Nature of Israel 2023

The year 2023 will always be remembered for the tragic events of October 7^th, in which 1,200 citizens were mercilessly butchered in a monstrous act of barbarism and hundreds more were kidnapped and injured. I pray for the safe return of all the hostages and our soldiers and a complete end to terrorism.

Throughout the year, however, including through these horrific events, nature in Israel continued more or less as normal. Though the war considerably curtailed my photography here are some of my favourite 2023 photos.

Sunbird in Tiberias [Julian Alper]

Purple heron at Hula Valley [Julian Alper]

Squacco heron at Hula Valley [Julian Alper]

Great white egret at Hula Valley [Julian Alper]

Little egret at Ein Gev [Julian Alper]

Cattle egret in Netanya [Julian Alper]

Flamingos at Nachsholim [Julian Alper]

Syrian woodpecker at Gazelle Valley [Julian Alper]

Pygmy cormorant at Hula Valley [Julian Alper]

Laughing dove at Aniam [Julian Alper]

Griffon vulture at Hai Bar [Julian Alper]

Egyptian vulture in Lower Galilee [Julian Alper]

Griffon vulture at Hai Bar {Julian Alper]

Egyptian mongoose at Tel Dor [Julian Alper]

Gazelle at Gazelle Valley [Julian Alper]

Golden jackal in Tel Aviv [Julian Alper]

Red fox at Mount Arbel [Julian Alper]

Syrian rock hyrax at Mount Arbel [Julian Alper]

Praying mantis in Tiberias [Julian Alper]

Plain tiger butterfly at Ein Afek [Julian Alper]

Golden skink in Tiberias [Julian Alper]

Marsh frog with inflated vocal sacs at Kibbutz Lavi {Julian Alper]

Marsh frog with deflated vocal sacs at Kibbutz Lavi {Julian Alper]

African softshell turtle at River Alexander [Julian Alper]

African softshell turtle (head and neck retracted) at River Alexander [Julian Alper]

African softshell turtle at River Alexander [Julian Alper]