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The 24th-annual Great Backyard Bird Count, which runs Friday through Monday, is an opportunity for all budding birdwatchers and bird-count veterans to use their skills, according to event organizers.
People from around the world -- and locally -- count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count and then enter their checklists online at birdcount.org.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Birds Canada and is made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
"The GBBC is a simple, welcoming project that both new and veteran birdwatchers enjoy," noted a news release quoting David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. "Birds are everywhere and can be counted in backyards, neighborhoods, suburban parks, wild areas and cities. Scientists need the eyes of the world to collect information about where the birds are," Bonter added.
During the 2020 GBBC, birdwatchers set new records for the event, turning in nearly 250,000 lists of birds seen, from more than 100 countries, identifying nearly 7,000 of the world's estimated 10,000 bird species. Data gathered by the GBBC and other survey projects highlight changes in the numbers and distribution of wild birds over time.
"By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, community scientists contribute data that we use to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow," said Chad Wilsey, chief scientist at National Audubon Society. "In return, studies tell us that pausing to observe birds, their sounds and movements, improve human health. Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is a win-win for birds and people."
This year there is a new way to send in an observation -- through the Cornell Lab's free Merlin Bird ID app. "If you use the app during the GBBC and save a bird you've identified, it also is counted for the GBBC. As in the past, using the eBird platform on your mobile app and computer are still great ways to enter your data," the release notes.
All participants in the count are urged to watch birds safely in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. "That means following the health and safety protocols for your area, not gathering in large groups, and wearing masks if you're unable to remain at least 6 feet apart from others.
To learn how to take part in the count, visit birdcount.org.