Great Backyard Bird Count at York County Parks

What the humans don't realize is that the birds are counting them, too. (Henry McLin/Flickr)

The Great Backyard Bird Count is once again happening in our own backyards. The York County Department of Parks and Recreation is participating in the national program with events Friday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 19.

Unless otherwise noted, events take place at Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Drive, Springfield Township. Participants should call (717) 428-1961 to register for the events below:

Owl Walk: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the Hanover Junction parking area of the York County Heritage Rail Trail. $2 fee. Participants will call for owls on an otherwise quiet hike. Bring a red-tinted flashlight. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Birding with Bagels: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $2 fee. Participants will hike with bird enthusiasts Robin Smith and Anne Muren and have coffee and bagels after the hike. Bring binoculars and field guides.

On the Wing: 11 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $2 fee. The Maryland Zoo will present a program with live birds; the presentation is suited for adults and children 5 and older.

Bluebird Box Workshop: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. $10 fee per box. Participants will learn about Eastern bluebirds and create a nesting box to take home. The program is recommended for parents and children 8 and older.

Family Bird Walk: 2:45 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Free. Participants will take a slow hike led by naturalist Kelsey Frey in search of wild winter birds and will learn to identify birds by shape, size and field markings. A limited number of binoculars will be available for use on the hike. The program is recommended for parents and children 8 and older.