CFC Hosts Big Backyard Bird Count

It’s time again for the Great Backyard Bird Count!

Citizens for Conservation, along with the Prairie Woods Audubon Society, will host an educational event for children on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 1-3 p.m., at Citizens Park.

The count is an annual international event that connects bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are all across the continent.  Last year, international participants saw 623 total species and counted 17, 382, 831 individual birds.

Participants in this Youth Education Program—presented in partnership with the Prairie Woods Audubon Society—will watch a video about birds, count birds on a trail hike and then gather at the park’s pavilion to compile their data.  Kids can then enjoy hot chocolate while creating a bird-themed craft.

 Class size is limited to 40 children, so please register early.  Completed registration forms are due by Feb. 8.CFC members are free; nonmembers pay $5 for the first child and $1 for each additional child.  Please contact CFC immediately if unable to attend so that another child can participate in this class.

A portion of the fun is held outdoors, so dress for the weather with good winter footgear, coat, hat and gloves.  Bring binoculars.

Registration forms can be found CFC’s website, www.citizensforconservation.org  For more information, call 847-382-SAVE (7283) or e-mail youth-ed@citizensforconservation.org.

This news release was provided by Citizens for Conservation.