Jeff Steele, Writer/Photographer

February 14 thru 17 are the dsas to Participate in a Global event known as The Great Backyad Bird Count.

Each year Bird enthusiasts from all over the World take part in a Citizen Science endeavor to Identify, count and submit sightings of as many of as avian friends that can be found.

The event lasts just four days but helps Ornithologists and Scientist to gather much needed data on birds.  Range distribution, migration patterns, new species, increase/decrease in population and more are all derived from information gathered from information gathered during The Great Bird Count.

It’s free and also a great excuse to get outdoors to do some serious birding.  Cornell apps such as Merlin and e-Bird or going on-line to submit your findings are the only requirements for successful participation. 

There is a real sense of worth in participation in The Great Backyard Bird Count.  That sense of worth is for a good reason.  You’ll get the pleasure of doing a favorite activity, birding.  You’ll be helping birds and science.  You may even meet and make new friends who also enjoy/participate in birding. Plus you get to hone your bird ID skills while enjoying the sight of various species.

Grab the binoculars, open the app, then start finding and logging birds.  See you in the field.