Dreary weather didn't keep bird enthusiasts from attending the Bird Counting and Feeding 101 session at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve Saturday.
Despite chilly temperatures and rain, a large crowd huddled under a pavilion to hear Jennifer Lolley, administrator of the preserve, and Rita Kempf of the Auburn Birding Club, speak about the 13th Backyard Bird Count Feb. 12.
The session explained why the bird count takes place, how to identify the 22 most common birds of the area and feeding tips to attract birds.
"What we were trying to do was train people and give them a level of comfort in counting and identifying birds," Lolley said, "We want more people representing Auburn in this nationwide count."
Lolley said the bird count is important because the public acts scientifically and contributes data that helps analyze bird populations and migration.
Those who attended the session were urged to visit www. birdsource.org where personal bird checklists can be submitted, and checklists from other people around the country can be reviewed and compared.
Lolley said she thinks it's exciting to add data to the Web site and watch the numbers rise.
Kempf said she hopes more people get interested in counting birds.
"People really think that they have to be experts," Kempf said, "but even the experts are still learning."
Kempf said she became interested in bird watching after reading an article about the Backyard Bird Count a couple years ago. One day while on vacation, she spotted a bird she couldn't identify and after doing an online search and discovering the world of birding, everything snowballed.
During the session, Lolley and Kempf explained how easy and enjoyable birding is with the right equipment.
They suggested that those interested in bird watching either borrow or invest in binoculars, have a field guide handy and a bird book to keep track. "If you don't have a platform feeder you're missing out on a lot of fun," Kempf said.
Not everyone in attendance was interested in merely counting birds, though.
Auburn resident and newcomer to birding, Sherrill Mixon, said she enjoys seeing the shapes and colors of birds.
"I love to draw and paint," Mixon said. "Colors fascinate me in nature."
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