Join the Global Bird Count 2025: A Citizen Scientist’s Guide to Celebrating Birds This Valentine’s Day
- Nourish Our World
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
Discover how you can contribute to bird conservation by participating in the Global Bird Count 2025, February 14–17. Learn why this event matters, how to join, and tips from Nourish Our World.
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A Valentine’s Day Gift to the Planet
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for humans—it’s the perfect time to celebrate our feathered friends! From February 14–17, 2025, bird enthusiasts worldwide will unite for the Global Bird Count, a monumental citizen science event organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and partners.
As an environmental conservationist and founder of Nourish Our World, I’m thrilled to share how this event bridges science, community, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, your observations can shape the future of bird conservation. Let’s dive into why this event matters and how you can join the flock!
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What Is the Global Bird Count?
The Global Bird Count is a four-day event where people across the globe document bird species in their backyards, parks, or wilderness areas. Launched in the 1990s as the Great Backyard Bird Count, this initiative has evolved into a global movement, with over 200,000 participants annually contributing millions of bird sightings.
Key Details:
- Dates: February 14–17, 2025
- Organizers: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and BirdLife International
- Platform: Data is submitted via (https://www.birdcount.org/) or the eBird Mobile App.
- Goal: Create a real-time snapshot of bird populations to aid conservation research.
By spending just 15 minutes counting birds, you become part of a global network tracking species distribution, migration patterns, and population health.
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Why Participate? 5 Reasons to Join the Flock
1. Contribute to Critical Science
Bird populations are indicators of ecosystem health. Your data helps scientists identify declines (e.g., the loss of 3 billion North American birds since 1970) and craft policies to protect habitats.
2. Connect with Nature
Birdwatching reduces stress and fosters mindfulness—a perfect antidote to screen-heavy lifestyles.
3. Empower Communities
Schools, families, and farms can collaborate to monitor local biodiversity.
4. Boost Your Expertise
Use tools like the Merlin Bird ID app to sharpen your identification skills.
5. Celebrate Global Unity
In 2024, participants from 190 countries logged 7,000+ species. Let’s break records in 2025!
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How to Participate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Location
You can count birds anywhere—your backyard, a city park, or even a farm (more on that later!).
Step 2: Observe and Record
Spend at least 15 minutes noting every species you see or hear. Use the Merlin Bird ID app for real-time identification help, or any field guide to birds will do.
Step 3: Submit Your Data
Upload sightings to (https://www.birdcount.org) or via eBird Mobile. Create a free account to track your contributions.
Pro Tip: Submit multiple checklists from different locations or times for richer data!
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Birds to Watch For in 2025
While every bird counts, here are a few species to spotlight in the US and Canada:
- Snowy Owl: This Arctic nomad’s winter movements are increasingly unpredictable due to climate change.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Track their northward migration as temperatures rise.
- Eastern Bluebird: A conservation success story—populations rebounded thanks to nest box campaigns.
- Farmland Species: Barn swallows, kestrels, and owls thrive in bird-friendly agricultural landscapes (a passion of Nourish Our World!).
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The Power of Citizen Science
Citizen science democratizes research, allowing anyone to advance conservation. Past counts have:
- Revealed the rapid decline of insect-eating birds, prompting pesticide reforms.
- Mapped the spread of invasive species like the European Starling (more on that in another article).
- Informed the creation of protected corridors for migratory species.
Dr. Amanda Rodewald of Cornell Lab says, “Every bird recorded is a data point that could lead to a breakthrough.”
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Nourish Our World’s Role: Birds and Sustainable Agriculture
As a farm consultant, I’ve seen how birds benefit farms—and vice versa. Here’s how to make your land a haven:
1. Plant Native Hedgerows: Provide food and shelter for birds like warblers and sparrows.
2. Reduce Pesticides: Encourage insect-eating birds to control pests naturally.
3. Install Nest Boxes: Support cavity-nesters like bluebirds and barn owls.
Join the count from your farm and share your findings with #BirdsAndFarms!
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Preparing for the Count: Pro Tips
- Gear Up: Bring binoculars, a field guide, dress properly, especially if you live in a cold area, and a thermos of coffee for chilly mornings.
- Timing Matters: Birds are most active at dawn but use the weather to your advantage. The birds in my area eat heavily all day if there's an impending storm coming.
- Invite Friends: Host a counting party to multiply your impact.
- Explore New Habitats: Wetlands, forests, and urban areas each host unique species.
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Success Stories: How the Count Drives Change
- Protecting the Piping Plover: Data from counts helped establish protected beach nesting sites.
- Urban Oases: Cities like Singapore used bird data to design green spaces that boost biodiversity.
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Conclusion: Be a Voice for the Birds by Supporting the Global Bird Count
The Global Bird Count 2025 isn’t just about numbers—it’s about hope. By participating, you’re safeguarding birds and the ecosystems we all depend on. As someone who’s worked with farms and conservationists worldwide, I’ve seen how small actions create waves of change.
Ready to join? Visit (https://www.birdcount.org) to sign up and download resources. Share this blog, grab your binoculars, and let’s make this the biggest bird count yet!
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About the Author:
Casey E. Doyle is the founder of Nourish Our World, a farm/garden consultancy and blog promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. A citizen scientist with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, they bridge the gap between farming and environmental stewardship.
Follow Nourish Our World for more tips on bird-friendly farming/gardening, and don’t forget to tag us in your Global Bird Count photos! 🌍🐦
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