Flying Start Feeder
The annual four day event is a joint project between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bird Studies Canada and the National Audubon Society. Wild Birds Unlimited is a sponsor for the event.
Participating individuals, families, schools and organizations are encouraged to count birds at bird feeders and in backyards, local parks or other locations. Those tallies should then be reported online through the BirdSource web site at www.birdcount.org. Scientists use that data to analyze bird populations, migration patterns, habitat needs and identify birds at risk of becoming endangered. Participants should watch birds for at least 15 minutes at the location of their choice on one or more of the count days. They are to estimate the number of birds they see for each species they can identify. Participants select their location on a map, answer a few questions, enter their tallies, and then submit that data to share their sightings with others around the world.
“Whether an active bird watcher or a newcomer to the hobby, we encourage everyone to get involved and our stores are more than willing to help people get involved in the GBBC,” said Jim Carpenter, CEO and Founder of Wild Birds Unlimited. “The yearly event is important in helping the world learn about birds. Bird populations are dynamic and are constantly in flux. It is impossible for scientists to observe and document the movement of birds on their own. By participating, people play a vital role in the ongoing initiatives to learn more about birds.”
The data for the count will be powered by “eBird,” an online checklist program for the world’s approximate 10,000 bird species. Birders can view what others see on interactive maps, keep their own records, and have their tallies recorded.
For more information about the GBBC, call or stop by your local Wild Birds Unlimited store. To find your nearest location, visit https://maps.wbu.com.
About Wild Birds Unlimited
Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 280 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding and nature products, expert advice and educational events. Visit our website and shop online at www.wbu.com. To learn how you can open your own Wild Birds Unlimited, visit www.wbufranchise.com.
