The Great Backyard Bird Count The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event in February that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations in the area. Many of the area's parks and preserves, such as Robinson Preserve and De Soto National Memorial Park provide the location for the event. For days and times, check with the local parks listed here, or with the Manatee County Audubon Society at (941) 729-2222. Beach Nesting Shorebirds & Turtles Starting in May, both sea turtles and certain shorebirds choose to nest on Gulf beaches. Manatee Audubon works in tandem with Turtle Watch to alert beach goers to nesting sites, as a way to educate visitors and protect these little newborns. Roseate Spoonbill - 32 -