ALLENTOWN – Bird watching enthusiasts will gather at a business in Allentown on Feb. 17 to participate in the 2017 national Great Backyard Bird Count.
According to a press release from the local organization Nurture Environmental Stewardship Today! (NEST!), the Great Backyard Bird Count will take place from Feb. 17-20.
As part of the four-day event, NEST! members will be at the Moth Coffeehouse, 42 S. Main St., Allentown, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 to count the birds that can be seen from the coffeehouse window. At the end of the day, NEST will submit its counts to the Great Backyard Bird Count and contribute to citizen science.
Recently, in partnership with the Moth Coffeehouse and Animals and Gardens Unlimited (AGU) of New Egypt, NEST! members installed a Japanese inspired birch torrii bird feeding station outside the coffeehouse, according to the press release.
Torrii is translated to bird abode. It is a traditional Japanese gate which can be seen across Japan. The new torrii style bird station has bird feeders from AGU and different feed types for local avifauna to enjoy during the winter. On Feb. 17, participants will identify the bird species that visit the feeders, according to the press release.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide a short presentation about how to attract different birds to a backyard using various bird feed and bird feeders. Children and adults are welcome to attend the Feb. 17 event at Moth Coffeehouse. For more information, email [email protected]
According to the press release, NEST! is dedicated to bringing awareness of the environmental diversity of New Jersey to adults and children. Its mission is to engage tomorrow’s caretakers to become aware of the need to protect the environment and manage it for sustainability for future generations.