Get Counting! Join the Great Backyard Bird Count for Easy Outdoor Fun!

Hello fellow birders!

You know how much we love finding fun things to do outside and connecting with nature, right? Well, I’ve got another awesome outdoor activity that’s super easy, incredibly rewarding, and helps out science at the same time: participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Imagine this: you’re just chilling in your backyard, at a local park, or even looking out your window, sipping your coffee, and counting birds. Yep, it’s that simple, and it makes a real difference!

My friend actually got me involved with the Great Backyard Bird Count a few years ago and I’m glad she did. I’ve always loved seeing birds flitting around, but I never really focused on them. One February, I decided to give it a shot. I remember sitting on my back porch, phone in hand with the Merlin app ready, and just watching my feeder. Within 15 minutes, I’d seen cardinals, a noisy blue jay, a few busy sparrows, and even a tiny, quick little chickadee. It was so much more engaging than I expected! It transformed my casual bird-watching into a little mini-adventure, and knowing my observations were going to help scientists was a really cool bonus. That’s the magic of this event. It’s fun and rewarding!

What Exactly is the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)?

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a free, annual, global event that invites people of all ages and skill levels to become “citizen scientists” (or as they now call it, “community scientists”) for a few days. It’s a collaboration between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada.

Here’s the gist: for four days in mid-February each year, participants spend at least 15 minutes counting birds in any location they choose – your backyard, a local park, a nature trail, or even from your balcony! You just record what bird species you see and how many of each, then submit your observations online. This creates a real-time snapshot of bird populations around the world, helping researchers understand bird movements, numbers, and how they’re affected by things like habitat changes and climate.

When Can You Join the Fun?

The Great Backyard Bird Count happens annually in mid-February every year so mark your calendars!

You can check the dates for the next Great Backyard Bird Count at bird count.org.

That means you have four whole days to jump in and contribute! You can count once for 15 minutes, or you can go out multiple times, at different locations, for longer periods – it’s totally up to you and your schedule. Every little bit helps.

How to Participate in This Easy Outdoor Activity

Joining the Great Backyard Bird Count is super straightforward. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Decide Where You’ll Count: Your backyard is perfect, especially if you have feeders! But you can also visit a local park, a nature preserve, or any spot where you usually see birds. The key is to pick a single location for each counting session.
2. Watch & Count for at Least 15 Minutes: Pick a day (or several days!) for the next count. Set a timer for at least 15 minutes. During that time, identify every bird species you see or hear, and count how many individuals of each species you observe. Don’t worry if you can’t identify every single bird – just count the ones you know. Your best estimate for flocks is great too!
3. Submit Your Data Online: This is the most important part! You have a few easy options for reporting your sightings:
   • Merlin Bird ID App: This is fantastic for beginners! The totally cool and free Merlin app helps you identify birds by asking a few questions or even by analyzing a photo or sound. When you identify a bird and save it, it automatically adds it to your list. It’s incredibly user-friendly and connects directly to the GBBC.
   • eBird Mobile App: If you’re already familiar with birding or want to track more detailed lists, the free eBird app is a powerful tool.
   • eBird Website: You can also enter your observations directly on the eBird website (which powers the GBBC data collection) from your computer.
     
     

You’ll need a free Cornell Lab account (which you can set up easily through any of the above links) to submit your data. If you already use Merlin or eBird, your observations during the count period will automatically contribute to the GBBC – no extra sign-up needed!

Tips for Beginners to Make Your Bird Count Even More Fun!

• Prep Your Spot: If you’re counting from your yard, make sure your bird feeders are full and your bird bath is clean. This will attract more feathered friends!
• Grab a Field Guide or Use an App: Having a local bird guide or a fantastic app like Merlin makes identification so much easier and more fun.
• Dress for the Weather: Even if you’re just watching from a window, if you’re stepping outside, make sure you’re warm and comfortable.
• Invite a Friend or Family: This outdoor activity is even more fun with company! An extra set of eyes and ears can help you spot and identify more birds. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce others to the joy of birding.
• Don’t Stress About Perfection: The goal is participation! Even a partial list is valuable data. Don’t worry if you miss a bird or can’t identify everything. Just do your best and enjoy the process.
• Pair it with a Picnic! This activity is so wonderfully relaxing, it’s the perfect complement to another one of our favorite fun things to do outside: having a picnic! Pack a simple lunch, find a comfy spot in your backyard or a local park, and enjoy your meal while you wait for your feathered friends to appear. It truly turns a simple count into a delightful outdoor fun outing.
  
  

So, are you ready to embrace this awesome outdoor activity and become a part of something big? Joining the Great Backyard Bird Count is a fantastic way to connect with nature, learn about the birds around you, and contribute to important scientific research. Plus, it’s just genuinely fun things to do outside!

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