Middlesex County Invites You To Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 16

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Calling all birdwatchers, or anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors! The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Middlesex County invite residents of all ages to join the “Great Backyard Bird Count.”

This free event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park, located at 42 Riva Ave. in South Brunswick. This will be a rain or shine event. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a beginner, you’re sure to learn something new about our feathered friends.

The event will begin with a 10:30 a.m. lecture by Rutgers Environmental Steward Sue Meaney on efforts to support the native Bluebird population in Central Jersey.

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Master Gardeners will offer guided tours led by advanced birders with “count sheets." These sheets will be filled in during the tour, and then collected and entered into the Cornell University database.

The event will be held simultaneously with the Audubon Society and Cornell University Lab's “Great Backyard Bird Count.” Please bring your own binoculars and field guides and dress appropriately for outdoor hiking. Tour guides will be available to assist your party, or feel free to explore the park on your own.

Please RSVP to [email protected].

“This event is a great way to show your love for the natural beauty of Middlesex County and its wildlife,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “The data collected at this event will show which bird populations in the area are declining and in need of protection, so be sure to make each sighting count!”

“Birdwatching is a fun, low-cost activity that the whole family can learn from and enjoy. Most of all, this event reminds us just how important it is to protect our native species,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “Let’s make 2019 the best bird count ever!”

For more information visit: http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

Text EXTENSION to 56512 to stay connected with events and updates from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County!

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is part of a nationwide network that helps bring the research of the state land-grant universities to local people.

For more information on other Extension programs, call 732-398-5268.

Photo supplied by Middlesex County/Rutgers University.