Join This Season
SwiftWatch
May - September
A flexible solo or group activity that can take place any time from dawn till dusk. Counting Chimney Swifts is quick to learn and the birds are delightful to observe.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Join the world in connecting to birds February 12–15, 2027.
©American Tree SparrowDavid Lapins
©American Tree SparrowDavid Lapins
Take part in one of the largest birding events on the planet this winter!
Every February, people around the world come together for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), one of the largest community birding events on the planet. For four days, anyone, anywhere, can take part in counting birds and contributing to a global snapshot of birdlife. Whether you’re in a backyard, local park, or simply looking out a window, this free and welcoming event is for all ages and skill levels, taking place wherever you are.
Join a Global Movement
The observations submitted through the GBBC by people around the world help scientists better understand global bird populations ahead of spring migration.
Over the course of four days, hundreds of thousands of volunteers form a global snapshot of birds around the world.
In 2026, there were 8,000+ species recorded by over a million participants! This is your chance to be a part of a worldwide conservation effort.
Whether you are going birding for the first time or have been participating for 30 years, the Great Backyard Bird Count is a chance to share the joy of birds with friends and family. This global event offers a simple, fun, and meaningful way to connect with nature and contribute to bird conservation efforts worldwide.
Photo: Rémi Torrenta
Whether you count one bird or hundreds, participating is easy and fun for all ages, and can be done solo or with others anywhere you find birds.
How to Participate:
Watch birds.
Head to your favourite place to see birds - a backyard, local park, birding hotspot, or simply looking out a window. Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four-day count period from February 12–15, 2027.
Share Your Sightings
Identify all the birds you see or hear and use one of the below tools to share your bird sightings.
- Merlin Bird ID: If you are new to birding, consider using the Merlin Bird ID app to submit what you see or hear.
- eBird: If you have participated before and want to record the number of individual birds, use the eBird Mobile app or website (desktop/laptop). If you are using eBird on a computer, use a checklist while observing and input your data through the website after you finish.
*All entries saved to Merlin and eBird over the 4-day count period will be automatically counted towards the GBBC. No event registration is required for this program.
For full count instructions, resources, and webinars visit:
We would love to hear from you!
Contact Us
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a collaborative effort between Birds Canada, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the National Audubon Society.
Made possible with support from Wild Birds Unlimited and Kowa Optics. Thank you!
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