Every February, something pretty incredible happens.
Birders from all over the world—backyards, balconies, parks, forests, and kitchen windows—come together for one shared mission: to count birds and contribute to real, global science.
And this year?
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) from February 13–16 is shaping up to be the biggest one yet.
If you’ve ever thought:
- “I’m not experienced enough”
- “I don’t have fancy gear”
- “I’m not sure I’m doing it right”
Good news: GBBC is designed exactly for you.
Let’s break this down simply, clearly, and confidently—so you’re ready before the first bird lands in your yard.
Why the Great Backyard Bird Count Matters (More Than Ever)
At first glance, the Great Backyard Bird Count can feel like a simple, feel-good birding weekend. A chance to step outside, notice what’s flying around, and maybe learn a new species or two.
But behind the scenes, GBBC has become one of the largest community-powered wildlife studies in the world—and its importance grows every single year.
What makes GBBC so powerful isn’t just the number of birds counted. It’s the number of people paying attention at the same time, across continents, climates, and habitats. Millions of small observations, collected over just a few days, create a snapshot of bird life that simply couldn’t exist any other way.
Every checklist—no matter how short—adds to that picture.
Scientists use this data to track long-term bird population trends, notice changes in migration timing, and identify shifts in where species appear during winter. These patterns help reveal how birds are responding to habitat loss, urban expansion, and a rapidly changing climate. In many cases, GBBC data helps flag concerns early, before population declines become impossible to ignore.
What’s especially meaningful is that this information doesn’t come from remote research stations or exclusive field sites. It comes from ordinary places—from backyards, schoolyards, balconies, city parks, and quiet rural roads.
You don’t need to travel anywhere special.
Your backyard counts.
Your local park counts.
Even a single bird observed once counts.
That’s the quiet brilliance of GBBC: collective participation turns everyday moments into real scientific insight.
Preparation Goes a Long Way (And Makes the Weekend Way More Fun)
There’s another side to GBBC that doesn’t show up in the data charts, but matters just as much—the experience itself.
Over years of birding, and through conversations with thousands of birders at every level, one thing has become very clear to me: the smoother your setup, the more you actually enjoy the birds.
When tools are confusing, apps feel overwhelming, or you’re unsure what you’re “supposed” to do, your attention shifts away from observation and toward stress. And birding, at its core, is meant to be the opposite of that.
That’s why the number one question that comes up every single year is:
“What tools do I need to participate?”
It’s a fair question—and the good news is, the answer doesn’t have to be complicated.
GBBC is intentionally designed to meet people where they are. Whether you love apps, prefer a computer, or rely on pen and paper, there’s a way to participate that feels manageable and comfortable. A little preparation ahead of time removes friction, builds confidence, and lets you focus on what actually matters: watching birds, noticing patterns, and enjoying the process.
So instead of overthinking it, the goal is simple:
Choose the tools that feel easiest, get them ready before the weekend begins, and let everything else unfold naturally.
Because once the setup is out of the way, GBBC becomes what it’s meant to be—a few quiet, meaningful days of paying attention to the world just outside your door.
How to Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count
One of the best things about the Great Backyard Bird Count is how approachable it is.
Participating doesn’t require travel, special equipment, or expert knowledge. You can take part on your own or turn it into a shared experience with family, friends, or neighbors. You can bird for a short window or linger longer if you feel inspired. And most importantly, you can participate anywhere you find birds.
The entire process breaks down into three simple steps.
Step 1: Decide Where You Will Watch Birds
Start by choosing a location that feels comfortable and familiar.
This might be:
- Your backyard or garden
- A balcony or open window
- A nearby park or walking path
- A nature reserve or local green space
There is no minimum “quality” required for a location. Urban spaces, suburban yards, and rural areas all matter. In fact, some of the most valuable GBBC data comes from places people assume are too ordinary to count.
What matters is that you stay in one general area during your observation time. This keeps your sightings consistent and helps make the data more useful.
Step 2: Watch Birds for 15 Minutes or More
Once you’ve chosen your location, simply watch and listen.
You only need to observe birds for at least 15 minutes, once or more during the four-day event, which runs from February 13–16, 2026. If you’d like to observe longer—or on multiple days—you’re welcome to do so.
Some people choose to:
- Watch birds during a morning coffee
- Step outside during a lunch break
- Spend an hour walking a familiar route
There’s no rush and no pressure. The goal isn’t to see as many birds as possible, but to be attentive during the time you’ve chosen.
Listening counts just as much as watching. Many birds are heard before they’re seen, especially in winter.
Step 3: Identify the Birds You See or Hear and Share Your Observations
During your observation period, take note of every bird species you can identify within your chosen time and place. This includes birds you see flying overhead, perched nearby, or calling from trees or shrubs.
Once you’re ready to share your observations, choose the tool that best fits your experience level.
If you are a beginning bird admirer or new to bird identification, the Merlin Bird ID app is the easiest place to start. Merlin helps identify birds by sound, photo, or simple questions, and saving even one identification during GBBC weekend counts as participation.
If you’ve participated in GBBC before—or if you’d like to record numbers of individual birds—you may prefer using the eBird Mobile app on your phone or tablet. This allows you to create full checklists directly in the field.
If you enjoy reviewing your observations more slowly, you can also enter your bird list on the eBird website using a desktop or laptop computer. This option is especially popular with people who bird from home or like double-checking species before submitting.
One Last Reminder
There’s no single “right” way to participate.
Whether you submit one Merlin ID or a detailed checklist in eBird, your observations contribute to a shared global effort. Choose the method that feels most comfortable, keep things simple, and focus on the experience of noticing birds where you are.
That’s all it takes to be part of the Great Backyard Bird Count.
The Easiest Way to Participate: Merlin Bird ID
If you love using Merlin Bird ID, you’re already halfway there.
Here’s the deal:
- Use Merlin at least once between Feb 13–16
- Save a sighting or sound ID
- Boom—you’ve officially participated in GBBC
That’s it: no pressure, no long forms, and no expertise required.
Merlin is especially powerful because:
- It identifies birds by sound, photo, or description
- It works great for beginners and experienced birders
- It removes the fear of “getting it wrong”
If you’ve ever hesitated to submit data because you weren’t 100% sure—Merlin is your confidence boost.
New to GBBC? Follow These Step-by-Step Options
If this is your first Great Backyard Bird Count, here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud:
You don’t need to know everything.
You just need a simple system you trust.
That’s why GBBC offers multiple ways to participate—so you can choose the method that fits your comfort level, your device, and your birding style.
There is no “best” option.
There is only the one you’ll actually use.
Let’s walk through them one by one.
Option 1: Using Merlin Bird ID App
The easiest, lowest-pressure way to participate
If you want fast bird IDs with minimal setup, Merlin is your best starting point.
Here’s how it works during GBBC:
- Install and open the Merlin Bird ID app
- Identify a bird using sound, photo, or the step-by-step questions
- Save at least one ID between February 13–16
That saved observation counts as participation in GBBC.
Why Merlin is perfect for beginners:
- You don’t need to know bird names in advance
- You don’t need to count every individual bird
- You don’t need to submit a full checklist
It removes the fear of “What if I’m wrong?” and replaces it with confidence.
If this is your first birding event ever, start here.
Option 2: Using eBird Mobile (Phone or Tablet)
Best for active birders and outdoor walks
If you enjoy taking walks, visiting parks, or birding beyond your backyard, eBird Mobile gives you more structure.
With eBird Mobile, you can:
- Start a checklist when you begin birding
- Add species as you see or hear them
- Submit your checklist instantly from the field
This option is great if:
- You like keeping organized records
- You want to count individuals
- You already recognize some common birds
It’s slightly more hands-on than Merlin—but incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.
Option 3: Using eBird on a Computer
Perfect if you like larger screens and less rush
Not everyone wants to use a phone while birding—and that’s completely fine.
With eBird on a computer, you can:
- Observe birds first (with binoculars or notes)
- Enter your checklist later at your own pace
- Review species carefully before submitting
This is ideal if:
- You prefer a calm, sit-down process
- You’re birding from home or a feeder
- You like double-checking IDs before submitting
Many experienced birders still prefer this method—it’s thoughtful, accurate, and relaxed.
One Small Tip That Makes a Big Difference
Before GBBC weekend begins, bookmark the instructions for the method you choose.
Why this matters:
- No last-minute searching
- No tech frustration
- No distractions from the birds
When the tools are ready, your attention stays where it belongs—on observing, enjoying, and learning.
Remember This
GBBC is not a test.
It’s an invitation.
Choose the option that feels easiest—not the one you think you should use.
Because the best way to contribute…
is the way that keeps you coming back next year
No Online Tools? You Still Have Options
One of the most common myths about the Great Backyard Bird Count is this:
“If I’m not good with technology, this isn’t for me.”
That simply isn’t true.
Yes—GBBC data is entered entirely online.
But you do not need to be the one pressing the buttons.
If tech isn’t your thing, there are several easy, human-friendly ways to get your birds counted.
Ask a Family Member or Friend for Help
This is often the simplest solution.
You can:
- Watch birds as you normally would
- Write down what you see (species, numbers, location, date)
- Ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to enter the data for you
It takes just a few minutes, and suddenly your backyard observations become part of a global dataset.
GBBC is a great excuse to involve:
- Kids or grandchildren
- A tech-savvy friend
- Someone who’s curious about birds but hasn’t tried birding yet
Birding shared is birding multiplied.
Reach Out to a Local Audubon Chapter or Birding Group
Many Audubon chapters and local bird clubs actively support GBBC participants—especially those who don’t use online tools.
They may be able to:
- Help you submit your observations
- Pair you with a volunteer
- Host group bird counts or submission sessions
You don’t need to be an expert or be a member.
You just need to ask.
This is one of those moments where the birding community truly shows its best side.
Write Everything Down and Submit Later
Pen-and-paper birding is still 100% valid.
During GBBC weekend, simply note:
- Date and time
- Location (even “my backyard” is fine)
- Species seen
- Approximate number of each species
You can submit that information later with help—or even weeks afterward.
What matters most is accurate observation, not instant submission.
The Bigger Picture
Birding has never been a solo activity at heart.
It’s about:
- Sharing knowledge
- Helping one another learn
- Making space for different abilities and comfort levels
GBBC reflects that spirit perfectly.
So if screens feel intimidating, outdated, or unnecessary—don’t let that stop you.
Your observations still matter.
Your birds still count.
And the community is ready to help you be part of it
Don’t Miss the Live “How to Participate in GBBC” Events
If you want extra confidence (or just love learning live), there are two upcoming webinars:
- Thursday, February 5
- Wednesday, February 11
Every registrant gets access to the recording, so even if life gets busy, you won’t miss out.
These sessions are especially helpful if:
- This is your first GBBC
- You want a walkthrough of the tools
- You prefer learning visually
A Great Alternative: Birds Near Me (No App Required)
If you live in the U.S. or Canada and prefer not to use mobile apps, there’s another excellent option.
Birds Near Me works directly in your web browser:
- Similar to Merlin
- Shows likely species in your area
- Great for quick visual confirmation
It’s perfect if you’re:
- Birding from home
- Using a laptop or desktop
- Helping kids or family members identify birds together
Old-School and Proud? Printable Bird Posters Work Too
There’s something charming—and effective—about having a bird poster by the window.
Printable posters are:
- Fast for visual reference
- Great for kids and families
- Perfect for feeder watching
No screens required. Just birds, binoculars, and curiosity.
The Real Secret to GBBC Success
Here’s the mindset shift that quietly changes everything about the Great Backyard Bird Count:
You don’t need to see more birds.
You just need to notice the ones already there.
That idea became especially clear during GBBC 2025.
When the results started coming in, the real story wasn’t about rare sightings or headline-grabbing species. It was about scale. Ordinary places. Familiar birds. Repeated observations from the same backyards, balconies, schoolyards, and city parks.
House Sparrows. Great Tits. Blackbirds. Chickadees. Pigeons. Jays.
Species many people almost stopped noticing—until they started counting them.
And that’s the point.
GBBC works not because everyone finds something extraordinary, but because millions of people pay attention at the same time.
What 2025 Quietly Proved
The 2025 data reinforced something scientists already knew, but birders felt more than ever:
- Consistent observations matter more than rare ones
- Common species tell the most important long-term stories
- Repeated data from the same locations is incredibly powerful
When thousands of people submit “ordinary” checklists year after year, patterns emerge:
- Population shifts
- Changes in winter ranges
- Earlier or later seasonal movements
- Unexpected absences
None of that comes from one perfect checklist.
It comes from showing up.
Participation Beats Perfection
GBBC isn’t a competition.
It’s a collaboration.
It rewards:
- Participation over expertise
- Consistency over intensity
- Curiosity over confidence
Whether you submit:
- One Merlin ID
- A short backyard checklist
- Or a full day of observations
You are adding a piece to a puzzle no single person could ever complete alone.
That’s why one bird matters just as much as one hundred.
Curiosity Is the Real Skill
You don’t need sharp ID skills to succeed at GBBC.
You need curiosity.
Curiosity to ask:
- “What is that bird I always see?”
- “Why are there more of them this year?”
- “Why didn’t I see that species at all?”
Those questions—asked by regular people in regular places—are what turn observations into insight.
GBBC isn’t about proving how much you know.
It’s about discovering how much there is to notice.
Final Thoughts (And a Friendly Nudge)
The Great Backyard Bird Count is one of those rare moments where everything lines up:
Science meets joy.
Data meets wonder.
And your everyday observations genuinely matter.
For four days, the simple act of watching birds becomes something bigger than a hobby. It becomes contribution.
So mark your calendar: February 13–16.
Set up your tools now—whatever tools feel easiest.
And then step back, slow down, and let the birds do what they’ve always done.
And if doubt creeps in, remember this:
Every expert birder once submitted their very first checklist.
Every long-term dataset began with someone noticing something small.
This weekend, that someone might be you.
See you out there.
Great Backyard Bird Count – Quick FAQ
Who can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count?
Anyone can participate. The Great Backyard Bird Count is open to people of all ages and experience levels worldwide.
Where can I participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count?
You can participate anywhere you find birds, including your backyard, balcony, local park, or nearby green space.
Is the Great Backyard Bird Count a global event?
Yes. GBBC is a worldwide event with participants from over 190 countries across all continents.
When is the Great Backyard Bird Count 2026?
The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place from February 13–16, 2026.
How long do I need to watch birds?
You need to watch birds for at least 15 minutes, at least once during the four-day event.
What if I only see one bird?
That still counts. Even a single bird observation is valuable and contributes to global bird science.
Do I need binoculars or special equipment?
No. Binoculars are helpful but not required. Many participants use only their eyes and ears.
What is the best app for beginners?
The Merlin Bird ID app is best for beginners and counts as participation when you save one identification during GBBC.
What tools should experienced birders use?
Experienced birders can use eBird Mobile or eBird.org to submit full checklists.
Can I participate outside the U.S. and Canada?
Yes. GBBC welcomes participants from anywhere in the world.
Why does the Great Backyard Bird Count matter?
GBBC helps scientists track bird populations, migration changes, and environmental impacts worldwide.
Lorand Vigh is a nature conservation professional and lifelong birder based in Serbia (Vojvodina). With over 30 years of field experience in birdwatching, habitat protection, and conservation management, he has worked on bird monitoring projects, habitat restoration initiatives, and cross-border conservation cooperation. GoToBirding is a personal project built on real field experience, sharing practical, science-based advice for birders and wildlife photographers.