The 2015 Great Backyard Bird Count
Whether you participate in an organized event or just venture into your backyard, the Great Backyard Bird Count is an easy, fun way to get in touch with nature. Running Feb.13-16, the count encourages bird watchers of all ages and abilities to count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes during any of the event days and help create a real-time glimpse of which birds are where. Go to Gbbc.birdcount.org to learn more.
Want to explore more than your neighborhood? Join other birders at Hockessin, DE’s Ashland Nature Center Feb. 13 to kickoff the weekend with the New Castle County Tour: Great Backyard Bird Count to get tallying the waterfowl, raptors and songbirds nearby.
FREE Event Alert!
In the midst of the Great Backyard Bird Count, NJ’s Plainsboro Preserve hosts a FREE Birding Basics with L.L. Bean workshop. Learn how to use binoculars and recognize common local birds, before putting your skills to the test on a short birding walk. Bonus! You’ll also receive discount coupons from L.L. Bean just for attending.
Valentine’s Day Bird Feeders
The annual bird count takes place over Valentine’s Day weekend, so why not give a little love back to your feathered friends?
What You’ll Need:
- Spoons
- Cooking Spray
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Chopstick
- String
- ¾ cup Flour
- ½ cup Water
- 1 envelope (2.5 teaspoons) of Unflavored Gelatin
- 3 tbsp. Corn Syrup
- 4 cups Birdseed
Directions:
- Spray a spoon with cooking spray so the mix doesn’t stick.
- Mix the above ingredients into a large bowl.
- Spray the inside of your cookie cutter with cookie spray.
- Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Fill the cookie cutter with birdseed mix.
- Pack it down; use another spoon (with cooking spray) to help.
- Use a chopstick (or similarly shaped object) to make a hole through the top center of the heart.
- Hold down the birdseed mix and carefully pull off the cookie cutter.
- Let them sit until firm, may take a full night.
- Tie string through the hole and hang on a tree in your yard!
For more info, visit WineAndGlue.com.
