The global community will come together February 17-20, 2023 for the love of birds. This is when more than 380,000 bird watchers from approximately 190 countries will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) to gather real-time data on more than 7,000 of the world’s bird species.
The scale of this event boggles the mind…and you can be a part of it!
The GBBC is the only scientific research to utilize citizen volunteers to collect data about global bird populations and movements. These data ultimately contribute to a better understanding of birds’ lives and the many factors that are impacting their welfare. Just imagine how rewarding it will feel, knowing that by counting the birds at your feeders, you can be a part of a global community that is aiding scientists in making discoveries that will ultimately help birds to survive and thrive.
For example, from GBBC data we have learned that climate changes are moving some birds to new northern territories, such as Anna’s hummingbirds, Carolina wrens, tufted titmice, and Northern cardinals.
It has also validated what we know about the influence weather has on bird feeding activity. GBBC participants often note they see fewer birds at their feeders during relatively warm weather, compared to colder years.
So, as you share your backyard birds with the world, your GBBC data will help drive important research across the globe…and by the way, it’s fun, too! This is a perfect family activity, tailor-made for kids, grandkids, or even classrooms.
By Dan Heims, President, Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Photographs courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Terra Nova’s breeders have created a series of outstanding world-class echinaceas that are consistent in size, bloom power, color intensity and are a pollinator buffet. What’s not to like.
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