Be an Involved Birder

Many birders in northern climates hate to see temperatures drop and birds fly south, but there is a lot you can do to be involved in birding even if there are fewer avian guests in your region at this time of year. I've spent much of this weekend volunteering with the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival and working a promotional booth for next May's event, and you can easily share your love of birding, with or without birds.

• Volunteer at a bird rehabilitation facility.
• Organize a birding talk at a local school.
• Visit a local aviary or zoo bird habitats.
• Adopt a wild bird to support conservation.
• Create bird-themed crafts to give as gifts.

What other ways do you have to be an active birder, even without birds? Share your ideas in the comments!

Burrowing Owl - 2010 GSLBF Spotlight Bird
Photo © Lip Kee Yap