Join the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 17-20
The 26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place Friday, Feb. 17, through Monday, Feb. 20. Bird and nature lovers everywhere unite in the effort to tally as many of the world’s bird species as possible over these four days.
Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring-whether individual species are are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
Each participant or group counts birds for any length of time (but for at least 15 minutes) and enters the birds they could identify at each site they visited, whether that be from home, at a local park or in a wilderness area. Those new to the event should read the How to Participate instructions. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. And there’s another reason to count the birds: It’s good for you.
An estimated 385,000 people participated during the 2022 GBBC. They reported more than 7,000 species from 192 countries. Many GBBC participants discover a new fascination with birds and enjoy exploring (and comparing) results from around the world.
The GBBC website has tools and information to help birdwatching newbies and veterans participate in the count. You’re also invited to tune in to a special webinar about how to participate in the GBBC being held Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m Eastern Time. It’s free. Just register to attend this live-streamed event.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada and is made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
Step-by-step instructions for entering your bird lists for the GBBC:
• Merlin Bird ID app: https://www.birdcount.org/merlin-bird-id-app
• eBird Mobile app: https://www.birdcount.org/ebird-mobile-app
• eBird on a computer: https://www.birdcount.org/ebird-on-computer