Birds & Conservation >

10th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

Red-bellied Woodpecker © Laura Erickson

Join with thousand of others to find out how many birds are being seen in your area and across the continent this winter. By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, you help document where birds are, and track changes in their numbers compared to previous years, helping scientists paint a picture of the state of birds this winter.

For more information, and to view results, go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

107th Christmas Bird Count Results

Blue Jay, cold day. © Jim Williams

More than 50,000 observers participate each year in this all-day census of early-winter bird populations. The results of their efforts are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology, representing over a century of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas. Simply put, the Christmas Bird Count, or "CBC", is citizen science in action. Results from around the country can be found by clicking here. Results can also be found on the Minnesota Christmas Bird Count website.

Partner with scientists to help birds: turn your passion for birding into a critical research tool!

Citizen Science is a way for you to connect with the natural world through fun activities that generate vital information for the conservation of birds. This partnership benefits us all: you will learn about birds by taking part in these science-based activities, and Audubon's science staff gains invaluable information. Most importantly, the birds benefit because it helps Audubon focus on those birds and habitats that need our help most.

Audubon is developing a range of Citizen Science programs that are suitable for birders of all degrees of experience. Here are some current programs in which you can get involved with:

• Christmas Bird Count: For over a century, volunteers have been collecting information on the birds in their communities, The CBC database now contains more than a century of data on early-winter bird populations across the Americas. This one-day annual event is an opportunity to meet other local volunteers, hone your birding skills, and take part in a seasonal tradition. In Minnesota the Christmas Bird Count is done in partnership with the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. For more information visit www.rohair.com.
• Great Backyard Bird Count: This annual Presidents' Day Weekend event is an opportunity for you to count the birds in your backyard and beyond. For more information about the event or to report your findings go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc. This site is operated in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.