2/17/2011
DAVIS, W.Va. – The annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be conducted Feb. 18–21, and
Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis will be participating. “It creates an instant snapshot of birdlife across the U.S. and Canada for all to see,” said Park Naturalist Paulita Cousin. “Anyone can help by tallying birds for at least 15 minutes on any day of the count.”
During this weekend, anyone can count birds wherever you are, including in your backyard, off your balcony, or at state park such as Blackwater Falls. Birdwatchers report the highest number of each species seen at any one time and watch as the tallies grow across the continent. Coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Bird Studies Canada, the count typically records more than 10 million observations. Counts are reported and shared on
www.birdcount.org.
Cousin has birding activities planned for the weekend to coincide with the annual Great Backyard birding event. There is no charge to participate in these activities.
Blackwater Falls – Great Backyard Bird Count activities
Friday, February 18, 2011
2:30 p.m. Bird Basics
Meet park naturalist Paulita Cousin in the Davis Room of Blackwater Lodge for Bird Basics ID to start off the Great Backyard Bird Count. Approx. 45 minutes.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
8:10 a.m. Early Birds
Meet the park naturalist in the Davis Room of Blackwater Lodge for Bird Basics Identification to start off the Great Backyard Bird Count, followed by a stroll around Blackwater Lodge in search of wintering birds. All levels of birding experience are welcomed and encouraged to participate. Conclude by enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Approx. 1-1 ½ hours.
11 a.m. Morning Along the Lake
Meet at the Harold Walters Nature Center for this walk along Pendleton Lake (trail may be snow covered and icy) searching for feathered friends along the lakeshore to include in the Great Backyard Bird Count, including bald eagle (rare), Canada goose, eastern bluebird, raven, crow, etc. Approx. 1-1 ½ hours.
1:30 p.m. Strolling for Birds
Gather at the parking area Blackwater Falls Trading Post at Blackwater Falls for a stroll along the roadway and counting wintering birds. Pack a snack to enjoy at scenic Pendleton Point Overlook. About three miles round trip. Approx. 2 ½ hours.
7:30 p.m. Who-who-who Gives a Hoot?
Meets at the Blackwater Falls Sled Run Parking Area to listen for resident owls, including barred, screech and saw whet. Approximately 1-1 ½ hours
For more information, including bird identification tips, instructions, and past results, visit
www.birdcount.org. The count also includes a photo contest. The Great Backyard Bird Count is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada and sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.
For more information about Blackwater Falls or West Virginia’s other state parks and state forests, visit
www.wvstateparks.com. Contact Blackwater Falls at 304 259-5216 for bird watching and other outdoor activities.
Contact Information
Paulita Cousin, Naturalist, Blackwater Falls State Park
304-259-5216
DNR.Parks@wv.gov