Backyard birds: count ‘em!

We watch them all winter long from the warmth of our homes, marveling at how such delicate feathered beings survive the ice, snow and buffeting winds of the season. Soon it will be time to count their numbers, when the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), now in its 13th year, transpires on February 12 to 15.

Participants, otherwise referred to as “citizen scientists,” count birds in their backyards, parks or wildlife sanctuaries during that weekend and report their tallies at www.birdcount.org. The data helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada to learn how the birds are doing, which ultimately aids in establishing conservation priorities.

The GBBC makes it possible to gather data on private lands. 2009 participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists, creating the continent’s largest snapshot of bird populations ever recorded. The information serves as an early warning system, particularly in terms of how birds are responding to environmental change.

At the website, explore real-time maps and charts that show what others are reporting during the count. The site has tips to help identify birds and special materials for educators. Photograph your finds during the count and upload images to enter the GBBC photo contest for prizes that include bird feeders, binoculars, books, CDs and more.

No special skills are needed, so make the event an excuse to join family and friends for some outdoor time, while supporting the well-being of common backyard birds like the ones depicted here.