Mark your calendars, bird enthusiasts! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), one of the largest citizen science projects in the world, is just around the corner. From February 14-17, 2026, people of all ages and abilities are invited to spend as little as 15 minutes observing and reporting the birds they see in their own backyards, local parks, or anywhere they find birds.
The GBBC is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a massive dataset that helps scientists better understand global bird populations before their annual migrations. Every observation, no matter how common the bird, provides valuable information. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with nature, sharpen your bird identification skills, and discover the amazing diversity of birds right outside your window.
Participating is easy and fun! Here’s all you need to do:
- Find a spot: Choose any location where you can observe birds – your backyard, a local park, or even while running errands.
- Count for at least 15 minutes: Keep track of every bird species you see and the number of individuals of each species. You can conduct multiple counts over the four days.
- Report your sightings: Submit your data through the eBird Mobile app or the eBird website.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting, your contributions make a real difference. Last year, participants submitted tens of thousands of checklists, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of bird distribution and abundance. Let’s make this year even bigger!
Ready to join the global effort?
Register and Learn More About the Great Backyard Bird Count Here!
