The only land bridge connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, Israel stands as one of the world's prime outposts for observing the spring migration of birds. Coinciding with the peak weeks of Israel's spring bird migration is the second annual Artists for Nature Festival, taking place until March 16, and the third annual International Spring Migration Festival (March 20-23).

Located in northern Israel's Hula Valley, the Artists for Nature Festival offers a range of activities for bird lovers, including nature tours, lectures, workshops and a painting demonstration by more than twenty internationally renowned and Israeli wildlife artists.

In southern Israel, the International Spring Migration Festival will provide visitors with free guided daily tours to the prime birding hotspots in southern Arava just north of Eilat, a hands-on ringing demonstration and bird-identification workshops in the field.

For more information on the festivals, visit www.artistsfornature.com/News_and_events/15 and www.eilatbirdsfestival.com. For information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com.