Discovering Feathered Friends: All the birds we saw in the Great Backyard Bird Count

For four days each February, bird lovers across the globe turn their eyes to the skies, treetops, and feeders, joining the Great Backyard Bird Count. From fluttering chickadees to majestic hawks, every sighting helps scientists track bird populations before migration begins.

This year, we took part in the count right in our own backyard—and what an adventure it was! With just a bit of patience (and a lot of excitement), we spotted 20 different species flitting through our local neighbourhood. Some were familiar favourites, while others were delightful surprises.

🔭 Ready to join the birding fun? Grab your binoculars, open the Merlin Bird ID app, and see what species you can find!

Check out this gallery of the incredible birds we encountered during the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Black-capped Chickadee

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Lesser Scaup

Green-winged Teal

Northern Pintail

Song Sparrow

Wood Duck

Spotted Towhee

Female Red-winged Blackbird

American Coot

Stellar's Jay

Canada Goose

Dark-eyed Junco

Female Mallard

Glaucous-winged Gull

American Crow

Pigeon

Black-capped Chickadee

Red-winged Blackbird

Douglas Squirrel

Birds counted but not photographed: Common Merganser, Fox Sparrow, Bufflehead

📖 Love learning about birds? Discover the Birdlife of Redberry! Read here →

Get Involved!

Inspired to start your own birding adventure? Here are some ways to get started:

• Download the Merlin Bird ID app

• Join next year's Great Backyard Bird Count

• Create bird-friendly spaces in your yard

• Follow our YouTube channel for more birding tips and adventures!

Remember, every backyard is a potential wildlife sanctuary. Keep your eyes open, and you might be surprised by the incredible diversity of birds visiting your neighborhood!

How to use Merlin Bird ID

1. Download the Merlin app

2. Create an account. Make sure to allow access to your location and camera to improve identification accuracy.

3. Open the app and tap on the Sound ID button

4. Merlin will analyze the sound and show you the likely bird species producing the call, with real-time results as the bird sings!

5. Once you find the matching bird, tap it, and Merlin will confirm your observation. You can save the ID to your list and review it later in the app's My Birds section.

Merlin Bird ID is designed to help birders of all levels, from beginners to experts, so explore at your own pace and enjoy learning about new species!

How many species can you identify on your next hike?

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