Description
This spot south of Mitzpe Ramon is a beautiful site to watch desert wildlife species, including a wide variety of birds. You also have a few campsites in the area that allow for some camping and very early as well as late birding.
Species you may encounter are: Арапски брборец, Striolated Bunting, Синајска руменка, Крунеста саџа, Desert Finch, Trumpeter Finch, Asian Green Bee-eater, White-crowned Wheatear, Scrub Warbler, Палестинска сончева птица, Песочна еребица, Desert Lark, Mourning Wheatear, Hooded Wheatear and more.
And with a little bit of luck, you'll also be able to spot some vultures such as the египетски мршојадец and the белоглав мршојадец. In 2017, there was also a "vulture lookout" nearby close to HaMinsara, but I couldn't figure out the exact location anymore and I don't know whether it's still maintained as there was a small mountain where carcasses of cows and other livestock were dropped (see some of the images attached).
Additionally, you can also spot a lot of other animals including mammals such as Blanford's and Sand Foxes, Asian Wild Ass, Rock Hyrax, Dorcas and Mountain Gazelle, plus a wide variety of reptiles, insects and more.
Details
Access
There is a small parking lot where you can easily get by car. For orientation, I suggest to note the GPS coordinates to find your way back easily, especially as the day gets hotter in the deserty Ramon crater.
From there, you can walk in various directions! My suggestion (a 7 km circular route) is just one of many ways.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Desert , Canyon/cliffConditions
No shadow , Sandy , Rocky , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Start early and bring enough water and something to cover your head - I can't stress this enough. Especially during the summer, it'll get hot real quick as noon is closing in.


