Mysuru/Mysore: The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), the world’s largest coordinated birding exercise, involving both ornithologists and amateurs alike is back. The 21st edition of GBBC will begin from Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) and end on Feb. 17. 

With participants from more than 150 countries, the GBBC is a global event where birders of all skill levels help estimate bird abundance and distribution. Participants count the birds they see for at least 30 minutes on one or more days of the count, they then enter their checklists at the e-Bird website. The data helps compile a snapshot of bird populations that enables scientists to detect population changes over time. The Great Backyard Bird Count was launched in 1988 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, New York, USA and since 2013 this event is observed in other countries, including India. There was a Christmas Bird Count in the US in the 80s that kick-started the ‘stop hunting, start counting’ culture.

In Mysuru, the GBBC will be organised on all four days between 7 am and 10 am starting from Feb. 14 at Lingambudhi Lake. On Feb. 15, GBBC will move to Kukkarahalli Lake, on Feb. 16 at Thippayyanakere and on the last day (Feb. 17) birds will be counted at Karanji Lake. 

The count is not restricted to backyards, despite its name.  Each volunteer or group choose a nearby location to count birds. Counting can be done while looking out a window, outside in a backyard, or in a nearby park or other outdoor space in urban and rural settings. 

According to GBBC organisers in Mysuru, birds are important because they are excellent indicators of the health of our ecosystems. Participating in GBBC is one of the easiest and best ways to help scientists understand how our changing climate may be affecting the world’s birdlife. 

The GBBC website www.birdcount.in has information on how to participate, how to mark the count location, a downloadable bird checklist, how to identify some tricky bird species as well as links to birding apps. Participants can report just one bird, or groups of them using a best guess at numbers.  The online form requires a new checklist for each new day, location, or same location, same day, if counted at a different time of day. It’s not only fun to see what is in your own neighbourhood, the count also helps scientists know the health of birds and if there is any decline in numbers.  

For more details, call D.H. Tanuja on 94805-66516 or S. Shylajesha on 98860-85361.