The 9th annual Great Backyard Bird Count will soon be here! For 2006 the joint themes for the GBBC are "Go to a special place" and "Take someone with you." Count yourself among the tens of thousands of folks all across the United States and Canada who will be watching and counting birds in their backyards, in local parks and even from the comfort of their own homes for this yearly tally of winter birds. Last year, more than 52,000 bird checklists were submitted. They included a record-breaking 613 bird species, and more than 6 million birds.

For nearly a decade, the GBBC has monitored the ever-changing patterns of birds in winter. For example, how far north will American Robins and Red-bellied Woodpeckers be reported this year? Scientists also want more information on declining species, such as Rusty Blackbirds and Painted Buntings.

"This project has become a major source of scientific information about North American bird populations," said Dr. John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. "It is a classic example of the vital role citizens and the internet now play in understanding our planet."

Everyone can participate, from beginning birders to seasoned experts. During the count, bird watchers can tally up birds for as little as 15 minutes, or for as long as they like, keeping track of the highest number of each bird species they see together at one time. People are encouraged to report birds from public lands and local parks, as well as from their own backyards. Participants enter their numbers online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc and can explore sightings maps, list, and charts as the count progresses.

There is no fee or registration for the event, which is sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited. You can learn more about the program and find instructions for participating, results of last year’s count and help with tricky bird ID’s at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Most public libraries in our area can set you up with Internet access if you do not have it at home.