The 2017 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) starts TODAY and runs through February 20, 2017.
To participate, simply count the birds you see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count noting certain information. Then enter the data at GBBC. The scientists at GBBC will gather all the data and develop a synopsis of the health of bird populations throughout the world and then compare that to the past 20 years of data.
STEPS TO PARTICIPATE
First, register. Registration is free and there is a huge amount of information about birds and the upcoming bird count on the GBBC website.
Second, plan to spend at least 15 minutes counting birds from February 17-20, 2017. You can count as long as you wish, for as many days as you wish. There are checklists available for you to download from the GBBC website to use to record your information. (Look for GBBC Toolkit at right of screen.) You can count birds from your backyard or front yard, a nearby park, public garden or nature center. Or, you can count from the local schools, hiking trails, beaches and your cabin—anywhere birds are found.
Third, submit your information to GBBC. If you’re not sure you can identify all the birds you might see, plan to take good notes — size, shape, color, unusual markings. Or you can try to snap a picture for later i.d. Note: Photos can be uploaded to the GBBC website along with your checklists to create an illustrated list.
There are bird guides available to help you identify the birds you see. Here are a few:
Participating is free and easy, so why not give it a try.
To register, go to The 2017 Great Backyard Bird Count
For more details go to The Great Backyard Bird Count
To participate in the GBBC Photo Contest
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