The 29 th annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place from February 13 th through
February 16 th , 2026. And this year, community members can count and submit their tallies while surrounded by different wildlife on Utica Zoo grounds! Spending time immersed in nature and watching birds can reduce stress and bring a smile to everyone’s face, not to mention benefit conservation efforts!
Bird and nature lovers everywhere unite in the effort to tally as many of the world’s bird
species as possible over these four days. Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring—whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count on Utica Zoo grounds is free with
regular paid admission, but registration is still recommended, which can be done at
https://pos.uticazoo.org/uticazoo/checkout/default/addtocart/add/1741 Guadalupe Angel Vallejo Tapia, a GBBC participant from Mexico says, “What I like most about birdwatching is the direct connection with nature. Each species has its own behavior, and it’s fascinating to be able to identify its patterns and learn about its behavior. In addition, birdwatching allows me to appreciate the biodiversity of our region and the positive impact that the conservation of these ecosystems has. It is an activity that, in addition to being educational, invites us to reflect on the importance of protecting our natural spaces.”
“The GBBC is a great opportunity for everyone to take a moment to appreciate what birds
and nature can do for us,” says David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in
Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Watching birds with friends and family is also a great way to build community and show your support for the natural world.”
More than 800,000 people participated during the 2025 GBBC. Birders found 8,078 species
of the world’s known species, 158 more than in 2024. GBBC continues to reach people around the world—birders counted birds in nearly every country. “By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, we can appreciate the beauty and serenity that birds bring us every day. In return, the bird observations we submit can be used to inform conservation efforts that secure a brighter future for birds and people alike,” said Ben Haywood, Audubon’s director of community science. “The more the merrier as we celebrate the joy of birds all over the world and join the global effort to protect them and the places they
need.” “The Great Backyard Bird Count invites people to slow down and truly get to know the birds that share their lives,” says Jody Allair, director of Communications at Birds Canada. “The simple act of observing, learning, and sharing can spark joy, connect us with a growing community around the world, and inspire a lifelong commitment to protecting the places birds depend on.”
To take part in the 2026 GBBC, each participant or group counts birds for 15 minutes or
more and uses the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird app to enter the birds they can identify at each site they visit. That could be their backyard, but it could also be a park, a wilderness area, apartment balcony, neighborhood street, or even at the Utica Zoo!
Anyone can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. First-timers should make it a point to read the instructions on the GBBC website, where they will also find helpful birding tips and birding app downloads. The GBBC website also features a map of local events to help you find your flock: birdcount.org/community-map
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National
Audubon Society, and Birds Canada and is made possible in part by founding sponsor Wild
Birds Unlimited.
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is the Best of
Mohawk Valley Community Choice Award Winner for 2025. It is a regional destination that
inspires and promotes the appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and
recreation. Situated in the heart of Central New York, the zoo features a diverse collection of animals from around the world and offers various educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. It is home to approximately 200 exotic and domestic animals,
welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm 363 days a year, with only the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information on this, and all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
