The NPR backyard bird count is an annual event organized by the National Public Radio station where participants count birds in their backyards and report the data to NPR. The event takes place for a few days each February and provides valuable information to scientists about bird populations across North America.
When is the NPR backyard bird count?
The NPR backyard bird count takes place for 4 days every February. In 2023, the count will occur from February 17 to February 20. This is typically timed to coincide with the peak of bird activity and migration patterns before spring arrives.
How does the backyard bird count work?
During the 4 day event, participants spend time in their backyards, local parks, or other natural areas observing and counting birds. The counting period should last at least 15 minutes for an area. Any birds seen or heard during that time can be reported to NPR, even if the same bird is spotted multiple times.
To participate, individuals simply watch and record the highest number of each bird species seen at one time. So if 3 cardinals are spotted, the participant would record “Northern Cardinal – 3”. This avoids counting the same bird multiple times.
Reporting data
There are two ways to submit data to the NPR backyard bird count:
- Use the submission form on the NPR website. Participants enter their bird counts along with location information.
- Use the eBird mobile app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The app can be linked to the NPR event so data is automatically shared.
Submissions are accepted throughout the 4 day event. The data provides a snapshot of bird distributions and populations across the Western Hemisphere.
What types of birds might be spotted?
Participants can expect to see a wide variety of bird species during the count, including both birds that reside year-round in their area and those that are migrating to breeding grounds farther north. Some of the most commonly reported backyard birds include:
- Northern Cardinal
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Downy Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Tufted Titmouse
- Carolina Chickadee
- Mourning Dove
- House Finch
- American Goldfinch
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
However, participants may see any of the hundreds of bird species found across North America. Rare or unusual sightings are encouraged to be reported as well.
Why participate in the backyard bird count?
There are many great reasons to take part in the NPR backyard bird count each February:
- It’s fun! Birdwatching from home is an enjoyable hobby.
- You can discover which birds live and visit your neighborhood.
- Your data contributes to a massive citizen science project.
- Scientists use the data to study bird population trends over time.
- It raises awareness about local bird species.
- It’s easy to participate even if you are new to birdwatching.
How is the data used by scientists?
Scientists use the backyard bird count data to study bird populations on a continental scale. Trends can be analyzed over many years to understand how birds are being affected by changes in climate, habitat, urbanization, disease, and other factors.
Specifically, researchers are able to use the data to:
- Identify declining species to focus conservation efforts
- Detect how bird ranges are shifting earlier due to climate change
- Pinpoint areas being used during migration for habitat protection
- Compare urban and rural bird diversity
- Track outbreaks of disease in bird populations
- Correlate bird population changes with weather patterns
The backyard bird count provides one of the largest instantaneous snapshots of bird populations available to scientists. The data contributes great value to ornithology and bird conservation.
How accurate is the data?
The NPR backyard bird count data has some limitations but provides a useful general overview of bird activity. Factors to consider regarding data accuracy include:
- Counts depend on observer identification skills. Misidentified birds can skew data.
- Counts are not comprehensive. Total population sizes cannot be extrapolated.
- Sampling is uneven. Participation levels vary across regions.
- Snapshots can miss migrating birds that pass through briefly.
- Counts are affected by the weather during the 4 day period.
- Data quality depends heavily on the number of participants.
However, scientists can account for these limitations when analyzing the data. Overall trends still provide meaningful insights into bird populations.
How many people participate each year?
Participation in the NPR backyard bird count has steadily increased since the tradition started in 1998. In recent years, around 300,000 checklists have been submitted annually by participants.
Here are the participation numbers for the past 5 years of nationwide backyard bird counts:
Year | Number of Checklists |
---|---|
2019 | 318,142 |
2020 | 285,296 |
2021 | 339,694 |
2022 | 377,192 |
2023 | TBD |
As the event grows each year, the datasets become more robust. Ornithologists hope to continue increasing engagement to improve coverage across all habitats.
What are the most commonly reported birds?
The most commonly spotted birds reported to the backyard bird count provide a snapshot of the species thriving near human settlements. Below are the top 10 most frequently counted birds in 2022:
Rank | Bird Species | Percent of Checklists |
---|---|---|
1 | Northern Cardinal | 66% |
2 | Mourning Dove | 63% |
3 | Dark-eyed Junco | 62% |
4 | Downy Woodpecker | 61% |
5 | Blue Jay | 57% |
6 | Tufted Titmouse | 43% |
7 | House Finch | 42% |
8 | Carolina Chickadee | 42% |
9 | American Goldfinch | 41% |
10 | House Sparrow | 41% |
These bird species are clearly very common in neighborhoods and residential areas reporting data. Their prevalence near humans demonstrates their adaptability to living amongst urbanization and access to backyard feeders.
Regional variations
While those species dominate checklists nationwide, regional variations do exist. For example, Northern Cardinals and Carolina Chickadees are reported more frequently in southeastern states, while Dark-eyed Juncos are seldom spotted there compared to western regions.
How to participate for the first time
Contributing to the NPR backyard bird count is easy even for first-time citizen scientist participants. Here are some tips for beginners:
- Mark your calendar for the 4 day period each February.
- Observe birds for at least 15 minutes. Longer is better.
- Try to count in the same location each day if possible.
- Identify and tally the maximum number of each species seen.
- Submit your checklist using the NPR website or eBird app.
- Consider joining a local birding group for tips and support.
- Use bird identification books and online guides if you need help.
- Don’t worry about perfect identification. Submit what you can ID.
- Take photos to help confirm tricky bird sightings.
- Have fun while contributing to citizen science!
Ways to attract more birds
To increase the number and variety of birds spotted during the backyard bird count, try some of these tips to make your space more bird-friendly:
- Offer fresh water in a birdbath, fountain, or small pond.
- Supply a variety of bird feeders with preferred seeds and nuts.
- Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide food sources.
- Install nest boxes suited for your region’s bird species.
- Avoid using pesticides which can eliminate bird food supplies.
- Let fallen leaves and brush piles remain as shelter.
- Set up a brush pile to provide cover from predators.
- Limit mowing and pruning during the winter when food is scarce.
- Remove outdoor cats which can harm birds.
- Minimize reflective windows that can confuse birds.
With a welcoming habitat, you are sure to enhance your backyard birding experience and observation counts!
Conclusion
The NPR backyard bird count is a rewarding citizen science activity that engages everyday people in collecting data on bird populations. Since starting in 1998, it has become a popular annual tradition for birdwatchers while providing scientists with valuable snapshots of distribution and trends. Anyone can easily take part and contribute to better understanding the ecology of our feathered friends.
Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare your binoculars for the 2023 count happening February 17-20. Create a bird-friendly space, identify and tally the birds you see, and submit your checklist to add your backyard data to this important collaborative effort.