Great Backyard Bird Count • February 16 — 19, 2024

Join people from around the world count wild birds on the February 16 to 19 weekend and then submit your data online for scientists to use in their research. The kid-friendly event is run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, plus other sponsors and international partners.

Whether you’re a sage expert or a first-time birder, you can help create a snapshot of avian populations and provide critical information for future conservation efforts just by reporting what you see and hear. Every observation you submit gives scientists more insight into research areas such as how birds are adapting to suburban sprawl, West Nile Virus, and climate change. It’s free, it’s fun, and it makes a difference.

So how do you take part? Read on at https://www.birdcount.org/participate/ to learn how to participate and then share your photos: https://www.birdcount.org/photos/ of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2024.

To get ready for the bird count, first consider which tool you want to use to enter your sightings. GBBC uses
two tools for bird sightings – Merlin Bird ID or eBird (mobile app or desktop).

Merlin Bird ID https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ is a great way to identify birds, especially if you are new to birding. You cannot tell us the number of birds for each species with it, but telling us you “saw X bird at X location” is still important data.

If you would rather report the number of birds you see, eBird is the better tool. If you used the Merlin Bird ID app last year and want to up your birding game, try eBird (mobile app or desktop) https://ebird.org/.

But, we suggest you take the FREE online eBird Essentials course first! https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ebird-essentials/

Join our webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 at 1 p.m. EST to learn how to participate in this exciting global event and how participation could extend past birding around your home. https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Se0OBBCpRsOIE-1387F-ng

Discover how to join a group taking part in the GBBC and explore fun ways to involve kids and community. From bird ID tips to counting birds with ease, this webinar is your ticket to an engaging and confident GBBC experience.