SFA Gardens and Nacogdoches Naturally to host Great Backyard Bird Count

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens, in partnership with Nacogdoches Naturally, will host the Great Backyard Bird Count from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.

This family outdoor event is designed to increase knowledge and appreciation of our feathered friends. A variety of family friendly, hands-on learning activities will be offered, including how to use binoculars, bird identification skills, Bird Olympics and bird-related crafts.

In addition, there will be opportunities to participate in the national Great Backyard Bird Count as we count birds for science with assistance from the Pineywoods Audubon Association and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department non-game ornithologist, Cliff Shackelford. Winter is considered the ideal time for bird watching, and the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center is a haven for local birds.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, along with Bird Studies Canada and many other international partners. It is powered by eBird and made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

For information, call (936) 468-5586 or email Kerry Lemon, SFA Garden's assistant education coordinator and Nacogdoches Naturally project director, at lemonkb@sfasu.edu.