If you’re in Jerusalem, there’s an acre with a blind to see birds such as their colorful kingfisher and sunbirds that come to this tiny oasis for food and water. A gem in the middle of the city on Rothschild St near the Knesset.
The Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory
A Unique Urban Nature Attraction
Looking for a beautiful nature place for a fun family day in Jerusalem? Look no further than The Jerusalem Bird Observatory by The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. First of its kind, the observatory is an urban nature attraction offering a variety of activities for children and their parents at the heart of Jerusalem. The site attracts hundreds of thousands of colorful birds and thousands of individual visitors and groups every year. The observatory is located directly next to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) in a central location with easy access by car or by public transportation.
The Jerusalem Bird Observatory was established for the purpose of preserving one of Jerusalem’s most exceptional natural sites. Here individual visitors and groups of all ages can take advantage of a rare chance to enjoy fascinating natural phenomena in the most accessible and convenient way. Visiting the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is a real treat for children, youth, adults, nature-enthusiasts, and even, nature experts.
The activities offered by the observatory include a birdwatching spot where you can get a closer look at the birds, a bird-ringing center where you’ll meet rare migrating birds, lectures, and guidance from the observatory’s experts, and more!
Get to know the birds more closely
Bird ringing is a fascinating research process that tracks birds over the years during their migratory times, as well as at rest.
It allows researchers and professionals to get familiar with the birds’ needs in order to preserve and develop natural sites most appropriately. This immersive experience allows you to little songbirds who stop by for a short visit to Israel up close.
Events and tours at Jerusalem Bird Observatory
The Jerusalem Bird Research Station offers a variety of bird-watching and nature tours, especially during school-off days and the holidays. It is recommended to follow the social media pages of the observatory, so you wouldn’t miss out on the most exciting tours nearby.
The Bird Observatory engages in bird research and also guides groups of students, soldiers, pupils, and adults about subjects of birding, nature conservation activities, sustainable urban planning, combating the climate crisis, and more.
Additionally, the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is a great spot to host intimate and unique events. The station offers indoor and outdoor venues for private and business events. For indoor events, check out the station’s gallery. The indoor gallery can accommodate 30 guests in a circular seating arrangement and up to 55 in a theater arrangement, with a projector and a sound system.
Photos: Amir Balban
Operating Hours Outdoor Hiding Spot
The outdoor bird hide is open 24/7 and free of charge. For day visits, call in and schedule to make sure the spot is free for your group.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Went there at night so somewhat different experience. A little difficult to find it. It is adjacent to the Knesset. Nice experience with some mild hiking. Interesting species, but not too many.
We were there yesterday, Aug 14, 2018, and all we saw were some sparrows. Oh, and after a while we even saw a dove. Wow! The most amazing part was seeing 3 young men looking through their binoculars hoping to find at least 1 bird. What an adventure and what a waste of time...
MoreWe were there yesterday, Aug 14, 2018, and all we saw were some sparrows. Oh, and after a while we even saw a dove. Wow! The most amazing part was seeing 3 young men looking through their binoculars hoping to find at least 1 bird. What an adventure and what a waste of time and money spent on taxi and bus.
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