Don Torino, who is a leader on so many of the guided walks sponsored by the Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society, wrote his wildnewjersey.tv column this week on the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

Writes Don: "This week everyone, from a truck driver to a doctor from a first grader to a lawyer and people from every walk of life from around the world, will become a scientist that will help gather critical environmental information to aid our birds.

"The data that is collected will help determine future conservation efforts that will benefit many of our avian species. The event is called the “Great Backyard Bird Count,” and for these special few days many of us will become 'Citizen Scientist' by counting the birds everywhere from our own backyards to local parks, nature preserves, and anywhere that you may find our feathered friends gathering.

The link is here.

We'll post the latest on Friday GBBC walk — hopefully still at Mill Creek Marsh — by noon today.