FORT LARNED — The Eastern Bluebird sure does brighten up the winter landscape!
You can spot Bluebirds, Downy Woodpeckers, Tree Sparrows, and dozens or more feathered species at Fort Larned National Historic Site. There’s always a hawk or two hanging around looking for a mouse or another tasty morsel.
The staff at Fort Larned National Historic Site, Larned is supporting the 2016 Great Backyard Bird Count by offering a nature program and birding hike from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.
Sharpen your bird ID skills by participating in fun activities and a brisk winter hike! Meet in the Visitor Center for a presentation on Birds of the Fort, followed by a bird count on the parade ground and surrounding areas of the park.
Park Ranger Barry Jones from Quivira National Wildlife Refuge will lead the birding hike.
Plan to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring binoculars. Birding is for everyone!
Scouts are encouraged to attend and will receive credit towards earning the National Park Service/ Scouting Patch. All events and activities at Fort Larned are free to the public. Hot chocolate will be served.
If you are not able to attend the program but are interested in the bird species count visit: www.birdcount.org. You can watch your backyard feeders and keep a list of what you see. Individuals and groups can submit their findings on-line.
The official count dates are Friday, Feb. 12 through Monday, Feb. 15, 2016.
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event.
This event is sponsored by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.
In celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, Fort Larned National Historic Site invites you to discover the meaning of national parks, how your park inspires you — both in personal connections and memorable experiences. Fort Larned National Historic Site is six miles west of Larned on K-156.
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., information on visiting is on the internet at www.nps.gov/fols, or by calling 620-285-6911. There is no admission fee. Learn more at www.nps.gov.