Great Backyard Bird Count

A four-day global bird count each February: people watch birds wherever they are and report them, building a snapshot of where birds are in late winter. 2027 is the 30th count.

It is organised by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Birds Canada. Birbs is not involved in running it — the details below are taken from the organiser's own site, which has the final word.

When is Great Backyard Bird Count 2027?

Great Backyard Bird Count 2027 takes place on 12–15 February 2027, as announced by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Birds Canada. Source

The last Great Backyard Bird Count was held on 13–16 February 2026.

How to take part

1. Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once during the four days.
2. Identify and count the birds you see.
3. Report them through the Merlin app or eBird.

Get ready on Birbs

• Identify a Bird — narrow down a bird you are not sure of
• Identify a Bird Sound — for the ones you hear but cannot see

Official site: birdcount.org

Dates and details checked against the organiser's site on 1 October 2026.