The 18th annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 13, through Monday, February 16, 2015.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are.

Everyone is welcome–from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period. They enter these numbers on the GBBC website.

Participants may also send in photographs of the birds they see for the GBBC photo contest. A selection of images is posted in the online photo gallery.

WHY COUNT BIRDS?

Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document and understand the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time.

Scientists use the GBBC information, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and eBird, to get the “big picture” about what is happening to bird populations. The longer these data are collected, the more meaningful they become in helping scientists investigate far-reaching questions, like these:

• How will the weather influence bird populations?

• Where are winter finches and other “irruptive” species that appear in large numbers during some years but not others?

• How will the timing of birds’ migrations compare with past years?

• How are bird diseases, such as West Nile virus, affecting birds in different regions?

• What kinds of differences in bird diversity are apparent in cities versus suburban, rural, and natural areas?

The Great Backyard Bird Count is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada and sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.

J&N Feed and Seed is now running a Christmas Sale on Federal Brass 5.56/.223 ammunition, $165 per 500 ct.

This sale will be available until January 1st or while supplies last.

For the hunters on your Christmas list, nothing says Merry Christmas like a gift box full of .223 rifle ammo!

J&N Feed and Seed is now offering Lindner Pig feeds and supplements.

Lindner Pig Feeds-

• Lindner 632 20% Grower/Finisher
• Lindner 685 16% Grower/Finisher
• Lindner 611 23% Specialty Feed

Lindner Pig Supplements-

• Lindner 698 Slop
• Lindner 1113 TNT
• Lindner 1111 System Mechanic
• Lindner 1108 Full Figure 

Stop by J&N Feed and Seed for all your show pig feed and supplement needs!

Tired of dusty shavings? Or does your horse have respiratory issues? Time to try pelleted bedding! J&N Feed and Seed now carries Green Tree Pelleted Bedding.

Green Tree Pelleted Bedding is long lasting. It is also absorbent and cuts down on airborne dust. Try pelleted bedding for your stalled animals and see the difference!

Like to take your favorite drink with you on the go? The Yeti Rambler Tumblers are sure to meet your expectations for keeping your beverage hot or cold. Now at J&N Feed and Seed we offer both the 20 oz and 30 oz Yeti Rambler Tumblers.

These would make a Christmas gift for that special someone on your list!

Make sure to stay warm this winter in your deer stand, workshop or around the house with Mr. Heater! J&N Feed and Seed carries a great selection of Mr. Heater heaters, including the new Mr. Heater portable “buddy” heater. The Mr Heater “buddy” heater is a light weight, easy to carry, propane heater that is great for on the go heating.

A good pocket knife always comes in handy! We now have a great assortment of Swiss Army Knives at J&N Feed and Seed. Swiss Army Knives are great compact knives with a variety of implements to help you with any task you might need it for.

Case Knives

Join us on Black Friday at J&N Feed and Seed and get 20% off Case Knives! We have a great selection to choose from and they would make a great gift for that special person on your list!

The offer expires on November 25, 2014.

With the recent enhancements to Purina Equine Senior and Senior Active, it is important to know that these feeds may also be a great option for horses with certain medical conditions. Here are 5 situations that a horse may benefit from being fed a senior feed:

Dental abnormalities

Poor digestion

Recovering from choke

Recovering from colic surgery

Chewing difficulties due to jaw issues, neurologic deficits, tongue injuries or swallowing issues.

Read more on Senior Horse Feed: Not Just for Seniors in this informative article at thehorse.com by Katherine K. Williamson, DVM