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The Great Backyard Bird Count

© Debbie St. Germain

How would you like to participate in a research project being held this month? The laboratory at Cornell University and the National Audubon Society have joined forces to bring the second, 'Annual Great Backyard Bird Count'. This is your chance to see what it is like to be an Ornithologist and join in with thousands of others who will be participating.

What they are asking is that everyone count the number and type of birds that they see in their backyard, local parks, school yards and other areas. The event takes place February 19 - 22. You can spend as little as 15 minutes on any or all of the days. The reports are entered on-line at Birdsource, an interactive web site developed by Cornell lab and Audubon.

The findings will help them determine what the effects of El Nino has had on the bird population. Your observational powers will help them to immediately begin assessing this years distribution and abundance of North American birds, a week before spring migrations begin. Last year more then 14,000 people tallied over half a million birds.

Comparing this years data with last years' data will establish a clearer picture of long term population trends, in North American birds. The more information they have, the better they will be able to protect species that may be in decline. Scientists are also interested in seeing how last years unprecedented weather conditions effected the birds, in this Post El Nino year.

If you know of a bird watcher or a friend who is interested in joining in the project, let them know. If they don't have access to the internet you can submit their findings for them or they can use the toll free number, (1-800-326-4WBU). Wild Birds Unlimited, a bird and nature retail business with locations across North America will enter reports at their stores for people who are not on-line.

It is open to all regardless of age. If you are too young to do it on your own, ask your parents if they could help you. It is a great project to share and enjoy with other family members. You could also share this information with your classroom, working it into a classroom project.

The BirdSource site has an abundance of information to help you with the project. There is a vocabulary list to help you learn words associated with birds and their environment. Tips, references, images and vocalizations are some other things you can find there. An image map where you can find your state and get a checklist to help you in your observations. A handy reference for those not familiar with the species in your area. You can also look at the data from last years count or view other projects they have done.

The copyright of the article The Great Backyard Bird Count in Science for Kids is owned by Debbie St. Germain. Permission to republish The Great Backyard Bird Count in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.