Join fellow birdwatchers worldwide in the Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 16-19. Each year people come together to observe, count, celebrate and educate themselves about birds. Now in its 27th year, this popular citizen science project helps researchers learn more about fluctuations in bird populations. It also helps scientists monitor changes in bird migration and distribution patterns. Scientists use this information to protect birds, their habitat and the environment. By participating, birdwatchers can increase their environmental stewardship while helping researchers learn more about these splendid creatures.
Senior scientists
This year Alabama Extension’s Senior Scientists will participate in the global event. Senior Scientists, which is offered through the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute and the newly established Urban Wildlife Education Program, highlights native songbird population recovery and encourages seniors to engage with their natural environment. Participation in the event will enhance their birding skills and allow them to share their bird photos with others. These photos can even become a part of the Macaulay Library, the world’s premier scientific archive of natural history. Senior scientists will also be able to watch as observation lists come in from around the world by visiting the live bird sighting map at www.ebird.ord/explore.
This is a perfect time to take in the great outdoors from your backyard, a local park, a botanical garden, a forest, or even a hilltop. So, don’t hesitate to join Senior Scientists and hundreds of bird enthusiasts around the globe in the 2024 Great Backyard Bird Count.
More information
For more information on how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit the official website at www.birdcount.org. For more information on Senior Scientists, contact Roosevelt Robinson at 334-270-4133 or Danielle Rudolph at 256-372-4949.
Resources
- Watching and Counting Birds in Fun: Tips for the Great Backyard Bird Count
- Keys to Successful Bird Identification
- February is National Bird Feeding Month
- Citizen Science at Work
