Add some outdoors fun to the holidays for your family by taking part in the Youth Christmas Bird Count Dec. 10 at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

In this first-ever event, teams of youth ages 8-16 will be led by experienced birders as they count birds -- species and numbers -- for about three hours in field and forest that Saturday.

Parents are welcome to join the teams. And youth do not have to be experienced birders. This is a great opportunity to learn how to identify birds. Those participants who are advanced can hone their skills!

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is about an hour east of Atlanta. Youth will be provided binoculars and field guides. They'll also enjoy a free lunch and a presentation with live birds of prey.

However, the deadline to register is drawing near. Sign up before 4:30 p.m.Monday, Dec. 5 by calling Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, (770) 784-3059.

The event is sponsored by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division and The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, friends group of DNR's Nongame Conservation Section.

Register today and get ready for a fun, educational day of birding!


Youth Christmas Bird Count

• When: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10
  
• Where: Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, near Mansfield (east of Atlanta)
  
• Cost: Free for youth (including lunch). Adults (17+), $9 for lunch. (Adults also need to bring their own binoculars.)
  
• Register by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at (770) 784-3059
  
• Questions? Contact Bob Sargent by email or (478) 994-1438