7th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

Reprinted from the Audubon News Wire

From February 13–16, bird enthusiasts are invited to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a project developed and managed by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with sponsor-ship from Wild Birds Unlimited store owners and NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), and with participation from Bird Studies Canada for the first time. During the event, everyone who enjoys birds will be able to submit their observations through BirdSource http://www.birdsource.org; these data will help scientists determine the status of birds continent wide. At the same time, the project will teach participants how to turn their backyards into real, useful habitat for birds.

“Improving backyards is an important way to create green-ways for birds between parks and wild areas,” said Frank Gill, Audubon’s Director of Science. “Yards allow for the cultivation of native plants and provide essential sanctuary to migratory and resident birds. Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count gives people a first-hand view of how important bird-friendly backyards are to many bird species.” Visit http://www.audubon.org for the full story.