The Great Backyard Bird Count 2026: The Easiest Adventure You’ll Have All Winter
Let’s be honest — February can feel a little… gray. The holidays are over, the garden is still sleeping, and we’re all wondering if spring is just a rumor someone made up.
Enter the Great Backyard Bird Count — happening February 13–16, 2026 — a global excuse to step outside, look up, and discover that nature is actually very busy right now.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy gear, expert birding skills, or even a backyard. (Yes, despite the name.)
Wait… What Is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a worldwide community science event where people everywhere count birds and share what they see. Scientists use these observations to understand bird populations, migration patterns, and how species are doing over time.
Your job is very complicated:
Go outside (or look out a window).
Watch birds for at least 15 minutes.
Count what you see.
Submit your list online or through apps like Merlin or eBird.
That’s it. Seriously.
Birding Without the Pressure
This event is designed for everyone — kids, adults, seasoned bird nerds, and people who currently identify birds as “small,” “medium,” or “probably a crow.”
You can participate:
In your backyard
At a local park
On a neighborhood walk
At a feeder
From your living room window with coffee in hand
No judgement here.
Bird identification apps even help you figure out what you’re seeing (or hearing), which means you can finally settle the debate about whether that noisy bird is a chickadee or just a very confident squirrel.
Why It Matters (Besides Being Fun)
Every checklist submitted helps build a real-time global snapshot of bird populations. Scientists compare this data year to year to understand trends — whether species are thriving, struggling, or shifting their ranges due to climate and habitat changes.
In other words: your casual birdwatching contributes to real conservation science.
Yes, even the kid who only counts “that one pigeon again.”
Family-Friendly Birding Tips
If you’re heading out with family or friends, try:
Making a bingo card of common birds
Seeing who can spot the first woodpecker
Listening for calls before you look
Bringing snacks (for humans — birds prefer their own menu)
And remember — birding is not about finding rare species. It’s about noticing what’s already around you.
February is surprisingly active for birds. Winter residents are still around, early migrants may start appearing, and feeding activity is high as birds prepare for the coming season.
Translation: birds are basically hosting their own pre-spring conference and you’re invited. The Great Backyard Bird Count isn’t just about data — it’s about connection. During these four days, people around the world step outside and pay attention together. Every observation becomes a tiny glowing point on a global map, showing just how many people care about birds and nature.
And honestly, once you start noticing birds, you’ll never un-see them. Suddenly the ordinary becomes interesting. That “random sparrow” becomes a story. That noisy flock becomes a mystery. And your neighborhood feels just a little more alive.
Apps That Make Birding (Almost) Too Easy
If you’re worried about identifying birds correctly — don’t be. The Great Backyard Bird Count encourages participants to use several free apps that make birdwatching surprisingly simple, even for beginners.
The Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, can help identify birds based on photos, descriptions, or even sound recordings. Yes — you can hold up your phone, record a bird call, and Merlin will suggest what species you’re hearing. It feels a little like birding magic.
For submitting your observations, many participants use eBird, a global database where your bird sightings become part of real scientific research. You can enter your checklist directly through the app while you’re watching birds, making participation quick and easy.
These tools aren’t just convenient — they help ensure observations are more accurate and useful for scientists tracking bird populations around the world.
And perhaps most importantly, they remove the pressure of “getting it right.” Birding becomes less about memorizing field guides and more about curiosity, discovery, and enjoying time outside.
Ready to Join?
The Great Backyard Bird Count 2026 runs:
February 13–16
Watch birds for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you get hooked — and you probably will).
Grab a coat, step outside, and see who’s flying through your world.
You might be surprised how much is happening right over your head.
Learn more here: Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.