Why is the GBBC important? Like they say, scientists can’t be everywhere to study bird populations and observe changes in their habitat, but citizen scientists like us can. The information that will be gathered over the four days is critical in helping scientists determine what is happening with bird populations in a matter of days instead of years.

The count this year will be very interesting to compare to past years’ numbers. Some bird counts taken during our recent Christmas Bird Count seem to be low here in New Jersey. This may be due to the warmer winter we are having, the October snowstorm, or possibly the flood conditions we endured.

But that’s why participation in the GBBC is so important. We can gather information that otherwise would be impossible to obtain. And what makes it even more interesting and fun at the same time is that you can see what birds are being counted, how many, and where just by logging on to the GBBC webpage. You will be able to look not only at the entire country, but the entire state, and even see what birds are right in your own hometown.
 
We have a few weeks to get ready for the count so there are a few things we can do to prepare ourselves. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert to take part in the GBBC.

1.    Hit the books! Brush up on some of the more difficult birds to identify like the sparrows. Look at different field guides and websites to get a better idea of what birds you might see in your backyard.

2.    If you have feeders, fill them up now with a good seed blend with no fillers. Provide other foods, such as suet, or even fruit like apple halves and grapes.

3.    Keep birdbaths full and clean, and if you can, put out a heated birdbath. It will save you from chipping the ice out every morning.

4.    You don’t need to have a backyard to get involved. Make a plan for you and your friends and family to meet at a local park or nature center.

5.    Plan a “Great Backyard Bird Count Party”. If you are doing the count in your backyard then make it a party. Invite the neighbors, Scout groups, and even people that have never watched birds before. As important as the scientific information that will be gathered is, remember that it is a fun event. 

I can remember 15 years ago when the GBBC first started and I would get piles of forms and lists from folks with no computer access that would take me days to enter. Now, I might get one or two a year. It is still a great idea to let folks know they don’t need to be left out if they are not online. You can print them out a form and enter it for them.

The GBBC is an excellent way to get the casual backyard birder as well as the experts involved in citizen science. It’s also a great way to introduce new people to the natural world that is around them. Only when people learn to appreciate and understand our environment will they work hard to protect it. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a wonderful way to start them on the right road to the love of the birds and all wildlife.