Want to participate in a child-friendly citizen science project that has been ongoing for 25 years? The Great Backyard Bird Count is coming up February 18-21, 2022.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is one of our favorite bird-centered STEM activities. All you and your family members need to do is count the birds you see over 15 minutes (at least once over the four day period) and then report your findings. Although it is called “backyard,” you may count birds anywhere they are found, including parks, preserves, or fields. There is plenty of information and instructions about getting started at the website.
This year there is a free webinar for participants on Feb 16, 2022. Register here.
This is a wonderful project to revisit year after year. Perhaps you can spot new birds and/or population trends in your own community. For example, the other day I spotted a Crissal Thrasher (All About Birds page) perched on top of a saguaro. That C-shaped curved beak was incredible and I wondered how it could eat with it.
What can you find? Time to grab those binoculars and meet your bird neighbors!
Related Activities:
Looking for children’s books about birds?
1. Check out Taking Flight: a List of Children’s Books About Bird Migration at Science Books for Kids
2. The list of children’s books for young birdwatchers at Science Books for Kids
You may also want to try:
- The bird activities category here at Growing with Science
- Our For the Birds Pinterest page.
- Printable bird count sheets and activity suggestions at Share It! Science
- Visit the All About Birds guide for help with identification
Are you planning to participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count? What kinds of birds do you see in your backyard? We’d love to hear.
