Photo Above: Pileated Woodpecker
How to Participate? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days
of the count, February 13–16, 2009. You can count for longer than
that if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you
like—one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for
each new day. You can also submit more than one checklist per day if you count
in other locations on that day.
2. Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you
see together at any one time. You may find it helpful to print out
your regional
bird checklist to get an idea of the kinds of birds you're likely
to see in your area in February. You could take note of the highest number or
each species you see on this checklist.
3. When you're finished, enter your results through
the Great Backyard Bird Count web page. You'll see a button
marked "Enter Your Checklists!" on the website home page beginning
on the first day of the count (February 13, 2009). It will remain active until
the deadline for data submission on March 1, 2009.
Photo Above: Tufted Titmouse
Other helpful tools and information:
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Some people find it helpful to fill out the form before entering it on the website. By printing it off ahead of time, they know what information they need to be aware of, such as snow depth, for example.
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Photo contest rules are located here.
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If you're new to bird watching, you might want to check out the "Learn About Birds" section. You'll find help with tricky bird identifications, choosing binoculars, bird feeding tips, and much more.