Great Backyard Bird Count 2011

Do you enjoy getting outside and observing nature? Would you like to participate in a worthwhile project that is great fun for you and your family while helping further scientific knowledge? If so, I hope you will have the opportunity to take part in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This is one of many citizen scientist programs that you can participate in by gathering data for research studies.

This year the GBBC will be February 18-21. For more details check out the GBBC website to learn more about how you can participate and to see some amazing photos taken during last year’s event. I took the photo in this post from inside my house during last year's GBBC, which coincided with a record February snow in the DFW area. (Click on the image for a larger view.) Even with the record snowfall, I was able to gather data as the birds flocked to my bird feeders looking for a meal because most of their other food sources were snowed under.

Mark your calendars now, and happy counting!

Great Backyard Bird Count 2010

I want to share a fun and important opportunity with you that I have participated in for the last few years and encourage you to get involved this year. It is the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Why have I participated? Part of the allure is being able to contribute data as a citizen scientist to a worthwhile research project. Also, I enjoy either watching and counting the birds from my dining room or getting outside to a park or other good bird watching area.

I could go on, but there is so much more info by the organizers of this event, that I encourage you read their press release to learn more about how you can help and to see some amazing photos taken during last year’s event.

This worthwhile project can be great fun for you and your family, so I hope you will get a chance to participate. Happy counting!