Bird Migration
Migration is one of the most amazing natural
phenomena on earth. It is performed by butterflies, fish, turtles,
deer, and many other animals. The longest migrations of all are those
of birds. Israel, located at the junction of three continents, is
crossed by migrating birds on a scale unparalleled anywhere. Studies
over the past decade show that about 500 million birds cross Israel's
narrow airspace twice every year in the course of their migrations.
Consequently, Israel has become an attraction for bird enthusiasts
worldwide.
Although Israel has laws that protect migrating birds, the massive migrations have
created a grave safety problem for both the Israel Air Force and the
birds. A joint study conducted over the past decade by the Israel
Air Force and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
led to several solutions that have reduced the number of accidents
involving aircraft and birds by 88 percent, thereby helping to protect
pilots, aircraft, and the migrating birds that fill Israel's skies by
the millions twice each year.
Research on migrating birds in Israel, based on
satellite and radar monitoring, makes it possible today to track the
birds from Israel to their winter nesting grounds in Africa, and back
northward, via Israel, to their summer nesting grounds in Europe.
At the The
International Center for Study of Birds Migration, located on the
main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, interdisciplinary and
educational activity is being developed to permit computer tracking of
migrating birds and exchange of information with ornithologists and
students in neighboring countries.
Migrating birds do not recognize political borders,
and serve as ideal symbols of the era of peace that is dawning in the
Middle East.
Sources: Israeli
Foreign Ministry |