O’Fallon to host Great Backyard Bird Count

O’Fallon’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, in Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Drive in O’Fallon. Anyone can participate, including beginning bird watchers, families and experts. Bring binoculars, if possible. There is no cost for parking.

The count will take place at various times between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. With the help of a list of birds, participants will observe and record sightings for at least 15 minutes but no more than an hour, then warm up in the historic Heald Home.

The cost of $2 includes a tour of the home, which is hosting an exhibit of photographs of Missouri birds taken by members of the O’Fallon Photo Club and photographer Ferman Carrillo.

“O’Fallon’s bird count offers a great opportunity to learn more about our local birds and to chat with others who enjoy wildlife,” said Jennifer Hoisington with O’Fallon’s Tourism and Festivals Department. “Participants also can learn more about identifying birds by viewing the beautiful bird photos we’ll have on exhibit.”