“Get ready to join the global bird-watching phenomenon! Every year, thousands of citizen scientists from around the world don their binoculars and grab their field guides to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This iconic event, now in its 25th year, is a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research while exploring the fascinating world of avian wonders in their own backyards.
The Great Backyard Bird Count: A Community Science Initiative
Understanding the Importance of Bird Counts
Bird populations play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem, and citizen science can significantly contribute to conservation efforts. The Great Backyard Bird Count, a global event hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds Canada, and the National Audubon Society, is an excellent example of community science in action. By participating in this event, individuals can help researchers gather valuable data about bird populations, which can inform conservation strategies and policy decisions.
The role of bird counts in informing conservation efforts cannot be overstated. By tracking bird populations and their decline, researchers can identify areas of concern and develop targeted conservation strategies. For instance, the Midwestern and Great Plains regions are home to a diverse range of bird species, including cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees. However, these species are facing significant threats, such as habitat loss and climate change, which can have devastating impacts on their populations.
How the Great Backyard Bird Count Works
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a four-day event that takes place in February, during which participants are encouraged to count birds in their backyards, parks, or any other outdoor location. To participate, individuals can use apps such as the Merlin Bird ID app or the eBird app to report their bird sightings and contribute to the data collection. The event is designed to be accessible and fun, with participants encouraged to count birds for at least 15 minutes and identify each species and site.
During the event, participants can expect to see a wide range of bird species, depending on their location and the time of year. For example, in the Midwest and Great Plains regions, participants may see species such as cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees, while in other regions, they may see species such as hummingbirds or warblers. By reporting their sightings, participants can help researchers build a comprehensive picture of bird populations and their migration patterns.
The Power of Community Science
The Growth of Bird Watching as a Hobby
Bird watching has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor hobbies, with an estimated 96 million U.S. participants and $107.6 billion in spending related to birding in 2022, according to a recent report from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This growth is significant, as it indicates a increasing interest in nature and conservation among the general public. By participating in community science events such as the Great Backyard Bird Count, individuals can contribute to the conservation of bird species and their habitats.
The growth of bird watching as a hobby has also led to an increase in citizen science projects and events, which provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts. For example, the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count and eBird’s Global Big Day count in May are two other notable events that rely on citizen science participation. By participating in these events, individuals can help researchers gather valuable data about bird populations and their migration patterns.
The Role of Community Science in Promoting Environmental Awareness and Action
Community science has the power to inspire individuals to take action and make a difference in the conservation of bird species and their habitats. By participating in events such as the Great Backyard Bird Count, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility to protect it. Moreover, community science can provide a platform for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and passions, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
According to Becca Rodomsky-Bish, the project leader at Cornell University, “Ultimately, we don’t save and preserve what we don’t love. And so, I find that birds are this really wonderful entry point for a lot of people to become awoken to the mysteries and wonders of the natural world.” By engaging in community science, individuals can develop a deeper love and appreciation for nature, which can inspire them to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.
The Science Behind the Count
Bird Species and Habitats
The Great Backyard Bird Count focuses on monitoring bird species and their habitats, particularly in the Midwestern and Great Plains regions. These regions are home to a diverse range of bird species, including cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees. However, these species are facing significant threats, such as habitat loss and climate change, which can have devastating impacts on their populations.
The prairies and grasslands of the Midwestern and Great Plains regions are critical habitats for many bird species. These ecosystems provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for birds, and their preservation is crucial for maintaining healthy bird populations. However, these habitats are facing significant threats, such as agricultural development and urbanization, which can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Data Collection and Analysis
The data collected during the Great Backyard Bird Count is used to inform conservation efforts and track bird populations over time. By analyzing the data, researchers can identify trends and patterns in bird populations, such as declines in population sizes or shifts in migration patterns. This information can be used to develop targeted conservation strategies and inform policy decisions.
According to Kristen Heath-Acre, the state ornithologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, “It really tells us a lot about which birds are declining, where they are declining, which habitats are at most risk.” By analyzing the data collected during the Great Backyard Bird Count, researchers can gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between bird populations, their habitats, and the environmental factors that affect them.
Getting Involved and Making a Difference
Practical Tips for Participation
To participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, individuals can start by setting up a bird-friendly backyard and creating a bird-watching routine. This can involve installing bird feeders, bird baths, and other features that attract birds to the area. Additionally, individuals can use apps such as the Merlin Bird ID app or the eBird app to report their bird sightings and contribute to the data collection.
Individuals can also participate in other citizen science projects and events, such as the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count or eBird’s Global Big Day count in May. These events provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts, while also developing a deeper appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility to protect it.
Beyond the Count: Ongoing Citizen Science Opportunities
Beyond the Great Backyard Bird Count, there are many other opportunities for individuals to engage in citizen science and contribute to the conservation of bird species and their habitats. For example, individuals can participate in Project FeederWatch, a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America.
Individuals can also explore other citizen science projects and events, such as the Zooniverse platform, which provides a range of projects and activities for individuals to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts. By participating in these projects, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility to protect it, while also contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Empowering Community Science through the Great Backyard Bird Count
As we reflect on the inspiring story of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), it’s clear that community science has the power to unite people, foster a deeper appreciation for nature, and drive meaningful research. Through KPBS’s coverage of the GBBC, we’ve seen firsthand how this annual event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their observations, contribute to a larger dataset, and spark a collective sense of wonder. By highlighting the stories of citizen scientists, researchers, and conservationists, we’ve underscored the significance of this collaborative approach to scientific inquiry.
The implications of community science are far-reaching and profound. By engaging the public in the scientific process, we can build a more inclusive, participatory, and effective approach to conservation. The GBBC’s success demonstrates that even small actions, like counting birds in our backyards, can have a lasting impact on our understanding of the natural world. As we look to the future, it’s likely that community science will play an increasingly crucial role in addressing pressing environmental challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss. By leveraging the collective knowledge and enthusiasm of everyday people, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.
As we close this chapter on the Great Backyard Bird Count, we’re left with a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of community science. By embracing this approach, we can bridge the gap between science and society, and unlock new possibilities for collaborative discovery and action. As the GBBC’s success inspires a new generation of citizen scientists, we’re reminded that every backyard, every park, and every community has the potential to become a hub of scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. The future of science is in our hands – let’s grasp it together.