20 Inspiring Photos & Tips for the Great Backyard Bird Count
Dive into the global celebration of citizen science with photos, expert tips, and advice to join the Great Backyard Bird Count from anywhere.
Every February, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) brings together bird lovers from around the world for four days of observation, photography, and community science. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting out, this guide will inspire you with stunning bird photos and give you everything you need to join the global celebration, contribute to real-world conservation, and enjoy the wonder of birds right outside your door.
What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
The GBBC is a free, annual citizen science event where people count and report birds they observe over four days. In 2025, the count runs from February 14th–17th. Observers spend at least 15 minutes tallying birds at their chosen sites—be it a backyard, park, balcony, or local patch—and submit their findings online. Through these collective efforts, scientists get a worldwide snapshot of bird populations, track trends, and focus conservation efforts where they are needed most.
Main Goals of the Count
- Track changes in wild bird populations globally
- Encourage engagement with nature and outdoor observation
- Support conservation efforts through valuable data collection
- Foster community among bird lovers of all levels
Why Join the Count?
Birds respond to habitat change, climate, pollution, and disease, acting as environmental indicators. Each checklist participants submit helps create a detailed map revealing bird population patterns and trends. This real-time, open-data resource aids researchers and policymakers worldwide—and it’s powered by you.
Top Reasons to Participate
- Contribute to science: Every bird you count helps monitor species health and aids conservation.
- Discover new species: Even common backyards hold surprising biodiversity.
- Enjoy family fun: Birdwatching connects people of all ages and abilities.
- Connect globally: Join a worldwide effort with fellow participants spanning every continent.
How to Participate: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Create a free account on birdcount.org or use the eBird Mobile app.
- Pick your spot: Count birds at any location—backyard, park, garden, apartment balcony, or along your favorite trail.
- Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days during the event. Tally the numbers and types of birds you see.
- Submit your observations using the website or app. Each checklist adds a glowing light on the live map, literally helping the world “light up” with bird data.
Photo Inspiration: Remarkable Birds You Might Spot
From colorful songbirds to striking backyard visitors, the GBBC is a celebration of avian diversity. The following photos and species highlights will inspire you to pick up your binoculars—and your camera!
1. Northern Cardinal
Male Northern Cardinals are instantly recognizable by their vibrant red plumage and black faces. Females are warm brown with subtle red accents. Cardinals are frequent visitors to backyard feeders and a favorite subject for photographers.
2. American Goldfinch
With bright yellow summer feathers and a cheerful song, American Goldfinches flock to thistle feeders and weedy patches. In winter, their plumage becomes more subdued but no less charming.
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3. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are both bold and beautiful, known for their intelligence and striking blue, white, and black feathers. Keep an ear out for their loud calls and an eye out for their acrobatic feeder antics.
4. Dark-eyed Junco
Often called “snowbirds,” Dark-eyed Juncos are most visible during winter months. Look for their crisp gray and white coloring and gentle hopping for seeds on the ground.
5. Downy Woodpecker
The smallest woodpecker in North America, Downy Woodpeckers have a white belly and black wings marked with white spots. They hammer on tree branches—and suet feeders—for tasty insects.
6. Black-capped Chickadee
Cute, curious, and easy to recognize by their “chick-a-dee” call, Black-capped Chickadees are feeder regulars who’ll take seeds from your hand if you’re patient and still.
7. House Finch
House Finches showcase red, orange, or even yellow hues in males. Adaptable and social, they’re often found in cities and suburbs alike.
8. Mourning Dove
Pale, gentle, and with a distinctive soft cooing call, Mourning Doves often flock in gardens and on wires. Their subtle elegance makes them a delightful focus for photography.
9. American Robin
A sign of spring in many regions, American Robins are famous for their orange breasts and melodious songs. They forage for worms on lawns and perch on branches.
10. European Starling
European Starlings dazzle in large flocks with iridescent plumage that changes from spots in winter to glossy purple-green in summer.
More Species to Watch For:
- Bald Eagle
- Tufted Titmouse
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Snow Bunting
- Cedar Waxwing
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
Bring extra excitement to your count by watching for migratory species, rare visitors, or birds unique to your region. Many participants even spot birds they never expected in their own yards!
Tips for a Rewarding Counting Experience
- Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom—this helps spot shy or distant birds, and photography aids later identification.
- Use a field guide or birding app like Merlin Bird ID for live identification help and bird song recognition.
- Keep feeders clean and stocked: Attract a wider variety of birds by offering black oil sunflower seeds, suet, nyjer, and fresh water.
- Be patient and still: Birds often appear after a few minutes of quiet observation.
- Count at different times: Mornings and late afternoons can reveal different species.
- Try various locations: Your local park, schoolyard, or balcony can offer new birding opportunities.
What Happens to Your Data?
Each submitted checklist becomes part of a vast dataset scientists use to monitor population changes, range shifts, and threats from disease, climate, and habitat loss.
This data has helped:
- Track how birds respond to weather and climate events
- Identify declining or growing populations
- Pinpoint regions needing conservation attention
- Increase public engagement and awareness about bird conservation
Make Your Space Bird-Friendly
To maximize the variety of species you may see—and support birds year-round—consider these bird-friendly backyard ideas:
- Provide multiple feeder types: Tube feeders, platform feeders, and suet cages attract different species.
- Grow native plants: Native shrubs, trees, and flowers offer food and shelter for both year-round and migratory birds.
- Keep water available: A heated birdbath or shallow basin helps birds stay hydrated through winter.
- Offer nesting spots: Build or buy nest boxes appropriate to local species.
- Limit pesticide use: Healthy insects support birds, too.
Birdwatching Accessibility and Community
Everyone can contribute to GBBC, regardless of age, mobility, or experience. Count birds from a window, in your garden, or with friends at a local park. The GBBC fosters connections—and friendly competition—among friends, families, classrooms, and neighbors. Community maps on the GBBC website even show hotspots where local groups celebrate and share sightings.
Get Help Identifying Birds: Favorite Apps and Guides
- Merlin Bird ID: Snap a photo or describe a sighting; Merlin suggests likely species based on your location and season.
- eBird Mobile: Used for submitting observations and checklists; integrates with the GBBC for automatic data entry.
- Field guides: Books like the Sibley Guide to Birds or the Peterson Field Guide offer illustrations and range maps for offline reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I have to be a bird expert to join the GBBC?
A: Not at all! The event welcomes beginners and experts alike. Many resources are available to support first-timers, from online guides to user-friendly bird apps.
Q: Can I count birds if I live in a city or apartment?
A: Absolutely! Birds thrive in urban spaces, too—try counting from a balcony, rooftop, or community garden.
Q: Is there a minimum number of birds I need to see to participate?
A: No minimum! Even counts with just a few observations are valuable contributions to science.
Q: What if I only know the name of a few birds?
A: Submit what you can confidently identify. Each correct sighting matters, and you’ll learn more with every count.
Q: Can children or people with limited mobility join in?
A: Yes—birding is for everyone. GBBC is a family-friendly, accessible activity that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, alone or with a group.
The Joy of Citizen Science & Bird Photography
The beauty of the GBBC is in its celebration of ordinary people doing extraordinary science. As the world changes, birds are often the first to signal shifts in the environment. By observing, photographing, and reporting birds in your local community, you contribute to a truly global cause while also enriching your own life with color, sound, and wonder.
Ready to Join?
- Pick up your binoculars, notepad, or camera.
- Sign up at birdcount.org or download the eBird Mobile app.
- Start watching, counting, and sharing your own backyard bird discoveries.
Every bird and every checklist matters. This February, be part of a global movement and fall in love with your local wildlife all over again!
References
- https://thegardendiaries.blog/2025/02/12/great-backyard-bird-count-2025/
- https://www.audubon.org/press-room/flock-together-great-backyard-bird-count-0
- https://thebackyardnaturalist.com/wordpress/the-great-backyard-bird-count-2025/
- https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/gbbc/
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/event/great-backyard-bird-count/
- https://www.wbu.com/gbbc/
- https://www.audubon.org/community-science/great-backyard-bird-count
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHgUAbJkr_8
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