February 15-18 is the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).

The GBBC is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

Rob Fergus, senior scientist with the National Audubon Society explains;

“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great excuse to have a bird party!  No matter what kind of organization you are in, you can use the GBBC to introduce people to birds.  Have a 15 minute bird count from the windows at your office and invite your office mates.  Take a child or grandkid out for a birdwalk.  And if you run a nature center, birding store, or other bird-related organization or business, feel free to use the GBBC to shamelessly promote your own bird-related programs. ”

 How to participate:

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes during February 15–18, 2008. Count birds at as many places and on as many days as you like—just keep a separate list of counts for each day and/or location.
2. Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time, and write it down. (You can get regional bird checklists here.)

3. Enter your results through our web page.

Have Fun and enjoy The WILD U.P.!