Touring Israel with a tour guide

The Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) The Black-winged Stilt is one of the most easily recognizable waders at Ma'agan Michael Birdwatching Park. But did you know these three fascinating facts? *They have the longest legs relative to body size of any bird in the world (except flamingos). Those bright pink legs are perfect for wading through deeper water without getting their feathers wet! *The "Tuxedo" Look: Their stark black-and-white plumage provides excellent camouflage in the light of the marsh, helping them blend in with the water & reeds. * The Accidental Tourist: While they are a permanent resident in Israel, many Black-winged Stilts are migrants. In fact, the name Himantopus comes from the Greek word for "strap-foot," referring to their incredibly slender toes, which help them balance on soft mud without sinking. Next time you visit Ma'agan Michael, see if you can spot one standing on one leg -they do it to conserve energy & regulate ...

  The Common Lionfish (Pterois miles) With its distinctive, feathery fins & zebra stripes, the lionfish is one Mediterranean’s most grave ecological threats. Native to the Indo-Pacific, the lionfish found its way into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Without natural predators in these waters, its population has exploded. They use their wide, fan-like fins to corner small fish & crustaceans; a lionfish’s stomach can expand up to 30 times its normal size, & a single lionfish can reduce a reef’s native fish population by up to 80% in just a few weeks! They have 18 venomous spines across their back, belly & tail, packed with a potent neurotoxin, which causes excruciating pain. If you are ever stung, soak the wound in hot (not scalding) water to break down the venom proteins until medical help arrives. While rarely fatal to healthy humans, a sting is incredibly painful, causing swelling, nausea & severe discomfort. If you see one, admire from a distance – never ...

The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) Often mistaken for a small wolf or stray dog, the Golden Jackal is a highly intelligent predator that has mastered the art of survival across the Middle East, Europe & South Asia. 🌍 Habitat: In Israel, you’ll find them thriving in Mediterranean woodlands, coastal plains, agricultural fields & even on the fringes of urban areas. 🍽️ Diet (Prey): They are opportunistic omnivores, hunting small mammals but they also eat fruit, insects, carrion & scraps from human settlements. They play a vital ecological role as nature’s clean-up crew. ⚔️ Predators: Their main natural threats are larger carnivores. In Israel, they are occasionally hunted by large eagles which can snatch their pups. Sadly, many are killed on Israeli roads each year. 💞 Mating & Family: They are strictly monogamous & form strong, lifelong pair bonds. Mating occurs in late winter (January–February). After a gestation of about 63 days, the female gives birth to a litt...

The Lupine (Lupinus pilosus) One of Israel’s spring wildflowers, these tall, spiky blooms turn the country’s open fields & woodlands into a sea of violet & blue from late February through April. Native to the Mediterranean basin, the scientific name Lupinus comes from the Latin word lupus (wolf), because ancient botanists believed the plants "devoured" the soil's nutrients. They actually do the opposite - it’s a natural soil improver, fixing nitrogen into the earth, helping other plants to thrive. Lupus may also refer to its toxins - see below. These were photographed in the Elah Valley - where David slew Goliath. Wild lupines contain high levels of alkaloids (specifically quinolizidine alkaloids). If you eat the raw seeds, leaves, or flowers, it can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat & in severe cases, respiratory paralysis. AND it can be fatal. Soaking removes the toxins, & in Middle Eastern & Medit...

Lagaat Bahayot   In the heart of the  Givat Haim  region, this wonderful petting zoo & agricultural farm offers a truly special, up-close, hands-on experience with nature. It's not a typical zoo where you peer through fences; here, the animals roam freely, & you're invited to interact with & feed them. What makes it a must-visit? The farm is home to many friendly creatures such as goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs & even the occasional llama or pony. They are really well-cared for & absolutely love the attention from visitors. Set in the agricultural fields of the Hefer Valley, the farm offers a rustic atmosphere that's perfect for a relaxing family afternoon. Especially in the spring when the wild flowers bloom around the enclosures. Perfect for All Ages:  Whether you're travelling with young children who want to bottle-feed the baby goats, or you are adults looking for a mindful break from city life, this place delivers! Authentic Farm Experien...