Mr. Thrifty Correspondent

Are you looking for a family event to take part in this summer in Carroll County? If so, then it can be as close to you as your own backyard. It could be at Atwood Lake, the Bluebird Farm, or one of the many Ohio wildlife areas in the county. This activity gets one outside with nature and costs are minimal, depending on how much equipment one wants to invest in.

Birdwatching is the observation and study of birds with the naked eye or through a visual-enhancement device such as binoculars. Most birdwatchers pursue this activity mainly for recreational or social reasons.

Birds are much like people; they need food, shelter, water and safety. Adequately provide these things, and you will soon have a paradise that attracts birds no matter the season.

Black oil sunflower seed is a favorite seed for birds. It is eaten by nearly all types of birds and is an easy way to attract birds to your backyard. By spreading seed around, as well as providing a safe environment rich in food sources, you are sure to attract many birds.

As the numbers of birdwatchers increases, there is growing concern about the impact of birdwatching on the birds and their habitat. Birdwatching etiquette is a response to this concern. Examples of birdwatching etiquette include promoting the welfare of birds and their environment, avoiding stressing the birds by limiting use of photography, and recording devices, keeping back from nests and nesting colonies, and respecting the private property of others.

The lack of definite evidence, except arguably in the form of photographs, makes birding records very difficult to prove, but birdwatchers strive to build trust in their identification.

While one may be on a birdwatching event, they may encounter a situation or two. One situation is finding a bird egg on the ground. The best thing you can do is respect the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and leave the egg alone. In most cases it is unlikely the egg would hatch.

The MBTA made it illegal for people to "take" migratory birds, their eggs, feathers or nests. "Take" is defined in the MBTA to include by any means or in any manner, any attempt at hunting, pursuing, wounding, killing, possessing or transporting any migratory bird, nest, egg.

Another matter that may arise is coming upon a baby bird out of the nest. Wondering what can be done to help care and feed them is a question that is often asked.

It is important to know what you can do, and what you cannot do when you find young birds. Many baby birds are thought to be abandoned or out of the nest too soon by many backyard birdwatchers. The truth is, few birds fall from their nest, unless storms or other natural disasters occur.

Most birdwatchers who find a young bird automatically want to care and feed the bird. It is strongly recommended that you not do this. You are more likely to do more harm than good.