Pennsylvania: Help Protect Birds with 15 Minutes of Backyard Birdwatching This Weekend
Hey, Pennsylvania birdwatchers. One of the world’s biggest wildlife surveys is happening this weekend, and if you participate, you could help protect birds. What’s even better is that you can help with just 15 minutes of backyard birdwatching.
The 27th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is happening now through Monday (Feb. 19). It asks birdwatchers to count birds to help create a real-time approximation of bird populations around the world. It’s free to participate, of course. Those who participate will help researchers at Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada collect data about birds. In turn, that helps create more research and conservation work to help birds and the environment.
So, why does this help? Well, according to organizers, having an idea of where birds are is extra crucial during an El Niño year, which is what we’re experiencing now. Also, because of weather changes, it’s also helpful to see how changing weather patterns and climates impact bird movements. Lots of people are taking part, too. According to Audubon, around half-million people participated in the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count.
So, how do you participate in the backyard birdwatching? You simply count birds for 15 minutes or longer on one or more days during the event’s period. Then, you report your findings using a checklist at birdcount.org. This is a great event for the family, too, because it’s open to all ages and experience levels. You can also participate no matter where you live in the world. If you’ve never participated, though, they ask you to read the instructions on the GBBC website. The site offers birding tips and birding app downloads. Also, you’ll find the latest map for local GBBC community events on the site and more resources for birdwatchers. For more information, including more information on how to participate, a checklist of bird species, videos and more, head to birdcount.org/participate. Find more information about Great Backyard Bird Count via birdcount.org.
