Audubon, Library to provide 'birding' bags

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and Roseburg Public Library have teamed up to make bird watching an easy and enjoyable activity for all ages.

Roseburg Public Library cardholders now may check out a “birding bag” complete with tools to make their outdoor bird-watching experiences fun and informative.

The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society (UVAS) created the bags, which include one pair of binoculars suitable for children and adults; a guide to adjusting the binoculars, available in English and Spanish; a copy of “Sibley Birds West” written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley; and copies of “Birds of the Umpqua River Basin: A Pocket Naturalist® Guide” and “Birding the Umpqua River Basin,” both produced by the local Audubon Society chapter.

UVAS President Diana Wales said the chapter appreciates Roseburg Public Library’s willingness to partner on the project.

“Umpqua Valley Audubon Society is following the lead of more than 100 other Audubon chapters in partnering with libraries to offer the opportunity to explore birding without the expense of buying binoculars and birding guides,” Wales said.

“Numerous studies have confirmed that spending time outdoors with a pair of binoculars is good for your body and soul,” she added. “Compared to a lot of activities, birding is relatively inexpensive, but we want to give people a chance to try birding at no cost.”

Each bag checks out for three weeks with no automatic renewals allowed. There currently are three bags available for checkout with two more planned.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to learn more about our local wildlife,” Library Director Kris Wiley said. “I also hope the birding bags pique patrons’ interest in the library’s extensive collection of materials about birds and other animals.”

For more information about the birding bags, contact Roseburg Public Library at library@cityofroseburg.org or 541-492-7050. For more information about UVAS, visit their website at umpquaaudubon.org.

                                                                       From left, Umpqua Valley Audubon Society President Diana Wales and Library Director Kris Wiley.