Viker Lookout – Mishmar Hasharon Reservoir – Visitors Guide
Viker Lookout (Mishmar Hasharon Reservoir) in Emek Hefer is one of the best places in Israel to see pelican migration.
Update: my latest visit to Emek Hefer was on 8.11.2025. There were pelicans at Viker Lookout. However, I did not see pelicans at Agamon Hefer.
Note: Check out Zoos and Aquariums in Israel for additional information on animals and wildlife.
Table of Contents
Map
Viker Lookout is situated in Emek Hefer, between Beit HaLevi and Olesh. It is also not far from Agamon Hefer.
Some access roads can be closed from time to time. Thus, the easiest way to reach this lookout is by using this Link to Waze.
Note: Any car can reach Viker Lookout, but the dirt roads leading there are in poor condition.
Directions for drivers: Link to Waze and Link to Google Maps
Directions for public transport: Link to Moovit
Interactive map of the area:
Typically, Waze directs users along Road #5711. And before turning to Haniel, I continue straight on the dirt road until I reach a three-way junction. At the T intersection, turn left, and after about 1 km, you will see the lookout to your right.
Entrance Fee
Free.
Opening Hours
There are no limitations regarding opening hours. However, since there is no artificial light and the roads are not very good, it is best to visit only during daylight. Moreover, since the main goal is to see pelicans (who stay for the night), it is best to visit in the morning or about one hour before sunset. From my experience, there are more chances to see pelicans in the mornings. Thus, visit before 10:00 and preferably before 9:00.
Are there Migrating Pelicans Now?
Let’s start with the most common question: when and where can we see migrating birds? Bird migration occurs during fall and spring (usually March – April and October – November). The best way to find out whether pelicans are visiting is to check Birdsbase.com. Using this link, you can see the list of recent pelican observations.
For more info about pelican migration and pelicans, see Pelican Migration in Emek Hefer.
At Viker Lookout
Viker Lookout is named after the Viker family, which donated the funds for its construction. It is a lookout point at Emek Hefer and one of the best places in Israel to watch pelican migration. I only found out about it in 2017 through social media. Since then, I have visited this area numerous times, and I will now share my findings.
My first visit was in October 2017. We arrived around 9:30 am, quite late, but there were still many pelicans.
As you can see, there is a small parking lot. Thus, people park their cars along the roads. Therefore, if you arrive late, there is a good chance there will be no parking nearby. Moreover, most pelicans that stay here for the night will leave in the morning. Therefore, I suggest visiting early.
If you come during the migration peak, you will see thousands of pelicans after climbing the lookout.
There is a viewpoint on the other side of the pool. And what I found during all my visits is that you will be closer to the pelicans on the other side. You can either walk there or drive there.
The view from the other side:
The other side is covered with a wired fence, with half a dozen holes that allow you to photograph through.
The second visit in 2017 was at the beginning of November. And there were many fewer pelicans. As you can see, there are about the same number of cormorants as pelicans.
I visited on October 13, 2018, and there were many pelicans. But it was not the peak.
Here are several photos from October 2022:
Pelicans were closer to the viewpoint on the other side of the pool. Thus, I took all the photos from there. Additionally, if you visit in the morning (as I usually do), the further lookout is the best spot for photography. On the lookout on the other side, in the morning, the sun will be at your back, and it will light the pelicans and give you good colors of the birds and the sky.
Mid-October appears to be the optimal time to visit, although this can be influenced by climate and other factors.
Note: I took all the photos above with a Tamron 200-500 mm on a Nikon D610.
Additional Birdwatching Places
If you love birds, check out the following places:
- My favorite places to see bird migration:
- Lovely short family hikes to see birds:
- Agamon Poleg – Short Birding Family Trip around Lake Udim
- Agamon Hefer – Visitors Guide – Bird Watching Park near Netanya
- Hod HaSharon Park – Park by Ecological Lake
- Taninim Stream Nature Reserve
- Hula Nature Reserve and Agamon Hula versus Hula Nature Reserve – Which one is Better?
- Rosh Tzipor Birdwatching Center
- Ein Afek Nature Reserve and Bird Ringing at Ein Afek Nature Reserve
- For people who love parrots:
Additionally, see Zoos and Aquariums in Israel – Full Review (Overview of 30+ places)
Food
If you are looking for a place to eat, there are two popular places nearby. They are Jacobs Dairy Farm and Agadat Lechem, and Arthura Cafe in Ruppin Academic Center.
Summary
Viker Lookout is one of the best places in Israel to watch pelican migration. And it is free. The only downside is the road. Or actually, the lack of a road. My tip would be not to wash the car before visiting. Because of the dirt, you will need to clean it after your visit.
Moreover, you can combine a visit to Viker Lookout with a visit to Agamon Hefer or the Turtle Bridge at the Alexander River for an excellent half-day experience.
Have you ever been to the Viker lookout? And what about Agamon Hefer? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
That’s all for today, and I’ll see you in future travels!
Stay Tuned!
To learn more about animals in Israel, see the following categories: birds and animals.
Additional Resources
Here are several resources that I created to help travelers:- Trip Planner with Attractions and Itineraries is the page that will help you create your perfect travel route.
- What is the Best Time to visit Israel? To answer this question, we will consider the weather, prices, holidays, festivals, and more.
- Information and Tips for Tourists to Israel will answer the most common questions tourists have about Israel (including safety, passports, weather, currency, tipping, electricity, and much more).
- Israel National Parks and Nature Reserves include a complete list, top ten, map, tickets (Israel Pass, Matmon, combo), and campsites.
- If you are looking for things to do, here are the pages for Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Sea Of Galilee, Akko (Acre), Eilat, Nazareth, Safed (Tzfat), and Makhtesh Ramon.
