People across North America are being asked to count the birds in their back yards and report them over the Internet as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) planned for Friday through Sunday, February 18-21.

One of the largest volunteer efforts of its kind, the GBBC is a valuable research study that allows people of all ages and backgrounds too supply vital information on North America’s birds.

Marking its 8th year, the event is developed and managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, with sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited storeowners.

The theme, “North America’s great Backyard,” celebrates the abundance and beauty of birds found across the continent. Participants are asked to participate in one of the event’s three days by monitoring and tallying species and numbers of birds seen in their back yards, on their property, or in their surroundings that day.

Sightings then are reported over the Internet at the Backyard Bird Count webpage.

2/18/2005