The Marion Natural History Museum will host The Great Backyard Bird Count on February 4 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.
With the help of Nasketucket and Brookline Bird Club member Carol Molander we will be learning how to identify some of our more common bird species, taking a walk into the woods to see what we can find and then learning a little more about this important event. Warm hats, gloves and boots are highly recommended for our excursion.
The next program scheduled is Owl Diet Detective on February 25 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Join us for an exciting exploration into the world of owls and their unique eating habits. Unlike other birds, owls swallow their prey whole because they lack teeth for chewing. Our Owl Pellet Dissection program provides a fascinating insight into these nocturnal predators. Recommended for grades 2-6.
What you’ll discover: Owl Dining Secrets: Learn how owls consume mice, voles, small birds, and more.
Pellet Examination: Delve into regurgitated pellets, consisting of bones, teeth, fur, and feathers. Scientific Investigation: By dissecting the pellets, we unveil the diverse diet of owls and the frequency of different prey. Each pellet is dry heat sterilized. Gloves and dissection tools are provided to ensure a safe and hygienic experience.
Get ready to become a junior ornithologist and uncover the mysteries hidden within owl pellets.
To register for these programs and others please go to the Marion Natural History Museum’s website: www.marionmuseum.org.