In 2025, an estimated 840,000 particular person contributors globally documented 8,078 species of birds throughout the 4 day lengthy Nice Yard Hen Depend (GBBC). This citizen science initiative is an effective way to watch birds at your feeders, preserve monitor of what you see, and contribute to our information on the distribution and abundance of birds.
The rely runs from February 13-16, 2026.
Taking part is enjoyable, easy and straightforward so get the entire household concerned!
Right here’s the way it works:
All it’s essential do is rely the variety of people of every species you see throughout a single counting session, and submit a guidelines for every counting session. A counting session can take quarter-hour to 2 hours (or 9 hours like our personal chook nerd Jules), it’s nonetheless a lot time you want to observe. You are able to do a number of counting periods over a day or over all 4 days.
From every session, you report the utmost quantity that you simply observe at anybody time for every species. You’ll be able to rely in multiple location—however you submit a separate guidelines for every location every time you rely. The birds you rely don’t must be simply at your feeder, however will be flying over, or anyplace that you simply determine them out of your statement level.
You’ll be able to submit your findings by making a free account and utilizing any of the next platforms:
- Merlin Hen ID: Use the “Discover” possibility throughout the app.
- eBird Cell: Excellent for logging sightings when you’re nonetheless outside.
- eBird.org: Perfect for getting into your information from a desktop or laptop computer.
*Professional tip: Familiarize your self with the app by going out upfront of the GBBC. Be certain that to pick out “That’s my chook!” to have it added to your checklist.
The GBBC is for everybody, new birders to professionals! No registration required, simply sign-in to Merlin or eBird and go birding.