Help wild birds by counting them

The purpose of the count is to get people of all ages involved in counting birds in their local neighborhoods and yards to help gather data about winter bird populations. The data will help bird scientists to better understand changes in winter bird movements, abundance, and general behavior. The GBBC has created an instructional video explaining how the count works.

Basically, people can count all the species of birds they see during a count day, noting the highest number they spot at any one time. Individuals or groups may count on any one of the count days or all of them. But, a separate count tally must be submitted for each day. All the count data is submitted online at the GBBC website. Then, counters can see real-time data for their area of what birds are being seen.

The local Wild Birds Unlimited store has promoted the GBBC for over 10 years, offering birdwatching advice to local customers and interested participants. Owner David Mitchell says, "This is a fun project to do over the President's Day weekend. And the GBBC links people like you and me with scientists to collect important data about birds. Wild Birds Unlimited is a proud sponsor of this program again this year." The store also has free local bird checklist sheets for anyone who needs them.

In 2009, birdwatchers across North America counted over 11.5 million individual birds, while submitting 93,600 checklists and 6,000 photos. Having participated in the GBBC, I've found it to be easy and fun.

Go to www.birdcount.org for complete details.

Kurt Hagemeister is President of the MIchigan Bluebird Society, a member of the Washtenaw Audubon Society, and has over 33 years experience feeding and watching wild birds.