11th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count has given me the opportunity to share an interest and hobby with my 8 year old granddaughter (Sara Jane McDonald). This “special event” offered a serious amount of quality time spent out of doors-away from tv-, project time to build a new birdhouse for spring “occupants”, a moment to capture wildlife in photos, discovery of reading materials – books and guides
to help in identification and just fun reading materials about the habitat and life of birds. My yard has 34 feeding stations and water locations to allow us an all day observation. We were able to discuss so many concepts this weekend beginning with family inheritance of bird boxes made by my dad (Sara Janes great grandfather) who died in 09/2005. Together we repaired, refurbished and cleaned out boxes to ready them for spring. Discussion about various feeders and seed types, handmade treat locations for popcorn, bread, peanut butter and stale donuts was a delight. Sara Jane is a Brownie and this opportunity introduced her to another level of citizenship and conservation. Together we also used the computer website for the birdcount and Cornell University graphics to understand the impact of our help with the count. Journaling and photography will go along way to impress upon her the value of this event.