A global birding event is happening in Harrison.
Harrison Hills Park is the place for birding enthusiasts, nature lovers and novices alike to gather Feb. 14 for the Great Backyard Bird Count.
“This is a great way for anyone of any experience to participate in a fun, interesting citizen science project,” said Dave Brooke, of the advocacy group Friends of Harrison Hills.
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen science project to collect data on wild birds. Birds Canada joined the project in 2009.
The 29th annual bird count officially takes place for four days, with people around the world reporting numbers. Observations help scientists better understand and protect birds everywhere, Brooke said.
Last year, more than 8,075 species were observed — 158 more than in 2024, according to birdcount.org.
The Harrison Hills event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Anyone interested can meet at the park’s environmental learning center.
Friends of Harrison Hills will fill the feeders outside the environmental center, where participants can stay warm inside while they count. Or, they can take a hike with a skilled birder across the park’s fields at either 10:30 a.m. or noon.
Shifts are available for as little as 15 minutes. Binoculars and ID guides will be provided.
Anyone interested can call Brooke at 724-487-3586 or email davbrooke@gmail.com.
