Great Backyard Bird Count 2023

Help us count birds on Bonaire during the Great Backyard Bird Count 2023!

The 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is just around the corner, and bird enthusiasts on the island of Bonaire have a unique opportunity to participate in this exciting event. Taking place from February 17th to 20th, the GBBC provides an opportunity for bird lovers to observe and count the birds in their local area, and contribute to the world’s understanding of bird populations and movements.

Bonaire is a particularly special place to participate in the GBBC, as the entire island is considered one large backyard. With its diverse habitats and numerous bird species, Bonaire provides a unique opportunity to witness the incredible variety of bird life that inhabits the island. From the flamingos in the salt ponds to the birdlife in Washington Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire offers a rich environment for bird enthusiasts to explore.

Participating in the GBBC on Bonaire is easy and requires no special equipment or prior knowledge of birds. All you need is a passion for birds, a few hours to spend observing them, and the willingness to contribute to the scientific community. To participate, simply count the number of individual birds of each species you see in a specific location and for a specific period of time, then report your observations online through eBird (details below).

In addition to providing valuable data to ornithologists and conservationists, the GBBC is also a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. It is a great way to spend time outdoors, learn about birds, and connect with nature.  On Bonaire, the GBBC provides an opportunity to gather information about the island’s bird populations and contribute to the global effort to protect bird species and their habitats. By participating in the GBBC, Bonaire residents and visitors can make a positive impact on the environment and help ensure the future of the island’s birdlife.

So grab your binoculars, head outside, and start counting birds this February 17th to 20th. Your contributions will make a significant difference to the world of ornithology and help protect Bonaire’s birdlife for future generations.

Here’s what to do:

1. Create a free eBird account if you have never participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count or any other Cornell Lab citizen-science project. If you already created an account for the GBBC in the past, or if you’re already registered with eBird or another Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you can use your existing username and password.

2. Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC. You can count for longer than that if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you like—one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for each new day, for each new location, or for the same location if you counted at a different time of day. Estimate the number of individuals of each species you saw during your count period. It’s easy to use the eBird mobile app for keeping track. (See the Resources page to download the app.)

3. Submit your list(s) via the eBird Mobile app.  If you already participate in the eBird citizen-science project, please use eBird to submit your sightings during the GBBC. Your checklists will count toward the GBBC.

Here’s a video that shows you the ins and outs of participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count!