The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual 4-day event where bird watchers across North America count and record the birds they see in their backyards, local parks, nature centers, or really anywhere. The data collected provides a snapshot of bird distribution and helps scientists track changes over time. Here are some tips on how to participate and record birds for the GBBC:
What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. It takes place for 4 days every February (usually the second weekend). During those 4 days, participants record all the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on 1 or more days. You then report your sightings online at the GBBC website or through the eBird mobile app.
This citizen science project has been running since 1998. Each year tens of thousands of checklists are submitted, providing researchers with a massive amount of data on bird populations and distribution. The data can help identify trends, such as how bird ranges may be shifting with climate change or how disease is impacting certain species.
When and Where to Count Birds
The GBBC takes place for 4 days every February, usually the second weekend (Friday through Monday). You can participate from anywhere in North America – your backyard, local park, nature preserve, etc. You can participate for 15 minutes or longer on one or multiple days.
Try to count birds at the same location to help scientists analyze the year-to-year trends. Backyards are great since you likely observe them regularly. You want to provide data that’s as consistent as possible across the 4 days.
Best Times to Count
The GBBC takes place for 4 days to capture a variety of data across a range of times and weather conditions. Here are some tips on when are good times to record birds:
- Early morning – Many birds are most active at dawn as they search for food after nighttime fasting.
- Evening before dusk – Birds may gather at feeders before nightfall.
- During mealtimes – Birds often flock to feeders at regular mealtimes.
- All day – On colder days birds may be active at feeders all day.
- After a fresh snowfall – Birds can be easier to spot against the white backdrop.
Aim for consistent timing each day, like early morning, to better analyze the data over time. Avoid periods of heavy rain or high winds when birds tend to be less active.
How to Record and Identify Birds
When you are ready to count, simply record all the birds you see or hear from your observation spot during the time period. Here are some tips for identifying and recording them accurately:
Methods to Identify Birds
- Visual observation – Scan trees, feeders, ground for movement and look for key field marks.
- Listen for songs and calls – Many birds can be IDed by sound.
- Use binoculars – Binoculars provide a close up view of key field marks.
- Photograph birds – Take photos to zoom in on details and help confirm ID.
- Use a field guide – Cross reference a visual field guide to confirm identifications.
Recording the Data
As you identify each bird species, make sure to carefully log each individual you detect. Here are some tips:
- Mark down each individual – Don’t just tick off a species. Record each individual you detect.
- Note method of detection – Did you see the bird or just hear it? This helps analyze data.
- Record time and location – Note exact spot and time you saw each bird.
- Only record what you can confirm – Avoid guessing. Only ID what you can conclusively determine.
- Watch for double counting – Be careful not to count the same individual twice.
Some find it helpful to draw a basic map of the area to mark sightings. You can also use tally marks to count individuals or make a simple table.
Example Bird Count Data
Here is an example of data collected during a 15 minute observation:
| Species | Number | Detection Method | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | 2 | Seen | 8:05 am | Backyard maple tree |
| Downy Woodpecker | 1 | Heard | 8:07 am | Backyard feeder |
| Blue Jay | 3 | Seen | 8:08 am | Backyard feeders |
| Northern Cardinal | 2 (male and female) | Seen | 8:12 am | Backyard bush |
Submitting Your Bird Count Data
Once you’ve completed your bird count, you’ll need to enter and submit your data. There are two easy options for this:
eBird Mobile App
The eBird mobile app allows you to enter bird sightings from the field. You can record all the data like number of individuals, time, location, etc. for each species. You can even record photos and audio! The app makes it easy to submit complete checklists to the GBBC.
GBBC Website
You can also enter your data directly on the Great Backyard Bird Count website. Just go to birdcount.org during the 4 day period and click “Submit Observations.” Fill in the online form with your bird data, including species, numbers, location, etc. It’s very user friendly.
The website also lets you explore real-time maps and graphs that visualize all the count data being submitted across the continent. It’s fascinating to see the distributions and compare data year after year.
Tips for the Great Backyard Bird Count
Here are some additional tips to help you have a great experience with the Great Backyard Bird Count:
Use Bird Feeders
Setting up bird feeders and keeping them stocked during the count days will help attract birds and make them easier to observe. Offer a variety of foods like seeds, suet and nectar.
Create Habitat
Providing good bird habitat will encourage more birds to visit your area. Offer elements like bushes, nesting spots, birdbaths, native plants.
Avoid Disturbing Birds
Try not to scare birds away or alter their behavior. Move slowly, watch from indoor windows, stay quiet.
Invite Others
Get family, friends and neighbors involved. More eyes and ears can detect more birds and cover more ground!
Have Fun!
The GBBC is meant to be fun and engaging. Don’t worry about expert ID skills. Just enjoy watching and learning about your local birds!
Conclusion
Contributing to the Great Backyard Bird Count is an easy, fun way to help scientists collect significant data on bird populations while learning more about your local species. Just spend time over those 4 days in February observing and recording all the birds you see or hear from your backyard, park or other favorite spot. Then be sure to submit your checklist data via the website or eBird app.
Following the tips above will help you properly identify and log birds, and submit useful data to the project. Who knows, you might help document important trends like range shifts or the impacts of disease or climate change on birds. And you’re sure to gain new skill and appreciation for the fascinating birds around us!
