If you recall, we encouraged our members to participate in a citizen science initiate using eBird – a bird tracking app developed by Cornell University. This week is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Why not take 15 minutes, unplug and focus on nature?
Ready, Set, Bird! The Great Backyard Bird Count is here again! Last year, you and more than 50,000 other birders found nearly 70% of the planet’s bird species, all in just 4 days. How many birds will you see this time around?
Participating in the count is easy:
- Watch birds anywhere, anytime from Feb 12–15. Watch for at least 15 minutes and keep track of how many individuals of each species you saw. (If you want ID help, use Merlin Bird ID.)
- Tell us what you saw with eBird Mobile or eBird.org. You’ll need your Cornell Lab user account to log in (it’s the same account you used last year, and it also works with Merlin, eBird, Bird Academy, and other Lab projects.)
- Curious about something you saw? Look it up at Birds of the World—you have free access through Monday!
- Repeat! Count as many times as you like across the 4 days of the event—every sighting helps our total grow! By entering your sightings, you’re automatically entered to win ZEISS binoculars.
Have other questions? Our website is here to help with info on How to Participate, plus a whole set of pro tips to help you get the most out of eBird Mobile and Merlin apps.
Birds have an incredible ability to bring us together and spark joy. Share what you see on social media with #GBBC and help spark that joy in others.