Photo: Yaron Charka, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
This year, in spite of the spread of the coronavirus, the Birdathon, which is the largest birdwatching event in Israel and is organized by KKL-JNF, will be taking place in a slightly different framework: instead of being out in the field, it will be broadcast online to your home computer on October 8. The Birdathon, which is taking place for the third consecutive time, will include rich video content on topics related to birdwatching and Zoom encounters with birds, nature photographers and researchers. Along with the virtual activities, there will also be a professional next-to-home photography competition.
The winners of the competition will be announced at the concluding ceremony that will take place on October 8, 2020 at 16:00 on the KKL-JNF website.
KKL-JNF World Chairman Danny Atar: "The world of birds is one of KKL-JNF's basic pillars. This is a rich, important and unique world. The Birdathon, which has become an irreplaceable KKL-JNF tradition, will be suited to a virtual framework due to the times we are living in. During this period, when we all miss being in nature, it's especially important to make the world of wildlife accessible to the general public."
KKL-JNF Chief Ornithologist Yaron Charka: "The fall migration is at its peak, and hundreds of millions of birds are flying over Israel's skies at this time. These birds have no political boundaries, nor corona limitations, they traverse high mountains, arid deserts and huge bodies of water, determined to reach their goal. The KKL-JNF Birdathon has already become a tradition, and like the migrating birds, we too are determined to hold this event in spite of all the obstacles and difficulties we are experiencing at this time. Artists and various experts have already prepared a variety of different contents that will be broadcasted and available to the general public at the KKL-JNF website, just like always, on the intermediate days of Sukkot."
Details of the two activities:
Virtual Birdathon – a special day of broadcasts at the KKL-JNF website, during which viewers will be taken for a guided visit to KKL-JNF sites and learn about various species of birds, hear stories, trivia, quizzes, plays and more. Spend an entire day with experts on the world of birds and experience nature by means of your home computer.
National Bird Photography Competition – The professional bird photography challenge, which has already made a name for itself, will take place this year as part of the Birdathon events. The bird photography competition is intended for both professional and amateur photographers.
The winning pictures will be displayed at a unique exhibition at the new Hula Park Visitors Center. The photography challenge will take place on October 4-5, and the judging procedure will take place on the following days. Prizes include coupons for purchasing photography equipment worth thousands of shekels for the four prize winners: first prize, second prize, third prize and a public's favorite prize.
For more information about Birdathon 2020 (Hebrew site only) click here >>