Time to Find Your Wings!

Great Backyard Bird Count Returns tomorrow

Your backyard, window, or office counts: this Friday, become a scientist by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count!

This year’s annual global count takes place from February 13 – 16.

By participating, you support researchers who track bird populations, document declines, observe the impacts of climate change, identify disease outbreaks and more.

Research results inform conservation strategies to support struggling bird populations.

All you need to do is:

1. Get comfy in a spot where you can see your feeder, yard or anywhere you can see birds.

2. Watch and count for at least 15 minutes on one or all of the days.

3. Using Merlin or eBird, submit what you see! Both are free and available from the App Store or online.

If you already use these apps, no need to do anything different. . . all observations on these four days automatically count. You’re also invited to share what you see in the Village on Bird Friendly Lions Bay’s Facebook group – photos, videos, comments welcome, but be sure to submit using the apps so that your sightings are included in the count.

Some of 2025’s world-wide results include:

• 8,078 species of birds identified (158 more than in 2024)

• 838,113 estimated global participants

• 217 countries or eBird subregions

• 387,652 eBird checklists

• 655,549 Merlin Bird IDs (step-by-step, sound, or photo)

What's your favourite backyard bird?

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Leave a comment below, or email us at

 editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca 

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