Why are people counting birds on Friday? How the Big Backyard Bird count is helping the environment
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Big Backyard Bird count is currently underway all around the globe.
Throughout the day Friday, February 14, people from around the globe will be counting birds. The numbers will then be sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
This data gives an idea of bird populations around the world, which provides insight into the health of the global environment.
Here in Terre Haute, the Wabash Valley Audubon Society is participating in the count at the Dobbs Park Nature Center and they are inviting the public to come and join them.
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'You can come in and bird with us and if you're not a birder, you can learn some birds. If you are, you can help count,' said Carissa Lovet, a Naturalist for the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department. 'There is a lot of variety around out here. You can probably see on really cold days probably 20 to 25 species of birds out here.'
The Big Backyard Bird Count lasts from February 14 through February 17. If you missed your chance to join the Wabash Valley Audubon Society count birds on Friday, they will be back at the Dobbs Park Nature Center Saturday from 11-11:30 p.m., 1-1:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m.
The Audubon Society says participants will just need to bring a pair of binoculars (if you don't have a pair you may borrow one), the Merlin Bird ID and/or eBird Mobile app, your favorite bird book and a pair of good listening ears.
For more information, you can head to birdcount.org or call the Nature Center at (812)877-1095.
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