Autumn Hanley

Howard

The Great Backyard Bird Count starts on Feb. 14 and ends on Feb. 17 this year. I’m encouraging everyone in Centre and Clinton counties to take part. With as little as 15 minutes per day, you can help bird research and build up ecological data of our state. Plus, you can improve the mental health of yourself and your family by birding together.

The primary goal of the Great Backyard Bird Count is to document bird species diversity. Researchers use this data to understand species distribution — what species appear and where. Researchers also compare the data collected over time to identify patterns in migrations. Tracking these changes assists in understanding the effects of climate change on birds. Professionals also use the research to determine bird species vulnerability and endangerment.

Many organizations use the data collected by the Great Backyard Bird Count. In our state, the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program will use the collected data. Their mission is to build a complete ecological database of Pennsylvania. Professionals use the database to make educated decisions about conservation and land-use planning. By providing high-quality data, this organization promotes the health of our state lands. Plus, improving the health of the land improves the health of Pennsylvania citizens.

Birding is an activity that has a direct impact on mental well-being in people. According to Hammoud (2022), seeing birds provides a mental health boost that lasts up to eight hours. Exposure to birdsong in our communities may also make a positive difference (Methorst, 2024). By birding, you will increase your connection to nature- which also improves mental health in adults and children (Cleary, 2018). Plus, birdwatching can improve the cognition and mobility of our elders (Zieris, 2023).

Getting involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count is easy. eBird or Merlin users have their checklists and recordings immediately included. At birdcount.com, those without smartphones can print checklists to use. You can even search online for a group count to join in-person if you are unsure of participating on your own. Everything on the website is free to use, making it an affordable activity for all.

Overall, I recommend everyone to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. You can help with bird research across the globe and help Pennsylvanians make smart choices for our lands. With a few minutes of counting per day, you can also improve your mental health. Taking your family birding will help everyone from the very young to elderly. Participating is easy and free — by preparing now, you will be ready for the first count on Feb. 14!