The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual event (now in it's 15th year!) that gives the public an opportunity to help scientists track the whereabouts of bird species across the continent. All it requires is at least 15 minutes a day (you can put in more time) for 4 days. This year it's from February 17-20.
How does it work?
Participants count birds for at least 15 minutes per day during the designated four-day period from anywhere they choose. Despite the name, it doesn't have to be from your backyard - it can be done at a park or during a nature walk. The highest number of birds from a single species that is seen together at a time is tallied, and then recorded on an online checklist at the GBBC website.
You also follow other bird reports in your area, or anywhere in the United States and Canada, and see how the bird counts in various areas have changed from year to year.
Who can participate?
Anyone. You can don't have to be a scientist, or even an avid bird watcher to take part in this event. And kids can do it too. There's even a special kids' page on the GBBC website with step-by-step instructions, an online bird guide, bird identification activities, and some bird-related activity print-outs.
What's the purpose?
The information that is collected and submitted for the GBBC helps scientists identify migratory patterns, the spread of bird-related diseases, how birds differ in various environments (city, rural, suburban, etc.), and where bird conservation efforts might need to be focused on. In addition, this is a great way to spend some quality family time, and you don't even have to leave your yard.
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.
