FEATURE: Wake County Parks Participate in National Great Backyard Bird Count Event
2/13/2009
Wake County residents were invited to take part in the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) Friday, February 13, through Monday, February 16, 2009. Several Wake County parks took part in the national event including Crowder District Park, Harris Lake County Park and Lake Crabtree County Park. Individual program listings are below.
This annual four-day event engaged bird watchers of all ages and experience levels in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds live across the continent. Participants report their results online to the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology.
Last year, Wake County participants helped to count more than 9.8 million birds, identifying 635 species.
For more information or to locate the online checklist, visit the GBBC Web site at www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
GBBC EVENTS AT WAKE COUNTY PARKS:
Crowder District Park
4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex
To register, call 662-2850
- Saturday, February 14, 1:00 p.m. – Valentine’s for the Birds
Show the birds you love them with some homemade valentine treats made
especially for them. Participants will take home 8-10 treats for the birds. Meet at the Park Pavilion. The cost is $5 per family or $3 per person. Registration is required.
- Monday, February 16, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Breakfast with the Birds
Enjoy doughnuts with a cup of shade grown coffee or hot chocolate, and then walk the trails to identify and count the birds. Meet on the deck of the park pavilion. Dress warmly. The event is free, but registration is required.
- Monday, February 16, 1 p.m.-4:00 p.m. – Bird Crafts and Activities
Create bird crafts and participate in a scavenger hunt, or take a Bird Identification quiz. Meet at the park pavilion. The cost is $5 per family or $3 per person. Registration is required.
- Saturday, February 14–Monday, February 16, various times – Bird Counting Walks
Join a park naturalist on a walk around the park to identify and count birds for the GBBC. Participants can choose a day and time to join the count. The event is free to all ages. Meet in the office parking lot. The times are as follows:
Saturday, February 14, walks begin at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, February, 15, walks begin at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Monday, February 16, walk begins at 4:00 p.m.
Harris Lake County Park
2112 County Park Drive, New Hill
To register, call 387-4342
- Sunday, February 15, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – For the Birds
Make a homemade bird feeder to leave in our garden or to take home with you. Learn how to turn your backyard into a winter haven for our feathered friends. Borrow some binoculars or bring your own to help count birds for the GBBC. Meet at the garden adjacent to Park restroom facility. The cost is $5 per family or $3 per person.
- Sunday, February 15, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. – Night Owls
Stop by the Loblolly picnic shelter to learn about the owls that live at Harris Lake. Participants will take a short hike to count some birds for the GBBC and can also enjoy hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows and making an owl craft to take home. The cost is $5 per family or $3/person.
Lake Crabtree County Park
1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
For more information, call 460-3390
- Saturday, February 14, and Monday, February 16, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – Bird Count
Join park staff on a walk through several habitats to identify and count birds. Bring your own binoculars. A limited supply of binoculars will be provided if participants do not have a pair. All data collected on the walk will be entered into the national count database. Meet at the Waterwise Garden. The program is free.
- Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15, 1 p.m.-3:00 p.m. – Bird Bazaar
Stop by the Dogwood Shelter to participate in a variety of fun crafts and activities related to birds. Improve your bird identification skills, win prizes by testing your bird knowledge and more. The program is free.
For more information on Wake County Parks, go to www.wakegov.com/parks.
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