Despite the overcast and drizzle, Young Naturalist Members came to spend the afternoon at Brookside County Park on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Everett and his sister, Scarlet, both rather knowledgable birders, were in attendance. At 13 years old, Everett has acquired an extensive repertoire of birding skills through both self education and first hand experience. Everett has traveled to many local parks and nature preserves in addition to several states throughout the United States, all while honing his skills regarding look-alike species, subspecies and other important details for a serious birder to know. Birds darting from feeders to tree cover were identified at rapid fire speed as Everett helped YNC members to observe the avian activities from the comforts of the meeting room.

The Brookside County Park Weekly Bird list was updated as the birds were recognized. Reference books from the Brookside Library were used to help others see the the details needed to distinguish one species of sparrow from another. Other members sketched and colored pictures of local backyard birds. A short walk through the park yielded sitings of mallards, Canada geese and a blue heron. Still on Everett’s Life List…to observe a fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) in New York State!