A Carolina Wren. Photo by Gary Mueller/GBBC
The Great Backyard Bird Count starts Friday, Feb. 18.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a way to dip your toes into the world of birds, feel the warmth of the birding community, and discover wonders in your own neighborhood.
To participate in the 2022 count visit www.birdcount.org.
For tips on how to make the most of the Great Backyard Bird Count join bird experts on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 12 noon for a free webinar.
Brush up on bird ID, unlock the mystery of bird songs, and practice counting birds no matter how large the flock or how busy the feeder.
The Great Backyard Bird Count uses eBird, one of the world’s largest nature databases.
It stores more than 100-million bird sightings contributed each year and is used by professionals for science and conservation. Contribute to eBird and become a citizen scientist.
Participating is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.
Follow these steps:
- Step 1 — Decide where you will watch birds.
Step 2 — Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once from Feb. 18-21.
Step 3 — Count all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:
If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to the count, try using the Merlin Bird ID app.
If you have participated in the count before, try eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird Web site (desktop/laptop).
- In 2021 more than 300,000 participants in the Great Backyard Bird Count identified 6,436 species.
- In 2020 an estimated 268,674 participants identified 6,942 species.
- In 2019 an estimated 224,781 participants identified 6,699 species.
