Naturist’s Nook
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) (birdcount.org/) is the second biggest bird count after the Christmas Bird Count in December. Many people felt you had to be an expert to participate in the Christmas Bird Count, so researchers wanted to develop a project that was less intimidating.
And less intimidating it is. You don’t even have to leave your house during the dead of winter to make observations. Whatever you see outside the windows of your house while wearing your PJs and sipping your hot chocolate is what you send into the survey.
This event goes on from Feb. 13 through Feb. 16. You can record and send in data for all four days.
This data has allowed researchers to identify new invasive species to the United States as well as track population gains and losses of bird species that are very social and hang out around human dwellings.
To participate in the count, you’ll need to download the eBird mobile app, set up your account, and begin watching birds. The homepage has a very helpful video that also explains more about the project and how to participate. If you are not familiar with the birds you are seeing, you can also download the Merlin app. It can help you to identify birds through photos or recording of their calls and singing.
If you do want to leave your house for a winter hike, I’ll be doing a bird count at Riverview Park from 8-10 a.m. on Feb. 14 (meet at the Visitor Center). We’ll take a leisurely stroll on the flattish areas between the Visitor Center and the Chapel Shelter.
For the more intrepid, we’ll take a walk near the end to see if we can find the Great Horned Owls.
All are welcome. But remember, even if you don’t go outside, whatever birds you see out of the windows of your house can be reported for the count.
Happy explorations…
Joseph Reznik teaches biology and math at the Community College of Allegheny County’s main campus.
