Join Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center and the Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, for a bird watching hike and if there’s snow, a snowshoe adventure, at Crooked Farm Preserve in Bristol.  Under the guidance of bird enthusiast Amelia Fogg, Education Coordinator/2011 Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Member working at the Pemaquid Watershed Association, participants will learn about this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), which takes place across the country between February 17 and 20, 2012.  Hikers will receive official copies of the GBBC tally sheets to record a count of the various species of birds observed while on the hike. Extra tally sheets will be available for participants to take home so that they can conduct a bird count in their own backyard. 

This family-friendly event is a free and suitable for all ages and all levels of experience with bird identification.  Please come dressed for the weather. Bring a water bottle and snowshoes or waterproof walking shoes.  Binoculars and a camera are encouraged.  Participants are asked to meet in the parking area of the Crooked Farm Preserve by 9:50 a.m.  To register call 563-1363 or e-mail coastal@spectrumgenerations.org  by February 17.  FMI call Amelia at 563-2196 or sned an e-mail to pwalearn@pemaquidwatershed.org

DIRECTIONS: From Damariscotta, take the Bristol Road (State Route 130) 9.9 miles and turn left on to Old County Road at the Bristol Library. Travel 0.8 miles and turn left into the preserve parking area (before the Carpenter’s Boatshop). Extra parking available at the Boatshop.  Carpooling is encouraged.

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a partnership between the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and is an important contribution to records of bird populations across North America.  For more information on the GBBC, visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/. 

Spectrum Generations promotes life-long learning, health, wellness, nutrition, community engagement and social well-being of all older and disabled adults.  For more information about Spectrum Generations programs, services, and center activities contact the Coastal Community Center at 563-1363, coastal@spectrumgenerations.org, or visit www.spectrumgenerations.org.  Like us on Facebook.  Donations (monetary, gifts in kind, or volunteer time) in support of Center programs and activities are always appreciated.

The mission of the Pemaquid Watershed Association is to conserve the natural resources of the Pemaquid Peninsula through land and water stewardship and education (www.pemaquidwatershed.org)