In the spring of 2000, the first Palestinian ringing station began operating here at Talitha Kumi. Local ornithologists conducted research by means of radar and monitoring of the local bird populations. They documented over 90 species of birds passing over this region.
Bird ringing or “banding” has been used to study bird migration since the beginning of the last century. The process begins with fitting an aluminum ring on a bird’s leg, marked with the location and number. The ornithologist makes a detailed measurement of the bird keeping in mind the golden rule: “The bird's safety comes first.” On the ring you will find the country’s name and a specific serial number that correlates with the bird’s file, which includes all of its measurements and related information. Bird ringing data is useful for both research and management projects. The individual identification of birds makes it easy to conduct studies on dispersal and migration, behavior and social structure, life span and survival rate, reproductive success and the population growth-rate of birds.
Ringing stations are a great way to develop an educational model that shifts the educational process from a traditional, non-interactive method into a meaningful experience that is based upon active participation and an individual approach. This model not only changes the classical mode of education but also serves to develop individual critical thinking skills, while increasing awareness of national and global environmental issues.
The Talitha Kumi Ringing Station (TKRS) is located in the western hills of the Bethlehem area and southwest of Jerusalem, at 31° 41'N and 35° 09'E. Its altitude is between 700-913 meter above sea level.