Norwich – A local bird expert will present an outdoor program Saturday at Mohegan Park Center to answer questions about birds, encourage participation in bird observation surveys and demonstrate how people can help attract birds to nest in their yards.

Alison Black, who works for the Connecticut Bird Atlas, a joint project by the University of Connecticut and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will be at the Mohegan Park Center from 10 a.m. to noon. The program is free and open to the public. Participants should meet at the water fountain in the park center.

Black will answer questions about birds, highlight observations in the area, explain the importance of public participation in scientific bird research and demonstrate how to make a nesting resource for birds.

Black is a graduate student at Central Connecticut State University working on a Master of Science degree in biological sciences. She spent three summers working and living on a remote island off Massachusetts studying shorebirds and doing a study of gull diets. Allison is an avid birder and a supporter of citizen science projects.

The 22nd Great Backyard Bird Count takes place from Friday, Feb. 15, through Monday, Feb. 18. Volunteers worldwide are asked to count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count and enter their checklists at www.birdcount.org. Anyone with internet access can participate.

Norwich twice has been the top bird counting city in Connecticut.