The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy global citizen science project that engages the public in counting birds. 

The GBBC dates back to 1998 when it was first started by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society, with Birds Canada joining in 2009.  A major update in 2020 helped make the field count more accessible to the public.

This year the GBBC runs from February 16-19, during which participants will spend time in their favorite places watching as many birds as they can find and reporting their results. These observations will help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. 

In this presentation by SPFHS teacher Zach Rittner, you will have the opportunity to learn more about how to participate in the GBBC.  You’ll be introduced to a variety of free, helpful apps you can download to help you identify birds and report your findings.  You’ll also learn about some of the most common birds in our area, as well as some strategies you can use to collect the best possible data during the bird count.

Registration is recommended.

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Zach Rittner is the head of the environmental science department at SPFHS, where he runs the Conservation in the Classroom program to help foster a new generation of wildlife advocates and environmental stewards. He is also a National Geographic Certified Educator and a Wildlife Ambassador for Chris Morgan Wildlife.  Read about his incredible Summer 2023 trip to the Arctic Circle!