The Great Backyard bird count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (February 18-21, 2011) is a nationwide citizen science project of the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.

Participation is free and open to birdwatchers of all ages and skill levels, who can count birds in their backyard or campsite—in national parks, for example. The Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi), Fire Island National Seashore (New York), and Pipestone National Monument are participating.

The counts will be combined with data from around the United States and Canada to help analyze bird population dynamics, migration patterns, and more. The results show the locations of more than 600 bird species.