| Birds are Beautiful!
Montgomery County is home to many different types of birds! No matter where you live, work or play, you will probably encounter several feathered friends. All summer long, participants in our Birdathon program saw and identified 15 birds, drawing each one. Here are a few images from the entries. Thanks to all of this year's particpants. See you next year!
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Participating in our Birdathon can help you learn more about birds. Find 15 different birds and draw a picture or write a description of each bird. Be sure to include the date and the location where you spotted them. Try to give the species name of the birds if you are able. Once you have collected all 15 drawings, download and fill out this form and send your drawing and descriptions to Five Rivers MetroParks before the September 15th deadline. Children who complete our Birdathon will receive a Five Rivers MetroParks Birdathon patch and be added into a drawing to win a birding kit!
For general Birdathon questions, please call (937) 855-7717 weekdays.
Where to Search
Check your backyard or neighborhood. Many birds can be found just by looking out the window of your house or car. Don’t forget to check bird feeders! Visit any MetroParks facility! Your MetroParks provides habitat for all kinds of wildlife. See what birds you can find there! Check park maps for bird blinds. These are areas that are full of a variety of different kinds of birds.
Tips and Tools
Watching birds can be very easy! Binoculars and a bird book can be good tools to carry with you when you are searching, but they are not necessary. You can easily find many birds without any tools at all! Finding 15 different birds can be a challenge. The best thing to do is to look in many different habitats. Some birds like habitats with lots of water while other birds will live in a field. Another good habitat to visit is a forest. When you start your search, try to be very quiet. Birds fly away when they are startled. The most important thing about going on a Birdathon is to HAVE FUN!
Some Rules
- Please do not include domesticated birds in your drawings (e.g. parakeets, chickens, cockatiels).
- Do not attempt to disturb the bird you plan to draw.
- Look with your eyes only.
- No photos, please.
- Please do not send feathers, nests, or other bird parts.
- All entries become the property of Five Rivers MetroParks and will not be returned upon submission.
- Birds must be found between June 1 and August 31, 2011.
- All entries must be received by September 15, 2011.
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