Golden-crowned Kinglet—Photo: Mick Thompson

Great Backyard Bird Count

February 13–16, 2026

Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.

Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.

Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 13–16, 2026.

Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:

• If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.

• If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).

If you already use Merlin or eBird, all entries over the 4 days count towards GBBC. Keep doing what you are doing!

No need to register or sign-up separately for GBBC.