What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
Every February, birders around the world spend four specific days intentionally participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Participants of all skill levels spend time in their favorite places observing and counting as many birds as they can find and then reporting their findings to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology through eBird.
This snapshot of data helps scientists better understand global bird populations. We would love to have you join this year! Just before the count started for 2026, our COA President had a Dickcissel appear at her feeder and one of our Affiliates had an Indigo Bunting! So not only will you be helping scientists understand the abundance of our “usual” bird species, but also those uncommon and rare ones that pop up!
Despite the name, you don’t have to count birds in your backyard, but we’d encourage you to spend some time observing your avian neighbors if you have feeders or bird habitat at home! With as little as fifteen minutes, you, your friends, and your family can help make a difference for birds and bird conservation efforts.
Want to participate in the GBBC this year, but not sure how to get started? Check out the helpful guide Audubon has put together with tips and ideas.
When is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
This year, the GBBC will be held February 13-16.
Which birds count towards the data?
Any wild bird you identify, whether you see the bird or only hear it. Step outside in the early morning or evening…maybe you’ll hear an owl!
For more information about the GBBC, visit birdcount.org
Fun Facts About the Great Backyard Bird Count
- The event began in 1998 as an annual bird count in North America and runs each February.
- A February count allows for a snapshot of birds right before one of their annual migrations.
- In 2013, GBBC became an international event and data was collected using eBird.
- Data from GBBC accumulates in the eBird database. Each year more than 100 scientific publications use eBird data for conservation.