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If you have 15 minutes and a window, you can be a citizen scientist this weekend by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. The annual project is taking place this year from February 13 to February 16.
“It doesn’t matter where you bird this weekend, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way to show up for birds and support conservation. You are providing invaluable scientific data when you submit a Merlin or eBird checklist after at least 15 minutes of birding between Feb 13-16.”
[RELATED: Ask Outdoors: How Can I Contribute to Citizen-Science Projects While Traveling?]
Here’s how to participate:
- Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.
- Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once during the timeframe, February 13–16, 2026.
- Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings. Beginners can use the Merlin Bird ID app. If you are more experienced and want to record numbers of birds, you can use the eBird Mobile app.
Learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count here:
Header stock image by Twenty47studio/Getty Images
