Annual bird count events

Bird populations are always shifting and changing. Bird count events help collect data that highlight changes in bird populations, from weather and other phenomena. Anyone can volunteer to participate, whether you are brand new to bird watching or an experienced “birder” familiar with many species.

Annual bird count events

• The Audubon Society conducts the Great Backyard Bird count (President’s Day Weekend) and the Christmas Bird Count Dec 14-Jan 5. 
• Cornell University “Big Days” are held on two peak days each year, the Second Saturday in May and in October. 

Read more about each of these events below and find links to sign up to participate.

Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Anyone can take part in the GBBC, from beginning bird watchers to experts from anywhere in the world (your backyard, neighborhood, or local park). How to participate in GBBC:

• The GBBC is held Friday-Monday over President’s Day Weekend.
• Count for as little as 15 minutes in your own backyard (or longer if you wish) on one or more days of the four-day event. 
• Report your sightings online
• More info: birdcount.org.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC data collected has become one of only two large pools of information used by ornithologists and conservation biologists to find out how the birds of the Americas are faring over time. Anyone can participate in the Christmas Bird Count. How to participate in CBC:

• CBC occurs between December 14 to January 5 every year. Local counts are scheduled for one day during this period. 
• To participate in the CBC, you must join an existing CBC circle in advance. More info: Join the Christmas Bird Count | Audubon
• More info: Christmas Bird Count | Audubon

Cornell U “Big Day” bird counts. Cornell U “Big Days” coincide with Cornell U Global Birding Events and World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) on the 2nd Saturday in May and 2nd Saturday in October. Watch in your location in real time. How to participate in CBC Big Days:

1. Create an eBird account. It’s 100% free from start to finish. eBird is a bird checklist program used all year long by millions of birders worldwide.
2. Take the eBird Essentials Course before you watch birds. This free, self-paced course walk you step-by-step through using checklists to report your observations. You don’t need to be a bird expert, eBird is easy to learn and use. 
3. Enter what you see and hear on the eBird website or with their free eBird Mobile app.

But wait, there’s more!

• Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
• And here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
• More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
• Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.

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