Calling all birders! This month, you can help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The event will take place February 16 through 19. Participating is easy and can be done anywhere you find birds. First, decide where you will watch the birds. It could be your backyard, but it could also be a park, a wilderness area, an apartment balcony, or a neighborhood street. Then, once you have chosen a spot, just watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days.

As you watch, identify all the birds you see or hear and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings. If you are a beginning bird admirer, we recommend the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you see or hear. If you have participated in the count before, you may want to use the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop). If you already contribute to Merlin or eBird, continue what you are doing! All entries over the four days count towards GBBC.

As climate change weather fluctuations influence bird movements, especially in an El Niño year, knowing where birds are seen—and not seen—is more critical than ever. In the recent past, flamingos have been sighted in Wyoming. Also, there have been first-ever sightings of a Red-flanked Bluetail in New Jersey and a Cattle Tyrant in Texas, among others. Ornithologists speculate that increasingly fierce storms may have blown the birds off course.

“Strong El Niño conditions this year could bring surprises to the 2024 Great Backyard Bird Count,” said Patrick Nadeau, President and CEO of Birds Canada. “Temperatures are likely to be warmer, which could have an effect on the timing of spring migration and influence food availability. There may be more sightings of unusual visitors wherever you’re looking for birds.”

Beyond playing an essential part in tracking the changes and impact of climate and weather, participating has personal benefits. Studies have shown that being in nature positively affects our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems (lowers heart rate and blood pressure).

For more information, there is a webinar on Thursday, February 13, from 1 - 2 p.m. It is free, but you do need to register, which you can do here.

Last year, more than half a million people participated, and they reported more than 7,500 species of birds from 200+ countries. Broadway Stages encourages you to join the global effort this year. Bring a cup of coffee and a friend, and make a difference while enjoying the outdoors!