During the weekend of Feb. 15-18, people across North America are encouraged to count the birds in their backyard and report them online as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count.
In addition to its value as a research study, the count allows people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate birds and provide vital information about North America’s bird populations, according to a press release.
Anyone can participate in this free event and no registration is needed. Watch and count birds for at least 15 minutes on any day of the count, Feb. 15-18. Enter the results at www.birdcount.org. The four-day count typically records more than 20 million observations, according to the press release.
The event is hosted by the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.
“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a perfect example of citizen science,” said Audubon Chief Scientist Gary Langham. “Like Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, volunteers help us with data year after year, providing scientific support that is the envy of many institutions. It’s also a lot of fun.”
The website provides helpful hints for identifying birds. Participants can compare results from their town or region with others, as checklists pour in from around the world. They can also view bird photos taken by participants during the count and send in their own digital images for the online photo gallery and contest, according to the press release.
Although the event is called the Great “Backyard” Bird Count, the count extends well beyond backyards. Many participants choose to head for national parks, nature centers, urban parks, nature trails or nearby sanctuaries to count birds, according to the press release.
The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and education. For additional information, visit http://www.monmouthaudubon.org