From the national census data, it appears that the roosting colony of cormorants in Kishon is one of the largest in the country
In Kishon, 2,033 great cormorants were counted this year, as part of the national cormorant count that takes place at various sites throughout the country. The Authority notes with satisfaction that despite the decrease in the number of individuals of the "Great Cormorant" species in the last two years in the Acre Zebulon area, the roosting colony of cormorants in Kishon is still one of the largest in Israel.
The arrival of the cormorants in Kishon is a result of the restoration efforts led by the Kishon River Authority in recent years, which are also reflected in the improvement of the water quality of the stream and the abundance of fish in its waters. The cormorant roost site in Kishon is characterized by large eucalyptus trees adjacent to the stream with no human access to the roost site. The cormorants have found the Kishon as an attractive and inviting site for them since 2007 and over the years their population has been on the rise (except for the last two years).
The national count was conducted last week, between the dates 15.1.2015 - 11.1.2015, and in Kishon the count was carried out on 12.1.2015 at first light, while the cormorants were still sleeping on the eucalyptus trees on the bank of the stream, close to the Histadrut bridge in Haifa Bay.
The count was carried out by the supervision officer at the Kishon River Authority, Alon Ben Meir and the head of the environment department, Michael Koplik, together with the RTG representatives, Shai Kabasa and Ohad HaTzofa.
From the national count data, 17,382 great cormorants are wintering in Israel this year. This number is higher by 3,000 individuals compared to last year and for the first time since 2010 the Sea of Galilee has returned to being a major breeding site, where about a third of the cormorants in Israel are concentrated.
The cormorant colony in Kishon is smaller this year compared to previous years and according to experts, it is not possible to decide with certainty what the main reason is.
A set of variables affect the migration of cormorants, including food availability, extreme climate events, events that occurred during the nesting period and in the nesting areas in Europe, natural fluctuations in the size of the cormorant population, and more.
This year's count took place against the backdrop of extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall. From the data of the monitoring station of the Kishon River Authority, it was found that the water temperature of the Kishon River dropped during the week of the cormorant count, to oc5 (in this season the water temperature is about 10oc). The air temperature reached 1-5 oc at night. It is possible that these phenomena led to a decrease in the availability of fishing in the stream and, as a result, to a decrease in the number of cormorants. Despite the above, it cannot be determined that this is the main reason for the decrease in the size of the colony.
According to Mrs. Sharon Nissim, CEO of the Kishon River Authority: "As part of the overall operations for the restoration of the river, the authority is working to maintain the biological diversity typical of the environment of streams and moist habitats. The variety of waterfowl observed in Kishon has been increasing in recent years and is now an attraction for birdwatchers and nature lovers. These days, the authority is promoting and implementing a plan to establish a national birding site on the banks of the Kishon, which will be used by the general public and will contribute to increasing the diversity of flora and fauna around the stream."
Below are the cormorant count data in Kishon over the years:
Change the number of cormorants
2015 2,033
2014 2,764
2013 4,385
2012 3,485
2011 3,500
2010 2,160
2009 370
2008 160
2007 120
How is the counting done?
The counting is carried out in the field, divided into complexes. First the flying individuals are counted and then the individuals remaining on the trees.
When is the counting done?
At first light when the cormorants are still in the trees, before they go out to line up their food. This way you make sure the whole band is there.
(*) "Great Cormorant" is the largest of the European waterfowl that arrives in our country during the fall and winter. These birds winter in Israel and stay in our areas until the end of March. The cormorant feeds on fish and is known as an excellent diver.
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