Over the last few years, backyard birding has become an increasingly popular way to connect with nature while staying close to home. As a safe activity you can do outside, it provides endless opportunity to explore the wildlife in your community.
And now with the Great Backyard Bird Count just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share all that you’ve learned so far about birds, or to pick up birding for the first time.
In 2021,
over 300,000 people participated in the bird count and identified 6,436 bird species.
Birders from around the world join together virtually to watch, learn about, and celebrate birds.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a four day event running February 18-21, 2022, during which you can spend as little as 15 minutes up to as many hours as you like watching birds in your backyard. By participating in the count, you contribute to the mapping of flight patterns, with each sighting helping scientists better understand global bird populations and track their behaviour year after year.
Whatever skill level you’re at, it’s an exciting event to participate in. For beginners, it’s an opportunity to join a community of people who are learning alongside you with a shared database of photos to explore. For experienced birders, it’s the chance to share your knowledge with others and add to your collection of sightings.
Every sighting matters, so plan ahead and get involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count:
- Pick up a Birding 101 Pocket Guide from the Nature Shop.
- Download Merlin Bird ID app for help identifying nearby birds.
- Visit the Great Backyard Bird Count to learn more.