Getting Hooked on Community Science with the Great Backyard Bird Count
Fellow members of Rachel Carson EcoVillage know how often during Zoom meetings I grab my binoculars, distracted by the birds I see outside my windows. Fascinated by the behaviors of my feathered neighbors, I also participate in bird-related community science projects, through which my own observations help avian researchers learn about population trends and the potential impacts of habitat loss, pollution, disease, and climate change. Their research can ultimately lead to the creation of strategies for protection and conservation.
One such project, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), takes place in February of each year during President’s Day weekend—this year February 14th through 17th. Anyone can participate, regardless of their birding knowledge and experience!
Sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada, the GBBC results in a global snapshot of which birds are located where, during the four-day time period. Participants observe and count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days, then submit their observations. It’s easy to do by yourself, with friends or your whole family, whether watching your bird feeders or backyard from indoors, walking around your neighborhood, or hiking more extensive areas. After submitting your own data, you can explore submissions from around the world appearing in real time, as well as from past years, for individual species, total birds seen, migration movements, and more.
The GBBC website https://www.birdcount.org/ offers complete instructions, and links to sources of additional information and resources. Help with identification can be found via Cornell Lab’s All About Birds site: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ . If you’re still not quite sure whether it’s for you, you can attend a free, live-streamed event, being offered February 6th and 12th. Register for the session of your choice here: https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Participate-2025-GBBC
I’ve been known to call the GBBC a “gateway to birding,” because it has been a wonderful way to spark interest in learning, exploring, and participating in future nature-related activities and community science projects. It might even result in a lifelong habit! Do check it out this year.
-Becky Lubold, Founding member & future resident of RCE, February 6, 2025