Coming off a year of record participation in 2020, everything is pointing toward an even bigger year for the Great Backyard Bird Count this year.
The 24th annual GBBC is scheduled for Friday, February 12, through Monday, February 15.
All birding indices, from sales of bird feeders and seed to downloads of bird-identification apps, have trended significantly upward during the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year a record 268,674 participants (up from 224,781) submitted 249,444 checklists reporting the 6,942 bird species they spotted during the GBBC (up from 204,921 checklists and 6,699 species).
And, as in every GBBC since the very first, birders in Pennsylvania were among the top in 2020. They submitted 8,899 checklists, placing the state fifth behind California, with 13,331 checklists; New York, 10,535; Texas, 10,193; and Florida, 10,976. Rounding out the top 10 last year were Virginia, 7,088; Ohio, 7,063; North Carolina, 6,419; Washington, 6.255; and Michigan, 5,314.
For the GBBC, people around the world count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count and then enter their checklists online.
“The GBBC is a simple, welcoming project that both new and veteran birdwatchers enjoy,” said David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
“Birds are everywhere and can be counted in backyards, neighborhoods, suburban parks, wild areas and cities. Scientists need the eyes of the world to collect information about where the birds are.”
Data gathered by the GBBC and other survey projects highlight changes in the numbers and distribution of wild birds over time.
“By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, community scientists contribute data that we use to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow,” said Chad Wilsey, chief scientist at National Audubon Society.
“In return, studies tell us that pausing to observe birds, their sounds and movements, improve human health. Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is a win-win for birds and people.”
This year there is a new way to send in an observation—through the Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app. If you use the app during the GBBC and save a bird you’ve identified, it is also counted for the GBBC.
As in the past, using the eBird platform on a mobile app or computer also will enter the data.
All participants are urged to watch birds safely in light of the ongoing pandemic. That means following the health and safety protocols for your area, not gathering in large groups, and wearing masks if you’re unable to remain at least 6 feet apart from others.
To learn more about how to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit birdcount.org.
GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Birds Canada and is made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.
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February 10, 2021 at 10:00PM
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Great Backyard Bird Count 2021 could be biggest ever - pennlive.com
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