Great Backyard Bird Count
February 14-17, 2014
Since 1998, birders of all kinds have come together for a four day bird count in February. Counting birds at the same time every year provides a snapshot into the overall health of bird populations around the world.
Years ago as a service project, my Girl Scout Troop participated in this event. It was really fun teaching the girls about what they were possibly going to see in their backyards, and introducing them to thinking a little more about their natural surroundings. The girls loved it!
It’s super easy to participate. Simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, You can count from any location, any time of day, anywhere in the world.
To get more information and register your observations, go to the GBBC site.
This project is a joint venture between the Audubon Society, The Cornell Lab, and Bird Studies Canada. It is also made possible by support by Wild Birds Unlimited and the National Science Foundation.
Are you participating? Did you see anything unusual?
This Painted Bunting would be highly unusual to see in my backyard, but it was one of my most exciting sightings!
Photos by Peggy and Stephi
I just registered today and I’m going to do it for the first time this weekend! I’m really looking forward to it.
That’s great. It’s fun to participate and so much information is gathered. I really like the GBBC website this year-very informative and interesting.
I never saw a painted bunting. That truly is one beautiful bird. I participated the first day and had all the same actors as usual. At least it was a good showing. It would be fun teaching the Girl Scouts. I did not know Girl Scouts still existed.
I had all the regulars visit during my count too. Of course Tuesday, some of the more interesting visitors showed up.
The Painted Bunting was really beautiful. Saw him a few times one year on Kiawah island. He just sat there waiting patiently for me to take some pictures. The Girl Scouts are still going strong. I have a cupboard full of newly arrived cookies. It was a fun event to do with them. Something different from the usual service projects.