HOPKINS – The Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park and the Friends of Congaree Swamp are partnering to host two free birding programs in February.

The programs are aimed at engaging visitors – and beginners – in observing and identifying winter birds at the park. Visitors can then apply their new skills as “citizen scientists” by helping to systematically count different kinds birds on park trails. Newly-trained citizen scientists are then invited to make their own checklists at home.

A Birding Basics Workshop will be Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. with the second workshop on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

The programs are part of the 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, which is a larger effort to identify and count all types of birds across the continent from Feb. 17-20. By collecting checklists from all over the country and comparing the results from previous years, scientists can try to answer questions about the influence of winter weather on bird populations, how the timing of birds’ migrations compare with past years, and if there are any worrisome changes in bird populations that may require some conservation attention.

Group leaders will give a presentation on the common winter birds found in Congaree National Park before heading out into the park to identify and count birds as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count.

No prior experience is required to participate in these free programs, which are open to visitors ages 5 and up. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance by calling the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 803-776-4396.