The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (December 29, 2013) – Winter is a great season for attracting birds to our backyards. Cold temperatures, severe storms and scarce food supplies make winter the harshest season for wild birds. Bird mortality is high all winter long.

Backyard birders can help meet birds’ needs during the winter and will be rewarded with a diverse flock of winter visitors.

Those just getting started in bird feeding or frustrated by a lack of success in attracting a variety of birds to feeders, the Sullivan County Master Gardeners can help.

Learn how to identify the most common birds and what their favorite treats are at a program on winter birds offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County on Thursday, January 23, 2014. The class will run from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

Information on how to sign up for Cornell University Feeder Watch Program will be distributed. Each participant will make a simple bird feeder to take home.

All class materials are covered with a fee of only $10.00. Class size is limited so pre-registration with non-refundable payment is required. Registration can be obtained by calling 845-292-6180 or emailing smd243@cornell.edu.