The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) reported a flock of thousands of storks over the weekend over the Rotem Plain in southern Israel, probably the first big stork flock to be seen this year.
SPNI says that some 600,000 storks have just finished their nesting season in Europe and Asia, and will fly through Israel in the coming month en route to their winter home in Africa. SPNI has also received reports of the first flock of pelicans among many migratory birds in many parts of the country, hinting at the approaching autumn.