The Knesset is just footsteps away from the Jerusalem Bird Observatory. Hey, let’s drop in.

The Knesset is just footsteps away from the Jerusalem Bird Observatory. Hey, let’s drop in.

Solar panels cover much of the roof of the Knesset as part of its "green building" initiative.

Mosaic floor in the spirit of Marc Chagall at the Knesset. — ‎at ‎The Knesset - הכנסת‎.‎

Leon with Mohamad Shmaia

, senior official of the Knesset Director General’s office.

The chamber of the Knesset. — ‎at ‎The Knesset - הכנסת‎.‎

The chamber of the Knesset. — ‎at ‎The Knesset - הכנסת‎.‎

With Leon Sokol at the Knesset.

As part of the Knesset’s green initiative, the roof of the Knesset is lined with solar panels. This building, familiar to so many people from television and the news, serves thousands of people every day. The green initiative has been able to shave off 1/3 of the energy usage. — ‎at ‎The Knesset - הכנסת‎.‎

Russell Rothman looks at original prints by "Psalmist with a Camera" author and photographer Gail Rubin. This gallery at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is named for the late photographer. Read about Gail Rubin's murder by terrorists and her funeral here. 

At the Jerusalem Bird Observatory: Banding and releasing a few of the millions of birds who fly over Israel

At the Jerusalem Bird Observatory: Banding and releasing a few of the millions of birds who fly through Israel as they migrate to destinations from Saudi Arabia to South Africa.

Volunteer bird bander at work. These identification bands will enable tracking of the birds in years to come as they migrate.

Arriving at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory - right next door to the Knesset! Who knew? What a gem!

Getting an overview on the volunteers, how the Observatory is run, and on the species that can be found here.

Lisa and Michelle enjoying the sun and a spot of tea at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory.

The flight path and where the birds stop along the way.

Michelle gets ready to release a banded bird.

Getting a briefing from Amir Balaban, co-director of the Jerusalem bird observatory and wildlife artist at SPNI.

500 million (yes, you heard that right) fly though Israel on their way to other destinations along the bird flight path.

Amir Balaban with one of the volunteer bird banders at work. Bird whisperers!