The Great Backyard Bird Count will take place February 16-19, 2001. For those of you who don't know, the GBBC is a continent-wide, Internet-based bird survey that combines high-tech web tools with "citizen-science" observations of birds. The GBBC asks families, individuals, classrooms, and community groups to count the numbers and kinds of birds that visit their feeders, local parks, schoolyards, and other areas during any or all of the four count days. Participants enter their observations at BirdSource (www.birdsource.org). The count was developed and is managed by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The GBBC was developed as a monitoring tool to help keep common birds common (by looking at GBBC data over time, we will be able to detect population and abundance changes, especially when combined with other citizen-science projects). The count also provides insight into factors (such as snow depth) that may be influencing species distribution during a particular winter. We spotlight species that are showing population declines. This year, we are creating special web pages highlighting quail (Northern Bobwhite in the East and Scaled Quail in the Southwest are showing declines).

To participate, count the highest number of each bird species seen at one time (to ensure the birds are not counted more than once) during any or all of the count days (don't add the days together!) and keep track of the amount of time spent counting. Then log on to www.birdsource.org and click on the appropriate state or province for a checklist of the most frequently reported birds in that region. Results are updated hourly in the form of animated maps and colorful graphs, at the web site. The site also includes bird-watching and bird-feeding tips, bird vocalizations, and you are invited to review results from GBBCs past. There's also more information at the web site. Thanks again to all of you who helped last year.