Backyard Bird Count Instructions

During the first full week of each month you are to observe the bird feeder in your yard. The first full week starts on a Saturday and ends 9 days latter on Sunday. During that "week" you must spend 20 minutes on 3 different occasions observing the birds that inhabit your yard. Use the Backyard Bird Count form provided in class to record your observations.

As you get ready to begin your "watch" record the date and time, then describe the weather conditions (temperature, sunlight, wind, rain, etc...) on the space provided on the form. It is OK and highly recommended to ask your family to help you identify and count the bird. Not seeing any birds is OK also. You record what you see only. Count the most of each species you see at the same time on your form. You may identify the sex of the birds if they are distinctly different (for example Cardinal males are much brighter red than the female). Also record the type of feed the bird is attracted to if at a feeder. If the bird is not at a feeder use that space to record if they are perching in vegetation or on the ground foraging.

After completing the 3 observations, summarize your bird count in the space provided. Summarizing means to record the most birds of each species you observed over the 3 observations. Do not add them together. The object is to determine the most of each species in your backyard habitat.

After your form is completed your parent or guardian must sign the bottom of the form in the space provided. You will not receive full credit without this signature. The form is due the Monday after the end of the first full week.

If you see a bird that you cannot identify, write down as many details about the bird and look it up during class. There are 4 different types of field guides in class and PC based bird identification software. During the week of the bird count you may ask for help in identifying your birds.

Once the observation has been graded you must place it in the front pocket of your bird folder. The folder will have all bird related materials and exercises stored in it for the entire school year. Reserve the center section for the quick reference guide you create in the PC lab of the 10 common bird feeder birds and any other bird that you have seen.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

This project will continue through the first week in May.