In 2025, an estimated 840,000 individual participants globally documented 8,078 species of birds during the 4 day long Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).   This citizen science initiative is a great way to watch birds at your feeders, keep track of what you see, and contribute to our knowledge on the distribution and abundance of birds. 

The count runs from February 13-16, 2026. 

Participating is fun, simple and easy so get the whole family involved!

Here’s how it works:

All you need to do is count the number of individuals of each species you see during a single counting session, and submit a checklist for each counting session.  A counting session can take 15 minutes to 2 hours (or 9 hours like our own bird nerd Jules), it’s however much time you wish to observe.  You can do multiple counting sessions over a day or over all four days.

From each session, you record the maximum number that you observe at any one time for each species.  You can count in more than one location—but you submit a separate checklist for each location each time you count.  The birds you count don’t need to be just at your feeder, but can be flying over, or anywhere that you  identify them from your observation point.

You can submit your findings by creating a free account and using any of the following platforms:

• Merlin Bird ID: Use the “Explore” option within the app.
• eBird Mobile: Perfect for logging sightings while you’re still outdoors.
• eBird.org: Ideal for entering your data from a desktop or laptop.

*Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the app by going out in advance of the GBBC. Make sure to select “That’s my bird!” to have it added to your list.

The GBBC is for everyone, new birders to pros! No registration required, just sign-in to Merlin or eBird and go birding. 

Though rarities and out-of-range species are exciting, it’s important to keep track of more common birds too. Many species around the world are in steep decline and tracking changes in distribution and numbers over time is vital to determine if conservation measures are needed. Everyone can play a role.

Learn more about how to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count at birdcount.org. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with our BirdLife International partner Birds Canada and is made possible in part by sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.