Great Backyard Bird Count underway
The worldwide Great Backyard Bird Count event has returned for the 24th year this month, with hopes that with more people spending time outdoors because of the pandemic, more will participate for a better count.
The annual bird count is an opportunity for all budding birdwatchers and bird-count experts to use their skills. For at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, people are encouraged to collect their findings and enter them into the online checklists.
“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a simple, welcoming project that both new veteran birdwatchers enjoy,” says David Bonter, with the Centre for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab or Ornithology. “Birds are everywhere and can be counted in backyards, neighborhoods, suburban parks, wild areas and cities. Scientists need the eyes of the world to collect information about where the birds are.”
During the 2020 Great Backyard Bird Count, birdwatchers set new records for the event, turning in nearly 250,000 lists of birds seen, from more than 100 countries, and identifying nearly 7,000 of the world’s estimated 10,000 bird species. Data gathered through the event and other survey projects highlight the change in numbers and distribution of wild birds over time.
“By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, community scientists contribute data that we use to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow,” says Chad Wilsey, chief scientist at National Audubon Society. “In return, studies tell us that pausing to observe birds, their sounds and movements, improve human health. Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is a win-win for birds and people.” This year, participants have a new way to send in their observations with the Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app. If the app is used during the Great Backyard Bird Count and save a bird you’ve identified, it is also counted for the event. Using the eBird platform on mobile or computer are still used to enter the data.
“Why not try something new,” says Steven Price, President of
Birds Canada.
“If you’re an experienced birder, set yourself a challenge to see how many new birders you can get interested in counting on their own patch.”
All participants are urged to watch birds safely in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with following social distancing guidelines, wearing masks, and not gathering in large groups.
To learn more about how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit birdcount.org.