The Howard County Bird Club announces its annual Youth Birding Essay Contest. Applicants must be Howard County residents between the ages of 9 and 13. Topic of the essay is "My Favorite Bird Watching Experience." Length should be no longer than 250 words.

Prize for the best essay is a backpack containing a pair of Eagle Optics Triumph 8x42 binoculars, a field guide and a one-year membership in the Howard County Bird Club.

Essays should be sent to Tom Miller, 6404 Glasgow Circle, Sykesville 21784 or e-mail to birderTWM@verizon.net. Include name, age and contact information. Deadline is Jan. 31.