How to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count 2023

The 26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place Friday, From February 17 to Monday February 20. Bird and nature lovers from all over the world come together to survey as many of the world’s bird species as possible during these four days. Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a clearer picture of how birds are doing. — whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding up in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.

“Based on the recently released State of the Birds report, we know that half of bird species in the United States and Canada are in decline,” said David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “We absolutely need the eyes and ears of birdwatchers to get a comprehensive view of how bird populations are changing. »

Each participant or group counts the birds for any length of time (but for has less 15 minutes) and captures the birds they were able to identify at each site visited, whether from home, in a local park or in a wilderness area. Newcomers to the event should read the How to Enter instructions. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. And there’s another reason to count birds: It’s good for you.

“Take a moment during this long weekend to observe, listen and count the birds and improve your health too. Birdwatching and being in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood,” said Chad Wilsey, chief scientist and vice president of the National Audubon Society.

Winter wren. Photo by James Davis/Macaulay Library

An estimated 385,000 people participated in GBBC 2022. They reported over 7,000 species from 192 countries. Many GBBC participants discover a new fascination with birds and enjoy exploring (and comparing) results from around the world.

“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a stepping stone to bird conservation,” said Patrick Nadeau, President of Birds Canada. “Taking this milestone in February kicks off a journey of discovery, whether you’re just beginning to learn more about the birds around you or you’re an experienced birder looking for new feathered friends.

The GBBC website has tools and information to help newbies and veteran birdwatchers get on the count. You are also invited to follow a special webinar on how to participate in the GBBC which will be held on Wednesday, February 15 at 1 p.m. EST. It’s free. Simply register to attend this live-streamed event.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and Birds Canada and is made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.

Step-by-step instructions for entering your GBBC bird lists:
* Merlin Bird ID App: https://www.birdcount.org/merlin-bird-id-app
*eBird Mobile App: https://www.birdcount.org/ebird-mobile-app
* eBird on a computer: https://www.birdcount.org/ebird-on-computer

Thanks to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds Canada and Audubon for providing us with this news.

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