Chicago, IL – Bird watchers across Illinois and the U.S. are gearing up for the 29th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, taking place Friday, February 13, through Monday, February 16, 2026.
According to organizers at Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Birds Canada, the free four-day event invites participants of all ages and skill levels to count birds for as little as 15 minutes and submit their observations online at birdcount.org. Participants can log sightings from their backyard, a local park, or anywhere in the world.
Each checklist submitted during the event contributes to what researchers describe as one of the largest real-time snapshots of global bird populations. In recent years, more than 300,000 people have participated, helping scientists better understand bird migration patterns, population trends, and conservation needs.
“This count is so fun because anyone can take part—whether you are an expert, novice, or feeder watcher,” said Chad Wilsey, vice president and chief scientist at Audubon. “Get involved and see how your favorite spot stacks up.”
Past counts have produced surprising discoveries. In 2022, more than 300,000 Snow Geese were recorded in Missouri, while birders in Maine reported a rare sighting of a Steller’s Sea-Eagle, a species typically found in parts of Asia and Russia.
During and after the count, participants can explore interactive, real-time maps on the event website to see what birds others are reporting.
Will you be taking part this weekend? What species are you hoping to spot?
