North American Bird Count Seeks Participants

February 16-19 is the tenth annual "Great Backyard Bird Count" and everyone is encouraged to participate. You don't even need a back yard.

The National Audubon Society and Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, and Wild Birds Unlimited, sponsor this effort across North America to help gather data about the populations and migrations of birds.

You don't have to be a bird expert to participate. There is a website with real-time maps, and guides for every section of the country. You can print out a guide that will tell you what kind of birds you are looking at.

The information provided by this study helps improve our knowledge and understanding of how birds are doing; whether they are thriving or barely surviving, if their migration patterns have changed, and if urbanization is changing the species populations.

Participation is free. You can see the results of your input on the website immediately. And you can watch birds from anywhere; your window, your patio, a parking lot, or a forest.

Just spend some time between February 16 and February 19 observing the birds that come to your feeder, your office window, the local park. Then go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc and enter your results. The website also provides helpful information about counting birds and identifying them. You can even add photos you've taken of birds to the site.

Help improve the knowledge base abut the winged ones we share our homes and lives with. This is a great project for adults, children, the handicapped, individuals or groups. Everyone is invited to take part.

Pass this information on to teachers, caregivers, and all your nature-loving friends. The count lasts only four days, and begins this coming Friday.

(this message is provided as a courtesy by Redbird; promoting the awareness and celebration of indigenous cultures and people and creating a sustainable future)