News Release

You can help with the Great Backyard Bird Count at Gettysburg National Military Park on February 15

A red tailed hawk sits on the top rail of a fence on the Gettysburg battlefield.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: January 10, 2020

Contact: Jason Martz, 717-338-4423

Gettysburg National Military Park and the South Mountain Audubon Society invite the public to participate in a free guided bird walk on February 15 at the Emmanuel Harman farm, a battlefield site that is the former Gettysburg Country Club. Park and meet at 9 am by the tennis courts/outdoor pool complex at 730 Chambersburg Rd, just west of Gettysburg. Easiest access to this parking lot is from Country Club Ln. The hike will be about one and a half miles in length over flat terrain. Wildlife specialists will offer information and help with identification of birds wintering in the Gettysburg area. 
 
Birders of all levels are welcome. Bring binoculars and guide books if you have them. Be prepared for winter conditions and dress appropriately. In case of rain or snow the walk will be postponed to the following day, February 16 at the same time and location.
 
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a nationwide, free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at gbbc.birdcount.org. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.
 
Data from this event will help scientists gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of birds. Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share.
 
Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects and interprets for this and future generations the resources associated with the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, during the American Civil War, the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and their commemorations. Learn more at www.nps.gov/gett.