Great Backyard Bird Count 2010 - Los Angeles

For over two decades Cornell University has sponsored the Great Backyard Bird Count. Everyday people, young and old, across North America take a minimum of 15 minutes to document the wild birds that they see.

For four days data comes in from across the continent to create a snapshot of bird populations. This information shows where population numbers have increased and where they are down. It documents migration paths and changing territories of species. Every bird is important, even pigeons and house sparrows.

Counting is easy and you can do it in your backyard. You then enter your data via the Internet. For more information click the GBBC button:

When you participate in GBBC you are playing an important role in the collection of data for science. It is a great family, class or school project.

If you would like to count with people who have done it before, here are three opportunities in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley area. Bring your own binoculars:

1. Friday, Feb. 12 at 4:00-5:30 PM - Serrania Avenue Park, Woodland Hills (FREE public park, group led by Keri Dearborn, meet in the parking lot at 3:45 PM. Please send e-mail to 4animalbytes@gmail.com so I will know to expect you. Some terrain moderately hilly.)
2. Saturday, Feb. 13 at 8:00-10:00 AM - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden (Zoo Membership and reservations required, reservations can be made by calling (323) 644-4702 or by e-mailing docents@lazoo.org include “Bird Walk” in the subject line. Include your name, membership number, members in your party, age of children and your phone number.)
3. Sunday, Feb. 14 at 8:30-10:30 AM - Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Refuge (FREE public park, group led by Keri Dearborn, meet in the gravel parking lot across from the north entrance to the wildlife area at 8:15 AM. Please send e-mail to 4animalbytes@gmail.com so I will know to expect you.)

You may count only a few birds in an apartment courtyard, others may count 100s of individual birds in a wildlife area. Every one's information is important. The more people who count, the better our knowledge will be about bird species in North America. If you have questions, send me an e-mail at 4animalbytes@gmail.com