Birds are an important part of the planet’s ecosystems and there is plenty to learn about them.
This month, as winter winds down and the first stirrings of annual spring migrations are poised to begin, there are local opportunities to find out more about what’s happening in the world of birds.
Environmental consultant and local Audubon Christmas Bird Count compiler Cole Fredericks will present a program on trends in CBCs and other bird surveys in this part of Florida at the next meeting of Ancient Islands Sierra on Feb. 9 at Circle B Bar Reserve. The program begins at 7 p.m. and is preceded by a covered-dish meal and social gathering beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Circle B Bar Reserve is located at 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.
On Feb 15 at 6 p.m. naturalist, wildlife photographer and international tour leader Reinier Munguia will discuss what birds go through this time of year as they prepare for the annual breeding season.
Some birds migrate thousands of miles and others are more sedentary but still have deal with the basics of finding mates, nesting sites and food to make sure their species will survive.
The program will be held at Lake Region Audubon’s Street Nature Center, 115 Lameraux Road, Winter Haven.
Both programs are free and open to the public.
Finally the annual Great Backyard Bird Count will occur Feb. 17-20.
This international event is designed to collect information on the location and abundance of bird species in mid-winter.
Participation is free and open to all. It does require an eBird account to submit the results of your sightings.
For details, go to www.birdcount.org .