BirdLife Israel

🌿The Art of Noticing: A Nature Journaling & Creative Writing Course

This summer, disconnect from the screen, slow down, and experience the natural world in a completely new way.

Nature journaling is a powerful tool to deepen our connection with the outdoors. By taking the time to sketch, write, and reflect on the environment, we begin to discover the hidden details and beautiful stories unfolding around us every single day.

Join SPNI for this special, English-guided two-part summer series.

✏️ Part 1: Intro to Nature Journaling & Sketching

With: Amir Balaban (Naturalist, Artist, & Photographer)
When: Friday, July 17, 2026 | 08:00 – 12:00
Where: Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory

🖋️ Part 2: Creative Writing in Nature

With: Gwen Ackerman (Author, Journalist, & Writing Teacher)
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 08:00 – 11:00
Where: Gazelle Valley Park, Jerusalem

No previous drawing or writing experience is needed – only curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors. Whether you are a bird lover, writer, artist, or simply looking for a meaningful Friday morning reset, this course is for you.

Spaces are limited – sign up here: https://eventbuzz.co.il/journal170726

For questions or more information, please reach out to [email protected].

The Art of Noticing 17/7/26 + 7/8/26 The Art of Noticing: Connect with nature through words and sketches17/7/26 + 7/8/26 Slow down, observe closely, and rediscover the natural world through creativity. Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen our connection with the outdoors. By taking time to sketch, write, and reflect on the wor...

It is with great sorrow we announce the death of Dr. Gidon Perlman z”l. There are people who leave a mark that doesn’t fade. Dr. Gidon Perlman was one of them.

A co-founder of the Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory, which he built together with Amir Balaban in 1994, Gidon helped shape the space so many of us know today. If you’ve ever visited the JBO, there’s a good chance you saw him there.

A cardiologist by profession and a nature lover at heart, Gidon was so much more than a colleague. He was a living example of curiosity, dedication, and a deep love for nature ❤️

A few years ago, he was diagnosed with ALS, a devastating and incurable disease. But even in the face of that, Gidon chose to keep going. He continued to travel, to stay connected to the field, to write, to research, to work, never giving up.

Even when he became confined to a wheelchair, his spirit remained free, curious, and active. When asked what he wished for himself, he answered simply: “to keep doing.”

You can read more about his life, his work, and the way he continued birding even with ALS in a piece written by his brother, Yoav Perlman: https://www.birdability.org/blog/my-brother-the-birder

We invite you to share your memories of Gidon in the comments. May his memory be a blessing.