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Jerusalem Bird Observatory

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory, Israel’s first urban wildlife site. Although only 1.5 acres in size, attracts thousands of migrating songbirds to its pond and fruit trees.

This makes it the perfect place to conduct research into migration via the bird ringing station, and for quality birdwatching at the bird hide.

In fact, this is one of the few traditional birdwatching areas in Jerusalem that has not been harmed by development. 

Bird watching, presentations, about bird migration in Israel, and a comprehensive urban nature experience is available for visitors.

At the heart of the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is the Beracha Bird Hide where visitors have a great view of the pond and surrounding fruit trees.

Every day during the spring (March – May) visitors can observe the bird ringing sessions and get identification tips from the staff and volunteers.

The Gail Rubin Gallery, was established to encourage nature artists and photographers in Israel.

It houses exhibitions focused on different aspects of nature and are free and open to the public.

There are a variety of walks, lectures, workshops and trips offered in English and Hebrew throughout the year.

Guided tours and activities are also available upon request for groups or all sizes. 

Private birdwatching guides can also be hired for birdwatching trips around the Jerusalem area.

Near By

Birdwatching

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory attracts many common migrating and wintering birds:

Wrynecks, Collared flycatchers, Masked and Red-backed Shrikes, and Thrush Nightingales can be seen migrating and European Robins, Hawfinches, and Bramblings are regular winter visitors.

In addition, many resident Israeli birds make their home at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, including Palestine Sunbirds, Spectacled Bulbuls, and -Israel’s national bird – the Hoopoe.

The endangered Lesser Kestrels can be seen nesting in springtime in nearby Musrara and many Short-toed eagles and Little Owls can be found in the hills surrounding the city.

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory is also home to a many animals and plants that make up an inseparable part of the local environment.

Activities held here include: bird watching, night hikes, nature movies, bird banding, group tours, nature crafts, tree planting, photography workshops, sketching workshops, and birdwatching for beginners workshops.  

Visiting

The bird hide of the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is open every day, 24 hours a day, to the general public, and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Visitors are invited to sit and observe the natural diversity of birds and wildlife that live in or pass through Jerusalem.

Feel free to stroll the paved road but leave the rest of the site for the birds.

The best time to visit is early morning when the birds are active and the ringing sessions are occurring.

Spring – a wide range of migrants are passing through the site.  Wrynecks, Olive Tree warblers, Redstarts, Collared, Semi-Collared and Pied flycatchers, and so much more.

Summer – this is our quiet period and many of our local birds can be observed with their young. 

Autumn – Fall migration starts in July and continues on to November.  This is often the time for interesting surprises that can show up suddenly.

Winter – wintering thrushes and seedeater, European robins and Grey wagtails are frequent visitors.  And in some years this is one of the best places to see Hawfinches, Bramblings, Siskins, and Song thrushes.

For more information checkout the Jerusalem Bird Observatory webpage.

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