February Great Backyard Bird Count Programs at Congaree

Date: January 27, 2014
Contact: Lauren Gurniewicz, 803-647-3969
Contact: David Shelley, 803-647-3966

The Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park is hosting two free birding programs in February. The programs are aimed at engaging visitors – including beginners – in observing and identifying winter birds at the park. Visitors can then apply their new skills as citizen scientists by helping to count a variety of birds on park trails and even make their own checklists at home.

Saturday, February 8; 8:30 am to 11:30 am Birding Basics Workshop
This optional training session is for anyone who would like guidance to prepare for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Participants will meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center for a presentation on common winter birds found in Congaree National Park before heading out into the park to practice identification skills.

Saturday, February 15; 8:30 am to 11:30 am Great Backyard Bird Count
Participants will meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center for a presentation on the common winter birds found in Congaree National Park before heading out into the park to identify and count birds as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Beginners, ages 5 and up, are welcome and encouraged. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please register in advance by calling the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 803 776-4396. For more information about the programs call Education Coordinator David Shelley, 803 647-3966.

Participants should meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center fifteen minutes prior to the start of each program. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Water and snacks are also recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. The park has a limited number of binoculars that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The programs are part of the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, an effort to identify and count birds around the globe from February 14-17. By collecting checklists from around the world and comparing the results from previous years, scientists can try to answer questions about the location, health and migration patterns of winter birds. Scientists may then be able identify areas that may require conservation attention. For information about the Great Backyard Bird Count visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/.