Birdwatching for kids on September 21 with the Jakobis
Craig Braack will host birding for adults on October 5
From Ken Reichman, Allegany County Bird Club, pictured is the Eastern Towhee
Bird watching, a beloved pastime for nature enthusiasts, will be the subject of two presentations at the Hornell Public Library with the help of the Allegany County Bird Club. The club will be hosting educational bird watching programs in September and October, catering to both young and adult audiences.
The first program, tailored for youth ages 6 to 10, will be held on September 21 at 10 a.m. With limited space and materials available for this exciting program, please contact the Hornell Public Library at 607-324-1210 or hornellpubliclibrary@gmail.com to register! This program will be presented by Debra and Steven Jakobi, both are retired science teachers and members of the bird club. The second program, designed for adults, will take place on October 5 at 10 a.m. Craig Braack, nature enthusiast, photographer, and retired historian, will be the speaker. Both events aim to introduce participants to the basics of bird watching and the joys of observing avian wildlife in their natural habitats. At the Hornell Public Library, you can find a number of birding books and resources. It serves as an ideal venue for these informative sessions.
Bird watching is an activity that can be enjoyed almost anywhere, from one’s own backyard to local nature trails. A simple way to start is by setting up bird feeders at home, which can attract a variety of birds right to your doorstep. For those looking to expand their bird watching horizons, local trails offer diverse habitats and bird species to explore.
A key piece of equipment for any bird watcher is a pair of binoculars. Although many people already own binoculars, if you do not own your own set, you can borrow them from the Hornell Public Library’s Library of Things! As interest grows, enthusiasts may choose to upgrade their gear to enhance their bird watching experience.
For tech-savvy bird watchers, the Merlin app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is an invaluable tool. Part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Merlin helps identify birds through sound, description, and photos. Additionally, the eBird app provides information on bird sightings, showing when and where various species have been observed.
The Allegany County Bird Club, which meets on the first Friday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Grace United Church (located at 289 North Main St. in Wellsville), welcomes new members and inquiries. The bird club participates in annual bird counts for the Buffalo Ornithological Society and the National Audubon Society. It is not necessary to be a member to participate in the bird counts. For more information, interested individuals can contact the club via email at acbclists@gmail.com.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the hobby, these upcoming programs at the Hornell Public Library offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about bird watching and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
