The Great Backyard Bird Count—Let’s Get Out There and Count Some Birds!!!

Our birds need your help…and all you have to do is watch ‘em! This coming February 12-15, bird enthusiasts of all kinds—from the most devoted ornithologist to the most casual feeder watcher—will take part in the 13th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Thousands of “citizen scientists” across the nation will aid the National Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology in monitoring shifting winter bird populations, providing a clear “snapshot” of birds across the continent. It’s easy to do and need not take more than 15 minutes of your time.

Whether you choose to watch from your living room couch, stroll in your own yard, or explore a local park, your observations are valuable to the GBBC. (Despite the count’s name, it is OK to stray outside your own backyard—welcome news to apartment dwellers like myself!) As explained clearly on the GBBC website (see below), observers can participate for as little as 15 minutes at any time over the count’s four days, and then fill out a checklist online. If you like, print out a data form on the convenient website beforehand to give you an idea of what information will be required (habitat, weather conditions, etc.); the form also provides space to jot down your sightings.

The GBBC allows scientists to keep track of species numbers, pinpoint species that may be in peril, and study changes in birds’ wintering habits due to climate change or other causes. Last year’s count totaled a record-breaking 11.5 million birds nationally, representing 619 species. The snow goose beat out contenders for most numerous bird for the second year in a row, while the northern cardinal continued a five- year winning streak as the bird counted on the most checklists (for the past 10 years, the cardinal and mourning dove have been in hot competition for the top spot). The 2009 count documented a massive invasion of pine siskins from the north, accompanied by smaller but still significant numbers of white-winged crossbills—and ranges of birds such as the fox sparrow are shifting northwards due to warming temperatures. Who knows what will show up this year?

Find out how you can participate at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/.