The above animation for Barn Swallows is using eBird data to show where the species may be found at any time of the year. Click on the image to learn more.
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Citizen Science Transforming Conservation
For the first time, animated abundance maps with an unprecedented level of detail have been released for 610 North American bird species, based on eBird data. In the example above, we can watch the ebb and flow of movement in the lives of Barn Swallows. Rather like celebrity profiles, these maps answer the question "Where are they now?," and tell you where a species is most abundant. The data can also help pinpoint the best times and places to take conservation action for a species in trouble. It’s a great example of the power of citizen science to reveal new insights and aid conservation efforts. Check out the new maps—you can pause or advance them to see where your favorite species is hanging out right now.
Read more about this ground-breaking development and how it can power bird conservation.
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Sandhill Crane by Ruben Marchena, Florida, fifth place in Behavior category, GBBC 2019.
Ready, Set, Count!
This Friday, start your Valentine’s weekend off by showing you care about birds–count them for science! Here are some last minute resources to help ensure a successful weekend.
You can also check out the GBBC FAQ section and the eBird Help section.
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Feel free to share this short GBBC animated video! Click image to play.
GBBC Animation to Share
If you’re spreading the word about GBBC and hoping to get your bird organization, scout troop, or other community group to participate, try sharing the short animated video above. It explains why we count birds, how to count for the GBBC, and the impact it can have. Click on the image above to get to YouTube. Click on the "share" button for the video, copy the code and send to others. Thank you!
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Common Feeder Bird posters showing eastern and western species.
Keep Counting Birds
Project FeederWatch is a great introduction to more bird counting projects. For those with yards that are busy with birds (or not–lack of birds is important information, too), you can continue submitting data to researchers through mid-April. Join FeederWatch before the end of February and get the rest of this season plus next season for the price of one! Also, we’ll send you a gorgeous poster of common feeder birds to help you identify your feeder visitors. Learn more and sign up for participation in the United States or Canada.
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GBBC starts Friday!
February 14-17, 2020
Don’t forget to fill out and download your participation certificate from the GBBC website. Certificates are available in English, French, and Spanish.
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Eliminator tube feeder donated by GBBC sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
Show Us Your Birds
Another year, another great opportunity to submit your beautiful bird images for the GBBC Photo Contest. Thanks to sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited, we have a great selection of feeders to be won by those who earn the top spot in each of the contest’s six categories. Have a look!
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GBBC 2019 Honorable Mention in the People category, submitted by the Foundation for Ecological Security, Gujarat, India.
Photo Contest Rules
If you’re planning to submit photos for the 2020 contest, take a moment to refresh your memory on what we’re looking for:
- Only submit photos taken during the count, February 14 through 17.
- Submit in the highest resolution possible.
- Birds only please, not cats, dogs, deer, raccoons, etc.
- Read the terms of use.
Read more
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Alert the Media!
The official Great Backyard Bird Count news release is now available on the website. Please feel free to copy it and send it to local media, nature centers, libraries, or other outlets that might be interested in being a part of the action.
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Image courtesy of Adam Dhalla.
Gaming to Help Birds
Adam Dhalla–a British Columbia high school student, birder, and conservationist–has a big idea for helping birds. His goal is to create a game that will inspire more young people to discover and appreciate birds. Read more on the Birds Canada blog about his creative concept and how you can help.
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