There are 365 days in the year, however during four special days in February you and your family can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. During these four days you will be able to join literally hundreds of thousands of bird enthusiasts living in more than 200 countries scattered across the globe in a survey designed to assist ornithologists better understand the world’s bird populations.
The 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count will take place February 13-16.
The survey is sponsored by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada.
This has got to be the simplest bird survey you have ever seen. All you have to do is select an area (e.g. backyard, park, you name it) and count all of the birds you can identify in just 15 minutes. You can survey as many areas are you like during the four-day count period. In fact, you can survey the same areas each day.
Then after you complete a survey count you submit the data online. The survey form is very simple and takes only a few moments to complete. One of the neatest things about the count once you submit a survey you can visit a map of the world displaying where the counts are being held.
You do not have to be an expert birder to take part in the survey. This is because you count only those birds you can identity. Consequently, this is a survey practically everyone can enjoy.
For more information regarding this super event, simply go to your computer’s search engine and type in Great Backyard Bird Count. The website will provide you with all of the information you need to enjoy some tine birding knowing that the bird list(s) you submit will help bird conservation.