Started in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was the first community science project to collect data on wild birds and display the results in nearly real time.

For four days each February, people from all over the world come together to count as many birds as they can. This can be in your own backyard, as the name of the count indicates, but can actually be from anywhere – your neighborhood, the local park or beach, even the Everett Public Library! These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.

This fun workshop, held virtually on the Saturday before the GBBC, is designed for first timers, beginning birders, teachers, families and kids, and others who want to learn how to participate in the GBBC and brush up on their backyard bird identification skills. The training will include what birds you are likely to see, how to practice spotting birds, and recording and entering your data online.

This year’s GBBC itself takes place from February 18-21, 2022. The GBBC is free, fun, and easy for all ages. You can participate even if you have only 15 minutes to spare!

For more information on the GBBC, visit the GBBC website or Pilchuck Audubon’s website.

Alan Mearns is a retired NOAA scientist in Edmonds. He and his wife have participated in the GBBC for over a decade, have conducted backyard bird counts for nearly 30 years, and both are long-time members of the planning committee for the annual Puget Sound Bird Fest (held in September).

Brian Zinke is the Executive Director for the Pilchuck Audubon Society. He's a certified Associate WildlifeBiologist®, and has worked to conserve several endangered species in Washington, Wyoming, and Kansas.

Great Backyard Bird Count Training with Alan Mearns and Brian Zinke