Natchez — The Great Backyard Bird Count is a yearly count conducted by tens of thousands of everyday bird watchers around the United States and is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Natchez National Historical Park would like to thank everyone who came out to Melrose on Feb. 14 to participate in the bird count activities.

Approximately 16 species of birds were sighted, including a great blue herring, red-tailed hawks, wood ducks and Carolina chickadees.

These counts will be entered on the official Great Backyard Bird Count Web page along with counts from bird watchers throughout the United States. Scientists then will use this data to determine migration patterns, land use and distribution of birds.

In addition, children enjoyed a bird walk, face painting, making bird feeders and a bird scavenger hunt inside the Melrose mansion.

Natchez National Historical Park would like to begin providing more opportunities for the community to discover the natural wonders in its own backyard and area parks.