Very few world capitals display such a diversity of avian life right in the centre of the city the way Jerusalem does. The Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO) covers 5,000 sq m of land between Knesset, the Israeli parliament building, and the Supreme Court. The observatory offers conservation and environmental activities, birdwatching tours, and even hosts a birdwatching club for kids and adults.
Israel lies on one of the main bird migration routes. This provides ornitрologists with an ideal tool for conservation studies and monitoring bird populations. Frequent visitors to the bird observatory include wrynecks, Palestine sunbirds, collared flycatchers, thrush nightingales, masked and red-backed shrikes, hawfinches, European robins, and bulbuls. You can also see the national bird of Israel here —the hoopoe.
Due to urbanization, Jerusalem has lost many of its bird-watching spots, but after the JBO was created, birds started to arrive in greater numbers every year. The endangered lesser kestrels can be seen nesting nearby in springtime and many short-toed eagles and little owls also live in the hills
The Jerusalem Bird Observatory can be visited year round, but winter is the best time to spot migrating European species.
Practical info
What is the best time of year to go to the Jerusalem Bird Observatory?
While the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is visitable year-round, the optimal time to spot migrating European species is from November to March. Although, bird watching is rewarding at any point in the year in this urban haven situated in Jerusalem. Show more
Where is the Jerusalem Bird Observatory situated in Jerusalem?
In Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO) is located between the Supreme Court and Knesset (Israeli parliament). Spanning 5,000 sq m in downtown Jerusalem, the unique research facility and park is convenient to reach via car, bus, or by foot. Show more
What species of birdlife can be viewed at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory?
At Jerusalem Bird Observatory, ornithology enthusiasts are given a unique opportunity to observe the avian life, perform conservation studies, and monitor the bird populations in an urban environment. The location is home to a broad range of bird species, which includes European Robins, Thrush Nightingales, Wrynecks, Hoopoes, Palestine Sunbirds, and others. Less commonly, one can expect to view Lesser kestrels, Short-toed Eagles, and Little Owls there. Show more
When are the migrating European species usually visible at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory?
Migratory European species tend to be visible most frequently between November and March at Jerusalem Bird Observatory. During that period, an increase can be observed in the volume of birds arriving from Central Asia or Europe on their journey of migration. Nonetheless, bird tours always present opportunities to witness the various birds active in the area year-round. Show more
What conservation or environmental actions can be carried out at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory?
Visitors can take part in birdwatching activities, including tours, available at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory that raise conservation and awareness efforts. The birdwatching club is also open to adults and children. The observatory actively organizes environmental and conservation exercises to plant native plants, perform bird surveys, or observe bird populations. Show more
