BOERNE, Texas

Birders of all skill levels will have a chance to hone their abilities and contribute to the study of ornithology during April and May at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm.   Master birders Tom and Patsy Inglet will offer tips and tricks that will help identify birds by their songs and sounds during Birding by Ear from 9 a.m. to noon April 20 in the CNC auditorium at 140 City Park Road. Participants will learn to recognize subtle difference between bird songs that help to determine which species they are hearing.   The workshop will introduce many of the common bird calls heard in the Hill Country and will include time in the field practicing bird call identification. Register online at Cibolo.org/calendar. The workshop costs $25, $20 for CNC members, and is free for those who volunteer to help with the upcoming Breeding Bird Point Counts.   Birders from beginners to old hands are invited to join the Inglets and other knowledgeable birders to conduct a breeding bird census throughout the Cibolo Nature Center’s four native habitats for three Breeding Bird Point Counts from 7 to 10 a.m. April 30, May 9 and May 14. The citizen-science survey techniques used to conduct this census can be used wherever birds breed.   Collected data will be provided to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology through eBird, Cornell’s online bird database. Participants should bring binoculars and a field guide. Participation is free, with interested birders asked to sign up online at Cibolo.org/calendar.   Celebrating its 25th year, the non-profit Cibolo Nature Center & Farm in Boerne is located on 162 acres of natural lands at Boerne City Park off Highway 46 just west of the Kendall County Fairgrounds. The mission of the CNC is conservation of natural resources through education and stewardship. Call (830) 249-4616 or visit www.cibolo.org.