The 29th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is set for February 13 through 16, 2026. Bird and nature lovers everywhere unite in the effort to tally as many of the world’s bird species as possible over four days.
Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring — whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
More than 800,000 people participated during the 2025 GBBC. Birders found 8,078 species of the world’s known species, 158 more than in 2024. GBBC continues to reach people around the world — birders counted birds in nearly every country.
To take part in the 2026 GBBC, each participant or group counts birds for 15 minutes or more and uses the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird app to enter the birds they can identify at each site they visit.
That could be their backyard, but it could also be a park, a wilderness area, apartment balcony, neighborhood street, or anywhere.
Anyone can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. First-timers should make it a point to read the instructions on the GBBC website, where they will also find helpful birding tips and birding app downloads.
The GBBC website also features a map of local events to help you find your flock.
Two special free webinars about how to participate in the GBBC will be held on Thursday, February 5, at 3 pm Eastern or Wednesday, February 11, 7 pm Eastern. You can register here.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada and is made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
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