The Great Backyard Bird Count (February 14–17, 2025)

Every February, bird lovers around the world take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a four-day event that turns backyards, parks, and city streets into observation posts for one of the largest citizen science projects on the planet. From February 14–17, 2025, beginners and seasoned birders alike will head outside, watch the skies, and submit their sightings—all to help scientists track bird populations and migration patterns.

The beauty of the GBBC is its simplicity. Anyone can participate, no matter their experience level. All it takes is at least 15 minutes of birdwatching on one or more days, recording what’s seen, and reporting the findings through the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird. These submissions, along with thousands from other participants worldwide, create a real-time snapshot of bird populations across the globe.

I remember the first time I took part in the count. It was just me, a notebook, and a pair of binoculars on my back porch. I expected to see the usual suspects like cardinals, juncos, and a few chickadees. But after sitting still for a while, I noticed a red-shouldered hawk perched in a tree across the yard. That was the moment I realized birdwatching is just as much about patience as it is about spotting birds.

Scientists use GBBC data to study everything from migration shifts to how birds respond to climate change. For example, past counts have helped researchers track the expansion of species like the Anna’s Hummingbird, which has been gradually moving north in response to warming winters. Every sighting, even the most common backyard bird, adds to this growing body of knowledge.

How to Participate

Getting involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count is really easy, and anyone can join in, whether watching from a backyard, a park, or even a city sidewalk. The process is simple, and all it takes is a little time and attention.

Pick a spot. Birds can be counted anywhere. Some people stay home and watch feeders, while others take a walk through a local nature trail or wetland. Even urban areas can surprise you with unexpected visitors.

Set aside at least 15 minutes. Observing for longer is great, but the count only requires a short period of focused birdwatching. Some people participate for one day, while others submit observations throughout the weekend.

Identify the birds. Beginners can use the Merlin Bird ID app, which helps with identification based on photos and sounds. More experienced birders may prefer a traditional field guide or the eBird app for keeping track of species.

Submit the observations. Data is recorded through Merlin or eBird, allowing researchers to collect real-time information from around the world. Each entry helps scientists track bird populations, migration changes, and species diversity.

For those who prefer a group experience, many local nature centers and birding clubs organize public events during the count. Checking with nearby Audubon chapters or local wildlife organizations is a good way to find guided walks and meet other participants.

Benefits of Participation

It might not seem like a lot, but joining in helps a ton. Every sighting recorded helps scientists study bird populations and migration patterns. When thousands of people report their observations, researchers get a clearer picture of which species are thriving and which ones may be in decline.

Participating in the count also makes birdwatching more rewarding. Watching birds with a purpose adds another layer to the experience, turning a simple backyard sighting into valuable data. Even common birds, like sparrows and starlings, play an important role in understanding long-term population trends.

Spending time outside with birds is also good for the mind. Studies have shown that listening to birdsong and observing wildlife can lower stress and improve mood. The slow, focused nature of birdwatching encourages relaxation, making the count a great way to enjoy nature without needing to travel far.

For those who enjoy community involvement, the count offers a chance to connect with other bird lovers. Local birding groups often hold events during the weekend, giving people a way to learn from more experienced birdwatchers and compare notes on sightings.

Tools and Resources

You can start counting birds with nothing but your eyes and hands and feet. But if you want to improve your chances of spotting as many birds as possible, a few simple items will help a great deal.

Binoculars are useful for getting a closer look at birds, especially ones that stay high in trees or keep their distance. Even a basic pair improves the experience by making details like markings and colors easier to see.

A field guide or birding app helps with identification. Printed guides are great for flipping through images and descriptions, while apps like Merlin Bird ID and eBird provide instant assistance based on photos and sounds.

A notebook is a good option for those who like to keep a personal record of sightings. Writing down bird names, behaviors, and locations can make future birdwatching even more enjoyable.

Comfortable clothing is important, especially in colder areas. Dressing in layers allows for easy adjustments as the weather changes. A hat and gloves help with early morning observations when temperatures are low.

A camera or smartphone can capture sightings for later reference. Photos help confirm identifications and can be shared with birding groups. Some participants also record bird calls, which can be useful for identifying species that stay hidden.

Sharing Your Experience

Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is more enjoyable when sharing observations with others. There are many ways to connect with fellow birdwatchers and contribute to the larger birding community.

Submitting data through one of the bird apps I mentioned before (Merlin or eBird) ensures that each sighting becomes part of the global database. Every entry helps researchers track bird populations and migration patterns.

Joining local events adds a social element to the experience. Many nature centers and birding clubs organize group outings where participants can compare sightings and learn from more experienced birders.

Posting on social media allows birdwatchers to share photos, interesting observations, and personal highlights. Using hashtags related to the event makes it easier to connect with others who are also taking part in the count. Feel free to share your bird photos on our Facebook page!

Engaging with online birding communities provides an opportunity to discuss sightings, ask identification questions, and see what birds are being reported in different regions. Many participants enjoy following updates from birders in other parts of the world.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

The Great Backyard Bird Count has been collecting valuable data since 1998. Each year, patterns emerge that help scientists understand how bird populations change over time.

Past counts have shown shifts in migration timing, with some species arriving earlier or staying longer in certain regions. Unusual sightings often spark interest, such as rare birds appearing far outside their normal range. These unexpected reports sometimes indicate changes in climate or habitat conditions.

As participation grows, so does the amount of information available to researchers. More reports mean a clearer picture of which birds are adapting well and which ones may need conservation efforts. The increasing use of birding apps has also made data collection more efficient, allowing more people to contribute with just a few taps on a screen.

Each count builds on the last, creating a long-term record of bird populations around the world.