[Posted by Chuck Almdale]

Yes, it’s going on right this very second and through Monday February 16th, and this time it’s a WorldWide event, co-sponsored by National Audubon Society, Birds Canada and Cornell Lab who brings eBird and Merlin into your inbox and telephone.

Here’s the link to all the information: https://www.birdcount.org/
And you can watch the short video (1:20). Maybe you’ll see a Shoebill in your backyard.
There are also links to other videos, the Merlin Bird ID app and eBird mobile app.

But it’s really easy.

Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.

Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.

Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 13–16, 2026.

Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:

• If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.
• If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).

Want to read more about GBBC? Scientific American

So check out the website and begin your 15 minutes of birding fame: https://www.birdcount.org/