How to Help with the Backyard Bird Count

Every year there's a nationwide bird count in February. Volunteers count the birds they see in their backyard or other spots. The more who participate, the more accurate the count becomes. In 2007, 11 million birds were counted.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a backyard, a park, a garden, or even a city street
• 15 minutes of time (or more if you want)
• access to the internet to report your results
• bird identification guide (optional)
• binoculars (optional)

1. Go to this site (http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/checklist)to print out a regional bird checklist for your area. Put in your zip code or town name. Alternately, you can just write on a paper the names and numbers of birds seen.
2. Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time, and write it down or mark it on your checklist. Use a bird identification guide or look on the internet to find the correct name for any bird that you are unfamiliar with.
3. Go to the website at http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/input to enter your results. Put in your zip code and click "GO". Answer the questions about the time and conditions and location.
4. Enter the number of birds seen onto the list provided. It is divided by types of birds. If you aren't sure of a bird's name, click on each name to see photos of the birds that sound most likely to match.
   Remember that if you saw 2 cardinals, but not at the same time, then it counts as 1 cardinal. If you saw 2 cardinals at the same time, then it counts as 2.
5. There's a photo contest linked with the bird count. To enter it, go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/gallery
6. This is a great activity to get young people interested in bird watching. The site has instructions for using the bird count with students, scout troops and other groups.
7. If you enjoy helping with the Great Backyard Bird Count, check out eBird at http://www.ebird.org, where you can report the birds you see every day of the year. eBird helps you keep track of your lists--and archives your sightings so they're accessible to everyone, including other bird watchers and scientists. What a great way to keep track of your bird watching and benefit others at the same time. It's free.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't submit a bird that you aren't sure of. The count has a place to mark if you are omitting some birds you saw.