, and Israel is in the middle of their route. 

After decades, the fish ponds were abandoned by the farmers, and only the fields and orchards continued to be the Main source of income for the residents of the Hefer Valley. Today the area is densely populated and surrounded by agricultural fields, which are intensively cultivated and leave little room for the natural life that once existed in it.

Over time, nature lovers noticed that the abandoned fish ponds become an alternative habitat for water birds that remain nested in the winter

Back to the abandoned fish ponds. The migratory birds never really left the place, in fact when fish were raised, the birds would come and eat them on their long journey to Africa, Which he created a constant struggle between the starving birds and the farmers. Over time, nature lovers noticed that the abandoned fish ponds become an alternative habitat for water birds that remain nested in the winter. Since the area is no longer cultivated, natural vegetation began to return and take its natural place. Vegetation of water and a bank penetrated the area and laid it on the ground. Slowly formed a marsh area filled with natural flora and fauna.

Finally, we will return to the migrating birds.

 To prevent damage to the fish-breeding industry, a feeding station was opened in the abandoned fish ponds. The migrating birds found a place to land and rest on their way to Africa and back to the lands of cold. Within a few years, the place had become a small but lively lake. Today the environmental authorities have declared the new lake a protected nature place. Local entrepreneurs in collaboration with environmentalists turned the small lake into a bird sanctuary and created a walking trail for visitors. Along the paths were built a shelter to watch the birds without disturbing the life on the spot. This time we can say that nature won over everything.

island of birds

shelter for bird watching

the swamp

Alexander streem