Those who love nature, art and crave the allure of the Middle East should head to Israel this month. March is the month to observe the spring migration of birds as well as visit the International Spring Migration Festival held March 20-23 in southern Israel. Visitors can partake in 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. The second annual Artists for Nature Festival is also taking place until March 16 in Israel's Hula Valley and will offer nature tours, lectures, workshops and a painting demonstration by Israeli wildlife artists.

For more festival info, visit www.artistsfornature.com