Backyard Bird Count 2026
How to Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global community science project organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. Each February, bird watchers around the world spend time observing birds and submitting what they see.
Those observations are not just casual sightings. They become real data used by scientists to track migration timing, monitor bird populations, and identify long-term trends in species health.
February is intentionally chosen. It is a transitional moment in the bird year — winter species are still present, early migrants begin arriving, and many birds are establishing territories before nesting season begins. That makes this one of the most revealing windows of the entire year.
Participating is simple, flexible, and can be done anywhere you find birds — in your backyard, at a local park, on a walking trail, or even from a window.
All it takes is a short period of focused observation and submitting what you see. Whether you’re brand new to birding or have been watching birds for decades, your count contributes to a larger picture of bird life across North America and beyond.
Step 1
Choose a place to watch birds. This could be your backyard, a park, a walking trail, or even from a window.
Step 2
Spend at least 15 minutes observing birds at least once during the four-day event (February 13–16, 2026).
Step 3
Identify the birds you see or hear and submit your sightings using one of the official tools:
• If you're new to bird identification, the Merlin Bird ID app is a great place to start.
• If you’ve participated before and want to record bird numbers, use the eBird Mobile app or submit your checklist on the official eBird website.
We encourage you to visit the official Great Backyard Bird Count website for complete participation details and additional resources.
👉 Visit the Official Great Backyard Bird Count Page
