If you’ve ever wanted to try birding, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) from February 14-17, 2025, is the perfect time to start! This global event offers a simple, fun, and meaningful way to connect with nature and contribute to bird conservation efforts worldwide.
Participating is easy: spend at least 15 minutes observing birds anywhere—your backyard, a park, or even a balcony—and report what you see using the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird. To make the most of your birding adventure, here are some top tips for beginners:
Download the Merlin App
Using Merlin allows you to participate in the GBBC right from your phone! If you are new to birding, this wonderful tool will help you identify what you are seeing and hearing. Make sure to create an account and sign-in or else your checklist won’t be automatically submitted as part of the GBBC. It’s free!
*Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the app by going out in advance of the GBBC. Make sure to select “That’s my bird!” to have it added to your list.
Attend a GBBC Webinar
There will be two live events to learn more about how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Join experts from Birds Canada, Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as they share tips and tricks for participating. Pick from one of two times to join the fun. Register here!
- Thursday, February 6th at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Wednesday, February 12th at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Choose Where You Will Count
Explore your own backyard, head to a local green space, or go with a group anywhere you can find birds. Observing familiar surroundings makes it easier to spot and identify common birds. You don’t have to go far!
Count Birds!
Between February 14th-17th, use Merlin to submit the birds you see and hear at least once over the 4 days. Make sure to count for at least 15 minutes and include all of the birds you can identify by sight and sound.
Tag @Birds.Canada on Instagram while you are out for a chance to be featured on our stories!
Resources to Help You Prepare
Brush up on your bird ID skills with these free resources in advance of the GBBC!
Birding for Beginners Course Learn about helpful tools, how to start identifying birds, and where to go birding.
Discover Birds in Your Region and download a free PDF of common local species!
Borrow a Birding Resources from Your Local Library
Check with your local library to see if they have binoculars and bird guides that you can sign-out for the count!
Ready, Set, GBBC!
Mark your calendar for February 14-17, 2025, and encourage friends and family to join you. The GBBC is for everyone, new birders to pros! No registration required, just sign-in to Merlin or eBird and go birding.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint effort from Birds Canada, Audubon, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology with sponsorship support from Wild Birds Unlimited. Whether you’re a solo observer or part of a group, your contributions to the GBBC will support vital bird conservation efforts worldwide.
Let’s make a difference, one bird at a time!
