This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is February 14-17. Each February, the world joins to report bird observations to help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. You can join the world in reporting what you see, and there is no need to sign up. If you already report birds using eBird or Merlin, just keep doing what you’re doing; any birds reported over these 4 days count toward GBBC.

The GBBC website has full details on the event and how to participate.

We are pleased to share that Jackson County Conservation is hosting a GBBC event on Saturday, February 15, from 10-12 at the Hurstville Interpretive Center. Registration is required (call 563-652-3783 up to 48 hours in advance). All ages and experience are welcome (kids must be accompanied by an adult). You’ll learn basic winter bird ID, practice using binoculars and identifying birds, and then go on a short hike to record data to be uploaded. You will take home all the knowledge to count, record, and report birds you see in your own neighborhood! They recommend that you dress for the weather and then add a layer. See Jackson County Conservation’s GBBC event page for their complete event description.

The GBBC was launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with Birds Canada joining in 2009.