Although one of the shortest months of the year, February is known for being Black History Month and National Heart Health Month, but did you know it’s also National Bird Feeding Month? In addition, it’s the month when bird lovers worldwide participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count on February 14-17.

Now in its 28th year, this popular citizen science project allows people from all walks of life to observe, count, celebrate, and educate themselves about birds. The Great Backyard Bird Count also helps researchers learn more about fluctuations in bird populations including changes in bird migration and distribution patterns. From the data collected, scientists use this information to protect birds, their habitat, and the environment. By participating, birdwatchers can increase their environmental stewardship and help researchers learn more about these splendid creatures.

Senior scientists

Once again, Alabama Extension’s senior scientists will participate in this global event. Senior Scientists offered through the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute and the Urban Environmental Science Education Program, focuses on native songbird population recovery and encourages seniors to engage with their natural environment. Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count enhances birding skills and allows older adults to share their bird photos with others. These photos can even become a part of the Macaulay Library, the world’s premier scientific archive of natural history. Senior scientists will watch as observation lists come in globally by visiting the live bird sighting map at www.ebird.ord/explore.

This is a perfect time to take in the great outdoors from the backyard, a local park, a botanical garden, a forest, or even a hilltop. So, don’t hesitate to join senior scientists and hundreds of other bird enthusiasts around the globe in the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count.

More information

For more bird-watching information, check out the session of the Eco-Friendly Friday Series that features Alabama Wildlife Foundation’s Allison Mathis. Watch the session on Facebook or Panopto. For information on how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit the official website at www.birdcount.org. For Information on Senior Scientists, contact Roosevelt Robinson at (334) 270-4133 or Danielle Rudolph at (256) 372-4949.