The Great Backyard Bird Count

Weekly Tip #8

Every February, birders around the world take part in something extraordinary—the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). For just four days, anyone can help scientists understand how birds are doing simply by counting what they see.

And yes—anyone can participate.

You don’t need experience, fancy equipment, or even a backyard. You can count birds from:

• Your backyard or balcony

• A local park or trail

• A window at home or work

All it takes is 15 minutes.

How It Works

During the GBBC, you spend at least 15 minutes watching birds. Count the highest number of each species you see at one time, then submit your observations using eBird, Merlin Bird ID, or the Great Backyard Bird Count website.

Not sure what a bird is? That’s okay. Best guesses and even “unknown birds” still provide valuable data.

Why It Matters

The information collected during the Great Backyard Bird Count helps scientists:

• Track bird population changes

• Monitor migration and winter distribution

• Identify species in decline

• Understand how birds respond to climate and habitat changes

Backyard birds are especially important—they show how birds are adapting (or struggling) in human-dominated landscapes.

Why February?

February sits at a critical point between winter and spring migration. The snapshot created during these four days helps fill in important gaps in what we know about birds at this time of year.

A Small Act With Big Impact

The Great Backyard Bird Count turns ordinary moments into meaningful conservation. Your 15 minutes of attention becomes part of a global effort to give birds a voice.

So this February, pause for a moment. Watch the birds around you.

And count—because what you see truly matters.