Great Backyard Bird Count Underway in Western Pennsylvania

Residents across western Pennsylvania are participating in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, a global effort to track bird populations. The event, organized by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania in collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, encourages bird enthusiasts of all levels to contribute to a real-time snapshot of bird health and trends.

What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?

Launched in 1998, the Great Backyard Bird Count is the first online community-science project designed to collect data on wild birds and display results in near real-time. The initiative relies on volunteers to observe birds in their backyards, local parks, or other natural areas.

How to Participate

Participation is simple and requires minimal equipment. Individuals can observe birds for as little as 15 minutes and report their findings using the eBird or Merlin apps. These apps assist identify birds and submit observations directly to the Great Backyard Bird Count database.

Why is the Bird Count Important?

The data collected during the Great Backyard Bird Count is invaluable to scientists studying bird populations. According to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the information helps determine bird trends, assess bird health, and understand population dynamics both locally and globally.

Local Participation Opportunities

Beyond backyard observations, residents can participate in organized events at locations such as Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Succop Nature Park, Buffalo Creek Nature Park, and Renzie Park.

About the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania connects people in southwestern Pennsylvania to birds and nature through various programs, projects, and protected areas. Their perform includes conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and advocacy for bird-friendly practices. The society also highlights local conservation successes, such as the nesting of rare woodpeckers in Allegheny County and the designation of McCandless as a Bird Town in Pennsylvania.