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# What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/what_is_the_great_backyard_bird_count_1002100945/
- Published: 2010-02-10T21:44:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:13:53.000Z
- Description: A USA.gov guide to backyard bird feeding points to Fish and Wildlife Service pamphlets on feeders, birdhouses and problem birds, and to the Great Backyard Bird Count, a four-day February census open to beginners and experts; the 2010 count ran February 12 to 15.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Miscellaneous, Health News, #vivvo-import

Backyard bird feeding is a pastime that can be enjoyed by children and adults. While bird watchers seek out birds by species, bird feeders attempt to attract birds to suburban and domestic locations. This requires setting up a feeding station and supplying an adequate source of food for birds. To begin bird feeding, you need to know the birds that are local to an area and select an appropriate food.

The [Division of Migratory Bird Management](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6188&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org) within the [Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=5922&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org) provides pamphlets on attracting wild birds to various feeders and foods, building and maintaining birdhouses, and dealing with bird problems such as [invasive species](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6184&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org) or injured birds. To view the [various bird pamphlets](http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/pamphlets.html?ref=foodconsumer.org), please visit the FWS's website.

Please note that the pamphlets are available online only.

You may also wish to view the [Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=5456&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org) publication on [Backyard Conservation](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/?ref=foodconsumer.org). This publication shows you how conservation practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land can be adapted for use around your home. Conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, [conserve water](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=7447&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org) and improve [water quality](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=7426&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org), inspire a[stewardship](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=7760&p%5Fsid=KAX6-eUj&p%5Flva=6337&ref=foodconsumer.org) ethic, and beautify the landscape.

Finally, the [Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)](http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/?ref=foodconsumer.org) is an event that takes place over four days in February each year. The GBBC aims to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent and in Hawaii. Anyone can [participate](http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html?ref=foodconsumer.org), from beginning bird watchers to experts. The 2010 count will take place February 12 through 15\. For information on [local GBBC events](http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/events?ref=foodconsumer.org), please visit the GBBC web page.

By USA.gov team