By Yasmin Popescu

yasmin@nasguard.com

For the young people out east, a birding expedition is being planed for this coming weekend.

According to one of the organizers, H. Rudy Sawyer, the eco-system of east Grand Bahama is being counted.

"Literally, the birds in McLean's Town will have a Kids Bird Count conducted on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Four teams of students, eight to 18 years, headed by a seasoned birder will identify and count the different species of birds observed in the four subdivided areas of McLean's Town designated for the count day" said Sawyer. "At the end of the count the totals from each group will be tallied at a 'tally rally.' The results will then be included in the nature/birding data base for Grand Bahama Island to be used for research and information."

Sawyer noted that on Saturday, November 25, 2011, some 19 birders from Freeport participated in their monthly bird walk in McLean's Town, whi-ch he led, and were introduced to a new birding trail he developed, the Crabbing Bay Birding Trail; and other areas of McLean's Town.

At that time about 31 different species of birds were identified, including Bahamian specialty birds that are always here, and a good selection of migratory birds visiting for the winter. The very rare bird for this island, the West Indian Woodpecker, was also sighted and was the highlight of the expedition.

Sawyer had confirmed the new birding trail, when, on International Migratory Bird Day, Saturday, October 15, 2011 he birded the Crabbing Bay Trail and other parts of McLean's Town and identified some 40 species of birds.

Since these occurrences others have expressed their interest to sharing in this special experience.

"You don't have to be a birder, only interested," Sawyer expressed.

He feels that the rich ecology of Grand Bahama should be known by more Grand Bahamians and the opportunity is now being offered by Blue Green Adventures & Tours, the newest nature tour business on Grand Bahama Island, for people to experience it.

A special introductory price is offered to residents of Grand Bahama for a guided tour on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Erika Gates, top naturalist and Certified Bahamas Birding Guide, will accompany the group on this trip.

The birding experience begins at 8:00 .a.m at the Garden of the Groves.