The 10th annual great backyard bird count at Congaree
Contributed by Columbia Chapter of the Audubon Society

The Old- Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park is partnering with the Columbia Chapter of the Audubon Society and the Friends of Congaree Swamp to host several events for the 10th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

This count, a national initiative led by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, seeks volunteers to help monitor bird populations throughout North America. Congaree National Park is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area, and is a perfect place to view more than 170 species of birds that inhabit the park.

Congaree National Park will host a "Beginner Birding Basics Workshop" Saturday, Feb. 10 from 9- 10 am at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

The workshop is designed for those with little to no birding experience, and will cover basic birding techniques and identification of common birds. Immediately following the workshop, a "Basic Boardwalk Birdwalk" will be held from 10 am- noon to allow participants to practice their new birding skills along the 2.5 mile boardwalk trail.

Congaree National Park will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count Saturday, Feb. 17. Citizen scientists will meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center to identify and count at several sites along the 2.5 mile boardwalk trail from 9am- noon. No previous experience is necessary.

A limited number of binoculars will be available to event participants. These can be reserved ahead of time by phone or will be issued on a first come first served basis on the mornings of the programs. To register for either event, contact David Shelley, Education Coordinator at 803-776-4396 ext. 15. For additional information or directions to the park, visit www.nps.gov/cong.