Bird watchers around the world needed to gather crucial data for backyard bird count

New York, N.Y. and Ithaca, N.Y. (Jan. 16, 2014)—From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Bird watchers from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). It’s from February 14–17, 2014. Anyone anywhere in the world can count birds. All for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count. In addition, they enter their sightings at www.BirdCount.org. The information gathered by tens of thousands of volunteers. For it helps track the health of bird populations at a scale that would not otherwise be possible. The GBBC is also a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. All with the partner Bird Studies Canada.

In North America, GBBC participants will add their facts to help define the size of a dramatic irruption of magnificent Snowy Owls. Bird watchers will also be on the lookout for the invasive Eurasian Collared-Dove. All to see if it has expanded its range again. GBBC observations may help show whether numbers of American Crows will continue to rebound. Especially after being hit hard by the West Nile virus. Also and whether more insect-eating species are showing up in new areas. I mean possibly because of changing climate.

Last year’s Great Backyard Bird Count shattered records after going global for the first time, thanks to integration with the eBird online checklist program launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab and Audubon. Participants reported their bird sightings from all 7 continents, including 111 countries and independent territories. More than 34.5 million birds and 3,610 species were recorded—nearly one-third of the world’s total bird species documented in just four days.

“Canadian participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count has increased tremendously in recent years, and it’s wonderful to see this program growing globally,” said Bird Studies Canada President Dr. George Finney. “The count is introducing unprecedented numbers of people to the exciting field of bird watching.”

In conclusion, the Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature. Moreover and make a difference for birds. It’s free and easy. To learn more about how to join the count visit www.birdcount.org and view the winning photos. All from the 2013 GBBC photo contest.