Submitted
Mrs. Shook’s Grade 3 class would like to let everyone know about the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The 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.
The 21st annual GBBC will be held Feb. 16 through Feb 19.
Leading up to this event, all students at Raft River Elementary have been learning about local birds thanks to Mrs. Shook’s Grade 3 students who have been reading bird facts over the morning announcements since early January. Mrs. Shook’s class received a grant from the Wells Gray Community Forest to help them with a Local Bird Project.
They will be researching birds and building bird houses, with the help of high school students, and have hung five bird feeders outside their classroom windows hoping to get a closer look at some birds. Part of their project includes teaching the whole school to identify at least five local birds and then sending each student in the school home with a list of local birds so that they can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count.
To participate in the count, please visit the official website at birdcount.org. The local contact for the event is 250-674-2518 and checklists for the bird count can be picked up at the public library.