The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is taking place this weekend. From Friday, February 16th through Monday February 19th, you can participate in the survey and help create a snapshot of the numbers and locations of birds throughout the country.

"People from all across the United States and Canada will be watching and counting birds during the Great Backyard Bird Count--for fun and for conservation. Last year, they counted a record-breaking 623 species and more than 7.5 million birds. This year, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society are challenging participants to break the record set in 2000 for the greatest number of checklists ever submitted during the four-day event. Can participants surpass 61,000 checklists?" ~ GBBC Press Release

To find out more about the bird count including how you can participate, visit the following pages at the GBBC website:

• What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
• How to Participate
• Results from the 2006 GBBC
• Photo Gallery of the GBBC

Update (Feb 20th): I did my backyard bird count on Sunday morning and saw 26 house sparrows, 2 northern cardinals, and 2 juncos. Did you participate in the GBBC?

Photo © RTimages