The annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is set to take place from February 13 to 16, 2024, inviting participants from around the world to engage in a collective effort to observe and report on local bird populations. This popular citizen science initiative, co-sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the natural world.
Becca Rodomsky-Bish, the project leader for the GBBC, emphasized the unifying power of birds, stating, “They’re this really powerful ecological, uniting group of species.” The event not only encourages participants to connect with the avian life around them but also serves a vital role in broader conservation efforts. By collecting data on bird populations, the GBBC provides crucial insights into the status of various species just before migration.
Organizers anticipate nearly 1 million people will participate this year, building on a notable trend of growth that has seen participation rise significantly over the past five years. The data gathered will be logged in the eBird database, a widely used conservation tool that integrates contributions from both the public and research organizations. Last year, the database was referenced in nearly 250 research papers, showcasing its importance in studying not only birds but also other wildlife, such as pollinators.
To participate, individuals are encouraged to watch birds in their backyards for a minimum of 15 minutes during the four-day period and record their observations using either the eBird app or the Merlin Bird ID app. New participants can find additional guidance on the program’s website or attend one of two webinars scheduled for February 5 at 15:00 and February 11 at 19:00. Bird enthusiasts in the Ithaca area can also join a local birding event hosted by the Cayuga Bird Club at Stewart Park on February 14.
Rodomsky-Bish noted the significance of this year’s count, particularly in tracking smaller songbirds such as northern redpolls, evening grosbeaks, and pine siskins, which are expected to winter further south than usual in North America. “It’s important to catalogue the status of birds around the world at this moment in time,” she explained, underscoring the event’s role in understanding ecological changes.
The GBBC has been experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly following the integration of entries from the Merlin App, which simplifies bird identification for novices. The event has seen an increase of over 100,000 participants each year since this enhancement. Last year alone, more than 800,000 people contributed observations from nearly every country, identifying a total of 8,078 bird species.
Reflecting on the event’s appeal, Rodomsky-Bish said, “Inherently, humans want to be connected to the natural world, and I think birds are this very accessible way to find that connection.” The tools available for birdwatching and identification are continually improving, making the experience more engaging and informative.
The GBBC highlights not only the joy of birdwatching but also the sense of community that emerges as people around the globe share their observations. “The world feels really small when you start to see all these submissions coming in from literally everywhere,” Rodomsky-Bish remarked. She emphasized that at its core, the GBBC is about celebrating the beauty of birds and the connections they foster among people.
In collaboration with the National Audubon Society and Birds Canada, the GBBC aims to inspire a sense of stewardship and appreciation for the natural world. With significant participation expected this year, the event promises to further engage individuals in conservation efforts, reinforcing the idea that birds are indeed “everywhere” and a vital part of our ecological landscape.
