Big South Fork NRRA And Obed WSR Invite You To Join The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

Oneida, TN (2011-02-11) If you are looking for a fun, and free family activity, consider participating in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy time together. If you don’t have a large backyard or other suitable location to observe birds, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Obed Wild and Scenic River have many areas for viewing and counting birds. National Park Service rangers at the park visitor centers can provide you with a bird checklist and offer suggestions on where you can have an opportunity to observe birds.

The GBBC is an annual four day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create an accurate, up-to-date list of where birds are found across North America. Participants count birds for as little or as long as they wish during the four day event. After their observations, they tally the highest number of bird species seen together at any one time. To report counts, fill out an online checklist at the GBBC web site (www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html). Participating in the GBBC helps scientists and researchers answer many questions about bird populations such as migration patterns, population changes and diversity.

For more information, contact the Big South Fork’s Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275 or the Obed Visitor Center at (423) 346-6294. You may print a bird checklist from the Big South Fork web site at www.nps.gov/biso. You may learn more about Obed WSR at www.nps.gov/obed.