About
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a globally recognized citizen science initiative that invites people of all ages and skill levels to spend at least 15 minutes counting birds during a four-day window each February. Backed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada, the GBBC harnesses the collective power of everyday observers to build one of the world's richest datasets on bird population health and distribution. Participants use AI-powered tools — primarily Merlin Bird ID for step-by-step, sound-based, or photo identification and eBird for checklist submission — making participation accessible even for beginners. Real-time data populates a global sightings map, so contributors can watch observations light up from every corner of the planet as they happen. The event supports multilingual participation (English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese), community group counts, and educator resources, making it ideal for classrooms, birding clubs, and families. Whether you spot a single sparrow from your window or hundreds of species in a nature reserve, your submission contributes directly to ongoing scientific research on migratory patterns, climate-driven range shifts, and population trends. With 467,696 eBird checklists and 246,225 photos, videos, and sounds contributed in 2026 alone, the GBBC stands as one of the largest coordinated wildlife monitoring events on Earth — and it's completely free to join.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Bird Identification: Merlin Bird ID uses AI (step-by-step, sound recognition, and photo identification) to help participants accurately identify bird species, even without prior expertise.
- eBird Checklist Integration: Seamlessly submit bird counts via eBird on mobile or desktop; existing eBird users automatically contribute to GBBC during the four-day event window.
- Real-Time Global Sightings Map: Watch live as submitted checklists become glowing points on a world map, visualizing the collective effort of participants from over 216 countries in real time.
- Multimedia Contributions: Participants can upload photos, videos, and audio recordings to the Macaulay Library, enriching the scientific record with rich media documentation.
- Educator & Community Resources: Dedicated resources for teachers, group count organizers, and birding clubs make it easy to run classroom activities or community events around the count.
Use Cases
- Citizen scientists contributing real observational data to global bird population and migration research
- Educators incorporating hands-on wildlife observation into K-12 or university science curricula during the February event
- Birdwatching clubs and community groups organizing group count events to share the experience and submit collective data
- Families and beginners using the event as an engaging introduction to birdwatching and nature appreciation
- Researchers and conservationists using aggregated GBBC data to monitor regional species health and identify population declines
Pros
- Completely Free to Participate: There are no fees, subscriptions, or paywalls — all tools, apps, and resources are freely accessible to anyone worldwide.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Only 15 minutes of bird watching is required to contribute meaningful data, making it accessible to total beginners and busy participants alike.
- Real Scientific Impact: Data directly feeds ongoing ornithological research by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon Society, and Birds Canada, helping monitor species health globally.
- Global Community & Multilingual Support: With over 1 million participants across 216 countries and support for four languages, the event fosters an inclusive, worldwide birding community.
Cons
- Event-Only Participation Window: The official count is limited to just four days each February, so participants cannot contribute GBBC-specific data outside that window.
- Requires Third-Party App Setup: Full participation requires creating an eBird and/or Merlin account and learning the apps, which may add friction for first-time users.
- Dependent on User Accuracy: As a citizen science project, data quality depends on participants correctly identifying and counting species, which may introduce errors without expert review.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Great Backyard Bird Count take place?
The GBBC runs for four days each February. The next event is scheduled for February 12–15, 2027.
How do I participate in the GBBC?
Spend at least 15 minutes watching birds in any location during the four event days, then submit your bird list using eBird (mobile app or website) or Merlin Bird ID. All submissions during the event window count toward the global count.
Do I need to be an experienced birder to join?
No experience is needed. The Merlin Bird ID app provides AI-assisted identification by photo, sound, or step-by-step description, making it easy for beginners to contribute accurate data.
Is the Great Backyard Bird Count free?
Yes, participation is completely free. The eBird and Merlin Bird ID apps are also free to download and use.
How does my data help scientists?
Your submitted checklists contribute to one of the world's largest citizen science datasets on birds, helping researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada track population trends, migration patterns, and the effects of climate change on bird species worldwide.
