How fortunate we are to live in a place where large trees, tracts of forest, creekside habitat and open space abound. And the birds — so many birds. More than 200 species regularly occur in our area. They’re lucky too. Resources are plentiful; if you’re a forest-dwelling bird living in, or traveling through, the Wissahickon Valley, you’re a happy camper.

They are also looking to our properties, regardless of size, for resources. Whether you measure yours with a yardstick or need a tractor to get to the other side, there’s something for at least a few species of birds and things you can do to attract others.

If you have room for even one more native plant, be it an oak tree or a native shrub, go for it! You’ll be amazed at how one good plant changes your ecological footprint for the better. It might provide berries, cover, a great nesting site or tiny insects important for baby birds. The fact is that chickadees and other common backyard birds don’t go very far to find food for their young, so more native plant diversity will yield more food sources and birds will be more likely to stay.

At this time of the year, bird feeders are especially rewarding. While wild food such as seeds may linger nearby, birds like blue jays, cardinals, titmice and woodpeckers will happily visit feeders for an easy meal. What better way to get acquainted with these visitors than by becoming a citizen scientist?

For 19 years, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon have collaborated to conduct the Great Backyard Bird Count (www.birdcount.org). This is crowd-sourcing with a purpose! The information submitted by backyard birdwatchers provides a snapshot of bird populations and trends that is invaluable to professional ornithologists. 

Here’s the real beauty of the count: Birds can be counted from the comfort of your home. And because typically there are only about 15 predominate species that visit winter feeders, you don’t need to be able to identify 200 species!

Audubon invites you to participate in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count. It’s always held over President’s Day weekend (Feb. 17-20) and if you have kids or grandkids, they’ll be home to help. Audubon has created a website that has some great resources and an easy explanation of how to get involved. It’s free and fun. Just go to pa.audubon.org/news/pa-counts.

Pennsylvania is consistently in the top five when it comes to state participation numbers in this international program. Last year we were a few thousand checklists short of the top state, California. With your help, we can become No. 1 in 2017 — so mark your calendar!