Learn about birds at Congaree National Park this winter and help collect real scientific data to help monitor them.

The 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, which is sponsored by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, is an international effort to identify and count birds across the continent February 13- 16.

Count results present a "snapshot" of bird populations across North America and keep us all informed about many environmental trends. Last year citizen scientists from Alaska to Florida to Quebec to California to Congaree sent in 85,725 checklists tallying 9,805,216 sightings of 635 bird species.

The Old- Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park has partnered with the Friends of Congaree Swamp to host several birding programs in preparation for the 2009 Great Backyard Bird Count. Congaree National Park is home to more than 195 species of birds during the year and recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Help collect real birding data at Congaree as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count Date, Saturday, February 14, 8:30 - 11 am.

Register in advance by calling the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 803-776- 4396. Visitors and volunteers participating in walks should wear comfortable, closed- toed shoes and weather- appropriate clothing. A water bottle and snack are also recommended. For more informa- tion visit www.nps.gov/cong.