The Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Slatington, will conduct its 18th annual Lehigh Gap Area Feeder Watch during the weekend of Feb. 14-16.

The 77 volunteers who participated in the last survey saw more than 4,000 birds of 40 different species.

Nearly 45,000 birds have been tallied in the 17 years of counting.

As birds are excellent indicators of environmental quality, a longterm study, such as the Feeder Watch may provide valuable data about environmental quality in the study area.

It is important to have a large number of volunteers to gather enough data for the survey to be more accurate.

Former participants will be sent a packet for the 2014 survey, but additional feeder watchers are needed.

The objective of the Feeder Watch is to sample the numbers and species of birds visiting backyard feeders on a particular winter day at as many feeders as possible in an area around Lehigh Gap.

The Feeder Watch survey is conducted by volunteers who live approximately within a 15-mile radius of Lehigh Gap.

People living within that geographic area with one or more bird feeders of any type in their yard, and who can identify the individual species of birds that visit the feeders, is invited to participate in the Feeder Watch.

Volunteers are asked to spend a few hours throughout the day on Feb. 14, 15 or 16 observing their feeders and recording any visitors.

Volunteers will receive a Feeder Watch data sheet and instructions via email or regular mail as requested.

To volunteer, contact the Nature Center at 610-760-8889 or at lgnc@ ptd.net.

Provide name, address, phone number, email address and note you are volunteering for the Feeder Watch.