Great Backyard Bird Count: Willow Lake Walkaround

This month, we want to encourage our community to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) to help scientists monitor bird populations, migration patterns, and more! Started in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this event allows birdwatchers to contribute valuable data on the health and distribution of various bird species. This year the GBBC takes place from February 14 to 17.

To kick off the GBBC, we’ll be hosting a short walk around Willow Lake to submit our first bird list of the count! This is a fun opportunity to start your day with some fresh air and get acquainted with how the GBBC works so you can participate all weekend long. To participate in this walk, sign up below and meet at the Willowsford Boat House at 8:30AM. Be sure to dress warm and bring binoculars if you have them! This walk should be fairly quick, taking not much longer 30 minutes.

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How to Participate in the GBBC

To participate, all you need is a way to observe birds—whether it’s from your window, your porch, or along any of the trails throughout Willowsford. You can count birds at any time during the event, and there’s no need to commit to every day. The more people who contribute, the more accurate the data, which can be used by scientists to inform important conservation efforts.

Step 1: Select a spot to watch birds. This can be your backyard, on a trail, or in a park. Just about anywhere in Willowsford will work! Here’s a couple recommendations:

Step 2: Watch Birds for 15 minutes or more at any time between February 14 to 17.

Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear. This may sound daunting to new and first-time birders, but we promise it’s not hard! Our favorite tool is the Merlin Bird ID app. Download it before you get started and IDing your findings will be a breeze.

Step 4: Upload your data. The easiest ways to do this is through the Merlin app mentioned above or the eBird Mobile App. If you prefer to not use an app, you can also upload from your computer. Visit birdcount.org for instructions.

Step 5: Once you’ve submitted your data through Merlin or eBird. Submit it to your Conservancy team to enter a raffle to win a birdwatching prize bundle! Email us your bird list at info@WillowsfordConservancy.org.