Nature Done Wright

In conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count, Stiles Thomas and I are doing a Birdy 30 this weekend, and you're invited to join us.

For those unfamiliar with the free contest, here’s what you do: Just look out your home or office window for 30 minutes straight between today (Feb. 15) and Monday (Feb. 18), count the number of bird species you see, and then send your best 30-minute bird list to me by 3 p.m. next Tuesday.

The Birdy 30 is on the honor system, so please don’t get creative with your sightings. And if you see something unusual, please take a photo. I’d love to share them.

With the Birdy 30, you can pick a convenient time and window, have a cup of coffee, and chill.

Need to make a phone call or text somebody? No worries. Rainy or snowing? Try later. Skunked? Make sure your feeders are full and try again.

Rule No.1: Have fun.

If you need an inducement, there's a First Prize if you like: A copy of the Celery Farm book, In the Presence of Nature.

"Best Bird" Prize: Your choice of Duck Enough to Fly, Icky or Swan Babies.