The Great Backyard Bird Count is coming soon in February. To prepare, Raven Rock is hosting an event on Feb. 2 at 11 a.m. to help individuals find out how to participate in this fun event. Additionally, participants will learn to identify by sight and sound, the birds you can count in your own backyard.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual 4-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are. This year’s event is scheduled to take place Friday, Feb. 15 through Monday, Feb. 18.

Dr. John Bartlett, an expert birder and Associate Professor of Biology at Campbell University, is scheduled to lead this program.

Bring your binoculars. Binoculars will also be available for use during the program.

There will be a short hike to locate and listen for birds so participants should dress according to weather conditions.

For more information, call the Raven Rock Park office at 910-893-4888. All ages are welcome to participate but children must be accompanied by an adult. Raven Rock State Park is located 6 miles north of Lillington and 12 miles south of Sanford off Highway 421.