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.
Weekly picks: Valentine’s Day romance
Valentine’s Day is almost here. If you’re looking for a way to connect with your partner, why not try a spot of dancing or a slow stroll? Both activities will get your heart beating a little faster — and isn’t that the point of celebrating Valentine’s Day?
Find some romantic fun in York County with the York Weekend feature story or get a brief roundup of events here.
In Extras, get tips for fantasy baseball, go on a scavenger hunt, listen to some bluegrass, study birds, hear talented teens sing and explore the beauty of the human spirit.
In Openings, visit the Strand-Capitol for two musical shows, Blast and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
In Weekend Sports, quarterfinals are set for boys’ and girls’ basketball.
In Couch Potato, the Grammy Awards are the big draw. Plan to watch and download the York Weekend scorecard for the top categories.
For locations and trailers of new movies opening this week in York County, see the new movies post.
Susquehanna Waterfowl program at Shank’s Mare
Swans, snow geese, diving ducks and other birds are on the agenda for the free Susquehanna Waterfowl program from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Shank’s Mare Outfitters, 2092 Long Level Road, Lower Windsor Township.
The program will include a walk along the river and discussions of waterfowl and local history. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly in layers and bring binoculars, field guides and spotting scopes.
Registration is required for the free program.
For all the details, visit the York County Parks website or call (717) 428-1961.
Beekeeping program at Nixon Park
Beekeeper Morrell Sipe will teach a free program about becoming a proud parent to a honeybee colony from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Drive, Springfield Township.
Attendees will learn how to start running a hive at home. Registration is required for the free York County Parks program.
For all the details or to sign up, call (717) 428-1961.
Cabin Fever Hike series at Rocky Ridge
Learn how animals spend their days during the Wildlife in Winter hike. (carfull/Flickr)
The Cabin Fever Hike series returns to Rocky Ridge County Park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for two Saturdays, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11.
The hikes explore winter animal activity the first week and feature a scavenger hunt the second week.
York County Parks naturalist Amber Carothers will lead the Wildlife in Winter hike Saturday, Feb. 4, to look at and learn about animals and their winter behaviors. Hot chocolate will be served in a heated pavilion after the hike. Participants should meet at the Pleasant Pavilion.
Science teacher Jeff Miller will lead the Winter Scavenger hike Saturday, Feb. 11, with prizes awarded for the scavenger hunt. Participants should meet at the Ruffed Grouse Pavilion.
Registration is required for the free hikes. The park is located along Deininger Road off Mount Zion Road just north of Route 30 in Springettsbury Township.
For all the details, visit the parks department website or call (717) 428-1961.
Free astronomy program at Rudy Park
The York County Astronomical Society will take guests on a tour of the moon, planets and stars of the night sky during a Public Star Watch from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the observatory at Rudy County Park, 400 Mundis Race Road, East Manchester Township.
The program is free, and refreshments are provided.
For all the details, visit the York County Parks website or the society’s website or call (717) 578-9109.
