URGENT UPDATE: This weekend, anyone can become a bird watcher! The Great Backyard Bird Count kicks off today, February 17, 2023, and runs through Monday, February 20, 2023. Organized by Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, this annual event invites individuals everywhere to step outside for just 15 minutes and count the birds they see and hear.
Participation isn’t limited to backyards; anyone can count birds from parks, balconies, or even city streets. Becca Rodomsky-Bish, the project leader for the Bird Count, emphasizes, “We really kind of define the backyard as being the world, right? We all live in this backyard. So, wherever you are, whatever you see, we want to know about it.”
Last year, over 250 publications utilized data from this citizen science initiative, highlighting its significance. Rodomsky-Bish explains that understanding bird migration patterns is vital, especially as many species are moving earlier due to changing environmental conditions. “We’re often seeing birds moving earlier. Migration sometimes is happening earlier,” she stated, noting that this trend can be influenced by warmer weather.
The Great Backyard Bird Count allows participants to report their findings using the eBird app or via the website. “The more people, the better,” said Kennedy Sullivan, a board member at the Onondaga Audubon Society. She encourages people to invite friends and family to join in, stating, “It’s a great way to build connections and have fun outside. You don’t have to be a birder to do this.”
This year’s event is particularly crucial as it provides insights into how birds are adapting to climate changes. Rodomsky-Bish pointed out that some birds are staying in their habitats longer, even through winter, which was not common in the past.
What’s Next: As the count unfolds this weekend, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and findings on social media to inspire others to join. The data collected will contribute significantly to ongoing research about bird populations and migration patterns.
Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this vital citizen science project. Get outside, count some birds, and make your observations count!
