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By BOB COUPLAND
Tribune Chronicle
BAZETTA --Braden, 10, and Connor Geiszler, 8, of Leavittsburg spent time measuring the length of their arms to see which local bird's wingspan matches up to theirs.
When they were done, they learned the red-tailed hawk and osprey have wingspans of 5 feet.
Measuring wingspans of birds was one of the variety of activities people could take part in at the "Get Your Bird On" this weekend at Mosquito Lake State Park.
The event also included birdhouse painting, walking and kayaking, bird watching tours, plus purple martin bird watching.
Amy Reeher of the Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District explained the nesting habits of local birds such as the purple martin.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Birds in Flight Sanctuary also held a program about the different birds found near the lake.
Cyndi Hammers, who along with others take care of the purple martin homes near Mosquito Lake, said the species depends on manmade homes to live in.
"They depend on humans for their care," Hammers said, showing photos of inside one of the nests.
She said more than 225 birds live in the nests.
Larry Richardson of West Farmington led people on the walking tour along the park trails to see different bird species.
"We were able to see the osprey stands and walk through wooded areas. I explained why different species of birds live here and how this habitat supports them. This is a great way to get people out to see nature," Richardson said.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com