This page was translated from Hebrew and has not been reviewed yet. The Hebrew page is the reference. עברית

Qibya Pit, Binyamin

Grid ref.: 171511/175965
Location: North of Yitzhar,
Elevation: 570 m above sea level

Cave description:

Birds Pit, thanks to its size, is one of the most impressive pits in Israel.

The pit entrance is located on a steep chalk slope facing west. The entrance measures about 10X10 m. From the pit entrance a very wide space descends to a depth of about 105 m. About 60 m below its top the space loses its tube-like shape and opens into a huge chamber, in the center of which, beneath the chimney, there is a high talus slope built of rocks, organic material and various components that fell into the chamber through its high entrance.

There are no cave deposits anywhere in the pit.

The entire pit is lit by light penetrating through the entrance.

The pit was given its name in accordance with its use by jackdaws.

Notes:

The descent to the cave requires the help of a rope. The surroundings of the pit consist of soft chalk rock and it is difficult to find anchors in the place.

The vertical descent ends at the top of the talus slope on the floor. From the top of the talus slope one can descend without the help of a rope (another approximately 20 m) and survey the walls of the pit.

Written by: Boaz Langford

(/Jackdaw Pit/ Al-Hospi Chimney)

East of Atzira al-Qibliya