The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a wonderful way to introduce kids to science, build observation skills, and spark a lifelong love of birds and nature. Best of all, it’s simple, flexible, and accessible for families with kids of all ages—whether you’re brand new to birdwatching or already have a pair of binoculars by the door.
This global citizen science event invites people around the world to spend a little time watching birds and sharing what they see. For kids, it turns an ordinary backyard, park, or playground into a living science lab.
- What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
- When does the Great Backyard Bird Count take place?
- Who can participate?
- How do we participate?
- Why the Great Backyard Bird Count is perfect for kids
- Tips for beginners
- Using the Merlin Bird ID app
What Is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual worldwide event where participants observe birds and report their sightings to a shared scientific database. The data collected helps scientists track bird populations, migration patterns, and changes in habitat over time.
The information you find through citizen science helps conservation organizations identify at-risk species, protect critical habitats, and guide policy decisions that protect birds for future generations.
For families, it’s a hands-on way to contribute to real conservation efforts while getting kids outside and engaged with the natural world.
When Does the Great Backyard Bird Count Take Place?
February 13–16, 2026
You can participate on one day or all four days. Even a single 15-minute observation session on a single day makes a difference!
Who Can Participate?
Anyone, anywhere in the world!
No prior birdwatching experience is required—if you can spot a bird, you can participate! The event is definitely beginner-friendly with plenty of tools and resources to help you identify what you see.
You don’t need special equipment*, prior experience, or a large block of time. Kids, teens, adults, families, classrooms, homeschoolers—everyone is welcome.
(*You will need access to the internet to submit your observations, and access to the Merlin Bird ID app is very helpful!)
How Do We Participate?
Getting started is easy:
- Choose a location. This could be your backyard, a local park, a nature trail, a schoolyard, or even a playground.
- Watch birds for at least 15 minutes at least once during the four-day event.
- Identify the birds you see and/or hear. (See “beginner” section below for help with identification.)
- Report your sightings using one of these tools:
- Merlin Bird ID app (free)
- eBird app (free)
- eBird website (free account)
That’s it! No pressure to be perfect—just do your best and enjoy the experience.
If you like working off lists, you can download a printable checklist for the birds in your region. Go to ebird.org/explore. Under Explore Regions in the top right, enter your location. Then navigate to “printable checklist” at the bottom of the menu on the left side of your screen. Voila! (This is a year-round species list, so keep in mind that not all of them will be present in February, and some may be rare.) N.B. The Merlin Bird ID app can help you build custom lists of birds that are likely to be around for a specific location and time of year.
Why the Great Backyard Bird Count Is Perfect for Kids
- Low time commitment: Short sessions work well for young attention spans.
- Flexible locations: Participate wherever kids already spend time outdoors.
- Hands-on learning: Kids practice observation, listening, and critical thinking.
- Real-world impact: Their observations contribute to actual scientific research.
It’s a great way to show kids that science isn’t just something you read about—it’s something you can do.
What If We’re Beginner Birdwatchers?
Not a problem! There are many resources to help you identify the birds you see and hear:
- field guides:
- identification apps:
- Merlin Bird ID (our favorite!)
- Audubon Bird Identification (North America)
- BirdNet
- Collins Bird Guide (Europe)
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.)
Tip: If possible, take a photo of the birds as you see them — this will help you in the identification process.
Using the Merlin Bird ID app for the Great Backyard Bird Count
Our favorite bird ID app is Merlin Bird ID, powered by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s an amazing tool and connected with the GBBC.
The app allows you to identify a bird in three different ways:
- using a step-by-step process
- recording their sound (our favorite!)
- using a photo
Step-by-step identification:
With the step-by-step process, you will be asked:
- Where did you see the bird?
- When did you see the bird?
- What size was the bird? (graphic for reference)
- What were the main colors?
- Was the bird…? (with location/activity choices)
The app will then give you possible answers along with photos and description of each bird.
By sound: (This is so cool!)
- Within the app, start a recording of the birds that you hear.
- The app uses your phone’s microphone to ‘listen’ to birds in real-time, then identifies them by their calls and songs.
- As each bird sings, its name lights up on your screen.
- You can tap any bird to hear a sample of its call and confirm the match. It’s like Shazam for birds—kids love watching the names pop up as they hear different songs!
You’ll be amazed at all the different calls it will pick up, even if you don’t think there are many birds around. Even adults are often amazed by how quickly they learn using Merlin. It turns uncertainty into curiosity and makes bird identification feel like a game.
By photo:
- Take a photo or choose one from your camera reel.
- Confirm the location and date of the photo.
- Press “identify” and the app will suggest possible matches, giving a photo and further identifying information.
What If We’re Experienced Birders?
Experienced birders can help make an even bigger impact by:
- Exploring under-birded habitats where less data is available.
- Counting in less-populated areas.
- Encouraging kids to take the lead in spotting and recording observations.
Every observation helps fill in gaps in global bird data.
Encourage Friends and Family to Join
The more people who participate, the more valuable the data becomes. Invite friends, neighbors, classrooms, scout troops, or extended family to join in—even if they’re participating from different locations.
Birding together (or alongside each other) builds community and strengthens conservation efforts.
Want More Information?
Visit birdcount.org for:
- step-by-step participation details
- helpful instructions and tips
- local and virtual events
- additional ways to share your love of birds
Keep the Learning Going
Interested in more ways to combine outdoor time and real-world science?
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is just one of many ways to get kids involved in citizen science. For more information about citizen science and how to get them involved, don’t miss my post:
And if you’re curious about how other identification apps to help kids learn more about the nature around them, read this post:
The Great Backyard Bird Count with kids is a simple reminder that meaningful outdoor experiences don’t have to be complicated. Grab a coat, step outside, and see what birds are sharing your space—you might be surprised by what you find.
