Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count, which took place from February 14th to the 17th. This event happens annually and bird enthusiasts from around the world participate to observe and document bird species.

A Brief History of the Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count was first launched in 1998 and has been an ongoing citizen science project ever since. It is jointly hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and Birds Canada. The goal of the event is to collect data that helps scientists track changes in bird populations over time, providing valuable insights into migration patterns, species diversity, and environmental health.

Who Can Participate?

One of the best aspects of the Great Backyard Bird Count is its accessibility. Anyone can take part! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birder, all that is required is a willingness to observe birds and submit your findings. Participation is open worldwide, and data can be recorded through various platforms, including the Merlin Bird ID app and eBird.

My Experience in the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count

This year, 7,970 species were observed across 253 subregions. I decided to participate by using the Merlin Bird ID app. My focus was solely on identifying the number of species rather than counting individual birds. I conducted my observations across three locations in Virginia Beach: my apartment, Beach Garden Park and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Using all the identification methods available in the app, including step-by-step guides, sound recognition, photo identification, and the search function, I was able to identify 40 species. Every feature within the app was intuitive and user-friendly. One of the standout features of the Merlin Bird ID app is its Life List functionality. This feature keeps track of all the bird species I have identified, along with their respective locations and the dates of my first sighting. It’s a fantastic way to document my birdwatching journey and revisit past observations.

Final Thoughts

I look forward to taking part again next year and continuing to build my Life List. If you’re interested in nature and conservation, I highly recommend joining this global event. It’s a great way to connect with the natural world while contributing to scientific research!

The 40 Species I Identified:

• Brown-crested Flycatcher
• American Tree Sparrow
• Hermit Thrush
• Gray-cheeked Thrush
• Mourning Dove
• Lesser Black-backed Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Ring-billed Gull
• Great Blue Heron
• Turkey Vulture
• Mallard
• Chipping Sparrow
• Golden-crowned Kinglet
• Carolina Wren
• American Robin
• Great Egret
• Pine Warbler
• White-throated Sparrow
• Bewick’s Wren
• Yellow-rumped Warbler
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Brown-headed Nuthatch
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Killdeer
• Tufted Titmouse
• Eastern Bluebird
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Carolina Chickadee
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Cedar Waxwing
• Common Grackle
• House Finch
• European Starling
• Brown-headed Cowbird
• Blue Jay
• American Crow
• Canadian Goose
• House Sparrow
• Song Sparrow
• Northern Cardinal