New York, NY, Ithaca, NY, and Port Rowan, ON, January 23, 2024 —Fun for one turns into multiplied when birders be a part of forces for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Participating with buddies, household, or a group group means there are extra eyes to identify the birds and a deeper nicely of data to attract from. Knowing the place birds are seen—and never seen—is extra vital than ever throughout this El Niño 12 months, and as local weather change climate fluctuations affect chook actions.
The 27th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is taking place February 16 by means of 19, 2024.
More than an estimated half-million individuals participated throughout the 2023 GBBC. They reported greater than 7,500 species of birds from 200+ international locations.
“The GBBC gets bigger every year and that’s such a positive thing,” stated David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “It’s well established that time spent in nature is good for us. We also would not be able to track the long-term changes in bird populations without the eyes and ears of all our enthusiastic participants. The world is changing fast, and birds often reflect the impact of environmental change first.”
“Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is an easy and great opportunity to bird with your friends and neighbors,” stated Brooke Bateman, senior director of Climate and Community Science on the National Audubon Society. “Birding with others is a great way to share in the love of birds and learn new skills. Nothing matches the spark of joy in a new birder’s face when they identify their first bird. We invite everyone from all across the globe to make this a tradition with friends and family.”
Birds have been within the information loads throughout the previous 12 months. Flamingos up in Wyoming. First-ever sightings of a Red-flanked Bluetail in New Jersey, and a Cattle Tyrant in Texas, amongst others. Ornithologists speculate the birds could have been blown off target by more and more fierce storms. The climate can even be influenced this 12 months by the El Niño phenomenon.
“Strong El Niño conditions this year could bring surprises to the 2024 Great Backyard Bird Count,” stated Patrick Nadeau, President and CEO of Birds Canada. “Temperatures are likely to be warmer which could have an effect on the timing of spring migration and influence food availability. There may be more sightings of unusual visitors wherever you’re looking for birds.”
To participate within the 2024 GBBC, every participant or group counts birds for any size of time (however for at least quarter-hour) and enters the birds they might establish at every web site they visited. That may very well be their yard, but it surely may be a park, a wilderness space, residence balcony, or a neighborhood road.
First-timers ought to make it some extent to learn full directions on the GBBC web site the place they can even discover useful birding suggestions and birding app downloads. The GBBC web site additionally incorporates a new map for marking native GBBC group occasions. Birders can be a part of as much as assist have a good time birds of their hometown.
You’re additionally invited to tune in to a particular webinar about how one can take part within the GBBC being held Thursday February 13 at 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It’s free. The webinar will embrace a consultant from Riverland Audubon Center in Missouri and an educator who will present options for GBBC-related actions. Register: .
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint undertaking of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada and is made potential partly by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
“I’ve grown to totally love something so simple as watching birds.
I now have a relationship with nature I never had before.
It’s like my eyes are suddenly open.”Marlene Koslowsky, longtime GBBC participan
