Spend a few hours on Saturday, February 13, looking for birds at Fort Larned National Historic Site in Kansas/NPS

Spotting birds is easy. Knowing what type of bird you've spotted, well, that's something else. You can hone your bird identification skills on February 13 by joining in the Great Backyard Bird Count at Fort Larned National Historic Site in Kansas.

During the morning outing you might spot Eastern Bluebirds, Downy Woodpeckers, Tree Sparrows, and dozens or more feathered species at the historic site, according to park staff. And there's always a hawk or two hanging around looking for a mouse or another tasty morsel.

The staff at Fort Larned National Historic Site, in Larned, Kansas, is supporting the 2016 Great Backyard Bird Count by offering a nature program and birding hike from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 13. You can sharpen your bird ID skills by participating in fun activities and a brisk winter hike.

If you're interested, meet in the park's visitor center for a presentation on Birds of the Fort, followed by a bird count on the parade ground and surrounding areas of the park. Park Ranger Barry Jones from Quivira National Wildlife Refuge will lead the birding hike.

Plan to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring binoculars. Scouts are encouraged to attend and will receive credit towards earning the National Park Service/ Scouting Patch. All events and activities at Fort Larned are free to the public. Hot chocolate will be served.

If you are not able to attend the program but are interested in the bird species count visit: www.birdcount.org. You can watch your backyard feeders and keep a list of what shpwed up. Individuals and groups can submit their findings on-line.

The official count dates are Friday, February 12, through Monday, February 15. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event. This event is sponsored by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.