Valentine’s Day is ‘for the birds’ in Lansdowne Borough
This year, the annual day of love will fall on a Saturday, and that’s sure to bring about more availability for even more date-night fun. Valentine’s Day is the fast-approaching Saturday of Feb. 14. And it can be a day to show love of all kinds, even for those of a favorite hobby.
In fact, the Lansdowne Borough’s Environmental Advisory Council would love to share your passion for birds with them on that very date. The Council will be hosting the Great Backyard Bird Count from Feb. 13 to 16, and during its informative session on Feb. 14, those of all ages are invited to learn more about the process.
Now in its 29th year, the GBBC aims to do just what its name implies: count birds.
“Count birds in your backyard, a local park, or wherever you spot a bird, and submit your observations online,” explained a flyer for the event. The EAC will gather on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon to explain the program and how it works.
“Bird lovers can offer birds their love by counting them for science,” explained the Borough’s social media post. The EAC will gather those interested inside at the 20th Century Club, located at 84 S. Lansdowne Ave. for instructions.
“We’ll view slides of the birds we can expect to see outside,” said the post. “We’ll chat about cool bird behaviors.”
All ages are welcome to attend, as a love for flying friends isn’t limited to any season of life.
“Kids are welcome,” said the Borough’s post. “They can do everything the grown-ups can do, but they’ll also have bird-themed coloring sheets and a birdy game to keep them busy.”
In addition to fun and sharing your passion, the information collected will also be useful to science.
“Eventually, we’ll count actual birds, but first, those who want to can learn how to use excellent, free bird apps on their phones,” said a post on the borough’s website by the EAC. “The event leader, who is an experienced birder, will also explain how she’ll upload our count info to scientists at Cornell University.”
That data is then computed into useful information, helping experts develop trends and notice any peculiarities.
“The scientists use the numbers and species of birds that people all over the world tabulate during the Great Backyard Bird Count in order to get a rough idea of which bird species are doing well, which are not, and which are shifting their habitats or geographical ranges,” said the EAC page. “Data comparisons over several years show bird trends that are important for conservation efforts.”
And, while the special date is coincidentally the day of love, it is chosen for other, more scientific purposes.
“The reason the weekend is in February every year is that it began in North America, and scientists here want to understand bird populations before the birds begin their spring migrations,” said the EAC page.
If you need more reasons to attend, the activity can help you, too!
“This event will build community among the participants and also community between the humans and the birds we share Lansdowne with, as we work together to help scientists help our feathered co-residents,” said the EAC’s page. “Research shows that interaction with nature enriches people’s lives and is good for mental health, so we humans will benefit too!”
The event is slated to occur no matter the weather, though if there is a declared weather emergency in Lansdowne, it will be canceled. For more information, interested participants can email [email protected].
