Wednesday Explorers ~ Great Backyard Bird Count

Common Redpoll, photo by Missy Mandel (used with permission)

Time to get up, shake the dust off, and head outside (or to the big picture window) for a bird count.

Next week is Great Backyard Bird Count!  From February 16th to the 19th, people all over the world will be heading out to check what birds are hanging out in their backyard or neighborhood park.

All you have to do is tally up the numbers and kinds of birds you see. For 15 minutes. On one day or all three.

Can you count birds longer? Sure!
Can you tally birds you see while hiking? Absolutely!

Why do this? Because the data you collect helps scientists learn more about how changing weather and climate change affects bird populations. The data helps scientists compare timing of migration from one year to the next. It helps us understand how diverse the bird community is in urban, rural, and forested locations. Also it's great fun and you are contributing to science.

So, what do you need to do this? A bird guide or ID app is helpful. A pencil and notebook useful. And you definitely need to create your own GBBC account. Click here to get started.