The Great Backyard Bird Count 2026

Every February, bird lovers around the world step outside, look up, and become citizen scientists, and in this episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie invite you to join the fun! We're diving into the latest results from the Great Backyard Bird Count , a worldwide citizen-science event that started in 1998 and has grown into a truly global celebration of birds, data, and discovery. From over 838,000 participants to sightings spanning 8,078 bird species , the 2025 results prove just how powerful everyday nature lovers can be. You'll hear highlights from this year's count, including the Northern Cardinal earning top honors in the U.S., massive flocks of starlings, murres, and flamingos around the world, and rare bird sightings that turned heads from Arizona to Australia. Debbie and Laurie also walk you step-by-step through how anyone can participate, whether you're watching a feeder from your kitchen window or listening for owls after dark. Plus, we share tips for using the Merlin Bird ID app, submitting checklists, and turning just 15 minutes into meaningful science. The next Great Backyard Bird Count takes place February 13–16, 2026 , making it the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day, with birds! Grab your binoculars (or your phone), head outside, and be part of a global backyard party that helps scientists better understand and protect birds everywhere. 👉 Have you participated before, or will this be your first count? Let us know what you see, hear, and learn! The Backyard Naturalists Podcast drops new episodes every Saturday morning. Thanks for listening, and happy birding! 🐦