A redheaded woodpecker. Photo by Manny Salas.
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, the Great Backyard Bird Count results help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring — whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
“Based on the recently released State of the Birds report, we know that half the bird species in the United States and Canada are decreasing,” said David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab. “We absolutely need the eyes and ears of birdwatchers to give us the big picture when it comes to shifting bird populations.”
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.
People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. And there’s another reason to count the birds: It’s good for you.
“Birdwatching and being in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood,” said Chad Wilsey, chief scientist and vice president at National Audubon Society.
An estimated 385,000 people participated during the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count. They reported more than 7,000 species from 192 countries.
The Great Backyard Bird Count Web site allaboutbirds.org 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 Great Backyard Bird Count being held Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. 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.
