Even as summer temperatures peak, the autumn migration season has begun. Thousands of white storks have already been observed passing through Israel's central Arava valley, traveling from their European breeding grounds toward warmer African climates where they will spend the winter months. Before crossing Africa's desert regions, the birds pause in this desert oasis, one of the few places where they can rest, drink water, and feed.
Adi Matmon, a senior tour guide, and his wife Dalia, residents of Moshav Ein Yahav, documented the storks during a flight over the central Arava. "During migration season, storks travel hundreds of kilometers each day and arrive here exhausted from their journey," Adi explained. "We're delighted that they choose to stop specifically in the central Arava each year, it serves as a refuge and resting point on their long voyage. Storks possess a remarkable navigational sense that enables them to return to precisely the same locations year after year."
Each autumn, more than 600,000 storks pass over Israel. The flocks include mature birds in their distinctive black and white plumage, alongside juveniles that hatched during spring and recently learned to fly, identifiable by their darker coloring. White storks are large birds with long necks and legs. An adult stork measures approximately 100 centimeters in body length, with a wingspan reaching up to 180 centimeters, and weighs between 2.5 and 4.5 kilograms.
