Sonya Richmond

What Is the Great Backyard Bird Count?

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a global Community Science birdwatching event held every year in mid-February. In 2026, Canadians and travelers from coast to coast to coast are invited to take part. Supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, the GBBC brings together everyday travellers, families, and nature lovers to help scientists better understand bird populations and migration patterns.

Since 2013 the Great Backyard Bird Count has transformed into one of the world’s most accessible and influential wildlife events. Today, birdwatchers in urban centres, rural communities, local parks, and travel destinations across Canada contribute observations that support long-term conservation research. This is your chance to make a positive impact on bird conservation in North America!

How to Participate in Canada

1. Choose a location. No backyard? No problem. You can participate from a hotel balcony, the
window of your B&B, a local park, trail, or waterfront, a national or provincial park, or while
travling through urban or rural landscapes.
2. Observe birds anytime between February 13–16, 2026 for at least 15 minutes.
3. Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool
for sharing your bird sightings:
If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID
app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.
If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird
Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).
4. Submit your checklist on eBird and become part of a global conservation effort

A Flexible, Winter-Friendly and Accessible Nature Experience for Travelers

• Only 15 minutes or more of birdwatching is required
• Follow an easy, standardized counting method used by participants worldwide
• If you head outdoors, simply dress for the weather and enjoy Canada’s winter landscapes
• No birding experience or special equipment needed

This accessibility makes the GBBC ideal for families, casual travellers, photographers, students, and seasoned birders alike.

Why Your Observations Matter

• Data is verified by experts, ensuring scientific accuracy
• Findings help raise awareness about changes in bird populations and habitats
• In previous years, participants have reported nearly half of all known bird species worldwide
• Canadian observations support conservation across forests, wetlands, coastlines, and urban
green spaces.

Turn Your Winter Trip into a Meaningful Experience

Whether you’re exploring Toronto’s ravines, Vancouver’s coastal parks, Quebec’s wildlife areas, or prairie landscapes in Alberta and Manitoba, the Great Backyard Bird Count 2026 is a simple way to connect with nature and contribute to global conservation — wherever your travels take you.