Henrico libraries to host birdwatching workshops in October

Henrico County Public Library will host “Citizen Science: Birding” workshops for children and their caregivers of all ages in early October. Preschool through elementary-aged children and their adult caregivers are encouraged to attend the workshops, happening at library locations throughout the county, beginning Oct. 6.

The birding workshops are inspired by “Citizen Science,” a movement in the scientific community in which citizens can contribute data to scientific research.

There are many Citizen Science projects related to birds and birding, including the annual “Great Backyard Bird Count,” in which the Library and dozens of patrons participated last February.

This fall, workshop participants can learn about and contribute to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s flagship citizen science project: eBird. Cornell’s eBird is a free and easy-to-use online tool for tracking bird sightings and learning about more types of birds to discover.

Each birding workshop will begin with a brief discussion of Citizen Science and birdwatching. After reviewing tips for spotting birds in the wild, attendees will go outside for a brief walk on the library grounds to spot and count birds. There will be a craft activity for children as well.

"Citizen Science: Birding" will be held:

• at Twin Hickory Library Saturday, Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m.;
• at Libbie Mill Library Monday, Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m.;
• at Tuckahoe Library Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m.;
• at Varina Library Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m.

On Oct. 20, Varina Library will have a special birding workshop with an appearance by Maria Gianferrari, the Virginia Reader’s Choice Award-winning author of Coyote Moon, who will discuss urban ecology, birding, and her new book, Hawk Rising.

“These programs are interdisciplinary – appealing to the scientific as well as artistic and literary mind – and they are also intergenerational, great for children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers of all ages,” said Henrico Library spokeswoman Patty Conway.

The workshops are designed to promote the library system's book collections and a practical application of reading, said Rick Samuelson, the Library's Youth Services coordinator. “Identifying birds can be hard. But we have lots of books about birds and nature at the library, and reading a couple helps prepare you to figure out what you’re seeing when you step outside.”

Librarians hope this broad appeal and real-world application of reading will create an engaging learning space, connecting curious minds throughout the county, regardless of age.

“Our hope is to inspire a life-long love of learning in the community with programs like this one, which is scientific, but also social,” Conway said.

For those unable to make it to a Birding workshop, or who want to continue birding after October, Henrico County Public Library also is offering Birding Backpacks for children and caregivers that patrons can check out for free. Backpacks contain books on birding as well as binoculars, a Field Guide to Virginia birds, and laminated activity cards. Backpacks may be reserved online at: https://tinyurl.com/birdingbackpacks or by calling your local Henrico library location.

Visit henricolibrary.org or call your local library for further details.