The Great Backyard Bird Count is set to take flight from February 14 to February 17, inviting bird enthusiasts and novices alike to contribute to a global citizen science project. Organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Audubon Society, and Birds Canada, this annual event encourages participants worldwide to dedicate a minimum of 15 minutes observing and identifying birds in outdoor spaces. Whether in a local park or one’s backyard, the count offers an opportunity to engage with nature while contributing valuable data on bird populations and distributions.
Since its inception in 1998, the Great Backyard Bird Count has grown into a significant event for bird watchers across the globe. Participants are encouraged to use tools like the Merlin ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which assists in identifying birds by sight or sound. This user-friendly app makes it easy for non-experts to participate, ensuring that anyone can contribute regardless of their bird identification skills.
For those with more experience in birding, the eBird app provides an alternative platform for submitting detailed observations. Also affiliated with the Cornell Lab, eBird has become a widely used tool in the birding community, allowing users to share their findings and compare them with data from previous years. This comparative analysis is crucial for scientists seeking to understand trends in bird populations and distributions over time.
Participants are required to submit their observations directly through these apps during the four-day event. By doing so, they aid in collecting data that is essential for conservation efforts and scientific research. The initiative not only fosters a sense of community among bird watchers but also highlights the importance of preserving avian biodiversity.
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