I’ve submitted a few columns ranging from reducing our use of plastic, to suggestions on feeder types, and even what to feed them. When we get closer to spring, I’ll again remind you of preparing those nesting boxes. But even now, as we approach the “dead” of winter you can “do your part”: by helping to gather data. To be more specific, gathering data to help determine the health of many bird populations. Remember, across North America, about 100 species of birds remain here, or move into this region for winter. You and I don’t need to be working on our doctorates nor do we need to be in the Top 10 list of ornithologists. All you need is some basic knowledge of the local birds, and maybe, a bird field guide in hand.

I bet most of you have either fed birds each winter or are doing so currently. There are at least two groups that conduct and gather information on population numbers by individuals simply watching feeder activity. One of those is a huge project done throughout North America and another project, right here in our backyard. I have participated in the local one conducted by the Lehigh Gap Nature Center for many years. The next survey will occur over three days; Feb. 10, 11, and 12. The other has already begun, but you’re not too late.

Cornell University’s Project Feeder Watch has been in operation since 1986, but technically it began in Ontario, Canada in 1976. The originator saw the project growing and later teamed with Cornell University. There are more than 20,000 participants from every state, except Hawaii. Project Feeder Watch has an annual fee of $18, but you get some resources with that fee. This project begins on Nov. 1 and continues until April. Find Project Feeder Watch on line to get all the details, history, past data and directions to begin.

Chad Schwartz, at Lehigh Gap Nature Center, heads the winter feeder survey there. As mentioned earlier, it occurs over one weekend each February. To participate, your feeders need to be within a 15-mile radius of the Nature Center located on the West Side of Lehigh Gap. Nearly everyone in the Times News region can participate. For this feeder watch, you choose only one of the three designated days and basically watch you feeders. (I generally pick the day with the worst weather conditions because it tends to send more birds to the feeders.) All the exact instructions for recording and reporting your data can be found at: https://lgnc.org/research/bird-counts/.

So, the bottom line: Let’s see what we an all do to provide more conservation information, and, by sitting by your window and watching what you normally enjoy anyway. (This survey averages about 80 participants each year, let’s see if we can increase that average for them.)

Test Your Outdoor Knowledge: A group of bobwhites (quail) is called a (n) ______. A gaggle B. filibuster C. flock D. covey E. parley

Last Week’s Trivia Answer: Bald eagles are already adding sticks and limbs to their huge nests. They will begin egg laying about Feb. 1.

Barry Reed is a Saturday columnist in the Times News. Contact him at breed71@gmail.com.