Are you a fan of vibrant bluebirds, charming finches, and delightful chickadees? Join the fun of counting birds in your area with family and friends during the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count in 2026!
Connecting with nature can greatly enhance our mental well-being, and dedicating just under an hour to this activity allows us to give back to our feathered friends.
This beloved annual event, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), will take place from February 13 to February 16, 2026, coinciding beautifully with Valentine’s Day. Immerse yourself in nature by spending at least 15 minutes observing birds and sharing your findings with the world at birdcount.org.
If you’re eager to learn how to join in, don’t miss the opportunity to attend a special webinar! You can register for one of the free YouTube events on Thursday, February 5th at 3 p.m. Eastern or Wednesday, February 11th at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Guadalupe Angel Vallejo Tapia, a participant in the GBBC, shares, “What I like most about birdwatching is that each species has its own behavior. It’s fascinating to be able to identify its patterns and learn about its behavior.” Another participant expressed, “Birdwatching allows me to appreciate the biodiversity of our region. It invites us to reflect on the importance of protecting our natural spaces.”
Now in its 29th year, the mission of the Bird Count is to count as many bird species as possible across the globe over four days in February. Last year, over 800,000 people participated from nearly every country, identifying an impressive 8,078 species—158 more than the previous year!
The data collected from this event, when combined with other bird counts, helps create a clearer picture of bird populations and their status amidst challenges like habitat loss and climate change. Ben Haywood, Audon’s director of community science, notes, “The bird observations we submit can be used to inform conservation efforts that secure a brighter future for birds and people alike.”
Everyone is welcome to join the GBBC! To participate in the 2026 event, simply count birds for at least 15 minutes using the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird app to record the species you identify at each location.
Your counting site can be anywhere—from your backyard to a local park, a scenic wilderness area, your apartment balcony, or even a neighborhood street. First-time birdwatchers can find helpful instructions and tips to get started.
So gather your family and friends, and let’s celebrate the joy of birds together while contributing to a global effort to protect them and their habitats!
