Annual event encourages people to help scientists gather data on bird populations

Staff report

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA.

Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, will host a variety of upcoming events.

A Great Backyard Bird Count event will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon next Sunday, and is an annual event that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to help scientists gather data on bird populations. This basic birding workshop and indoor observation session is designed for individuals, age 10 and up, who share an interest in birds. Jennings staff will offer hints about bird identification, explain the count procedures and demonstrate use of the GBBC website for submitting data and obtaining information. Representatives of Bartramian Audubon Society will be present. Participants will be encouraged to use their new skills to observe and submit their own data at home.

The program is free, but registration is required by Wednesday at events.dcnr.pa.gov/ or by calling Jennings at 724-794-6011.

Celebrating its 19th year, the GBBC is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with Bird Studies Canada and other international partners. The count is integrated with eBird, an online global checklist program, so that anyone in the world with an Internet connection can participate. In 2015, participants in more than 100 countries counted 5,090 species on more than 147,000 checklists, contributing to this annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds.

The center also will offer an Educator “Appie” Hour from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Feb. 17. Secondary teachers and administrators are invited to meet professional educators at Jennings, discover new opportunities for schools, students and teachers, and learn more about the unique resources of the center during the open house. The event will showcase the affordable inquiry-based programs that bring science practices to life for students in and out of school. Investigations at Jennings engage students in real conservation issues, using real tools and methods of field ecology, environmental science and engineering. Also of interest are new service learning opportunities available for students in clubs, honor societies, or completing senior projects.

All participating schools will receive a voucher for a discounted field trip to Jennings. Participants may arrive any time between 3:30 and 5:30. Free appetizers will be provided. Registration is requested by Feb. 15 at www.events.dcnr.pa.gov.