Hula Valley Festival
Cranes Grus grus
Wintering
cranes and other waterfowl
Wetland habitats in Hula can be
separated into three main types. Open water is usually represented by the
new re-flooded area just north of the reserve, fish ponds, with three main
groups of ponds These are usually surrounded by reeds and are maintained
at differing water-levels providing a range of micro-habitats for a
variety of bird species. These are complemented by the Nature Reserve with
its extensive marshy habitat, the remains of the Hula Lake. The principal
area of open marsh and mud is usually around the re-flooded area and the
fishponds, such as along the water channel and in the near-empty
fishponds. After heavy rain the fields can become very muddy and when
partially flooded provide excellent open wetlands habitat for many
waterbirds. The wintering population of Common Cranes has grown enormously
from a few 100s in the 1970s to more than
|
