Great Backyard Bird Count this Weekend

The Great Backyard Bird Count, a nationwide citizen science project set this year for February 14-17 will be observed at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge with a guided bird walk on Sunday afternoon, February 16, at 1 pm.   Dr. Wayne Meyer, Associate Professor of Biology at Austin College, will lead the  walk at the Refuge, along one of the five trails at the Refuge, and bird sightings will be reported to the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Bewick's Wren by Dick Malnory

The first Great Backyard Bird Count was held in 1998 and since then Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports "more than 100,000 people of all ages and walks of life have joined the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds". 

Participants will meet at the Hagerman NWR Visitor Center.  There is no charge for participation, but walkers should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, etc.  Some binoculars are available for loan, at the refuge.  

In keeping with the GBBC, Hagerman NWR will also offer the opportunity  to learn more about the birds that are coming to your backyard feeder, as well as considerations for purchasing a bird field guide or a pair of binoculars.  The Refuge will offer Begin to Bird, a free class for beginning birders, starting on Saturday, February 15, from 10 am – Noon, and finishing on Saturday, February 22, again from 10 am – Noon.

Led by long-time birder Dick Malnory, the class is recommended for adults and teens.  Malnory will address strategies for learning to identify a number of songbirds.  Participants may register online at friendsofhagerman.com/Activities, by calling the Refuge, 903 786 2826, or at the door, on February 15.  The class will meet in the Multi-purpose Room in the Visitor Center at the Refuge, which is located at 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman 75092.  

For additional information about Hagerman NWR and activities of the Friends of Hagerman, visit www.friendsofhagerman.com.