On Saturday, February 15th, come to Blanco State Park to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. This year will be the 17th year for this worldwide event. It is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.
The event begins on Friday, the 14th and ends Monday, February 17th. But, you can participate for as little as 15 minutes on just one day and submit your count. Shirley Winslow, a Master Naturalist volunteer, will lead the park count and submit the report of total number of birds of each species seen. Weather permitting, she will lead a two hour bird count, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Wildlife Viewing Station. Participants may come and go as they like. From the station, she will make a loop of the park to see as many species as possible.
Scientists use the GBBC along with other data to develop an overview of what is happening to bird populations as well as answer more specific questions such as “How is the weather influencing bird behavior.” Help us gather the data! Everyone is welcome from beginners to experts. Binoculars will be available.
Also, check out the GBBC website http://gbbc.birdcount.org/ and submit a count of your own backyard birds. All of the information is there.
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