The Great Backyard Bird Count 2026 – A Perfect Opportunity for Birds of Texas Members

Hey, fellow Texas bird enthusiasts! If you’re part of the Birds of Texas community whether you’re snapping photos for the Facebook group, exploring birdsoftexas.com, or simply passionate about our state’s incredible avian diversity, mark your calendars. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) returns February 13-16, 2026 (Friday through Monday), and it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to contribute to real science while enjoying the birds we love.

This global event, organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada, turns everyday birdwatchers into citizen scientists. In just 15 minutes (or longer if you want), you can help create a massive snapshot of bird populations during midwinter.

Why the GBBC Matters
Launched in 1998 as one of the first online citizen science projects, the GBBC has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Data submitted through eBird during the four-day window fuels research on bird distribution, migration patterns, population trends, and conservation needs. In 2025 alone, participants reported over 8,000 species from hundreds of thousands of observers across the globe.

How Birds of Texas Members Can Get Involved
Participation is simple and flexible and perfect for our spread-out Texas community:

For Texas, this is especially powerful. Our state sits along major flyways, boasts coastal wetlands, prairies, forests, and deserts, and hosts everything from wintering waterfowl and raptors to year-round residents like Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, and the occasional rarity. Your counts help track how birds are using Texas habitats in winter and inform broader conservation efforts.

Count from anywhere Your backyard, a local park, a favorite hotspot, or even a quick stop at a state park or refuge. Spend at least 15 minutes watching and counting birds (by sight or sound). No need to travel far unless you want to.
Submit your data Use the free eBird app or website (or the Merlin Bird ID app). Any checklist submitted during February 13-16, 2026, automatically counts for the GBBC. It’s free, and you can submit multiple times over the four days.
Join or host group events Check the official GBBC community map for birding outings near you, or add your own. Texas already has events popping up, such as guided counts at places like River Legacy Nature Center in Arlington. Encourage your local Audubon chapter, friends from the Birds of Texas group, or neighborhood birders to join. Group counts are fun and often turn up more species!
Share your experience in the community Post your sightings, photos, and stories in the Birds of Texas Facebook group (remember the rule: photos of birds taken in Texas). Highlight interesting finds.

Tips for Texas Success

Winter visitors Look for American Goldfinches in their subdued plumage, flocks of Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and waterbirds on ponds or bays.
Backyard boost Keep feeders stocked with black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and nyjer to attract cardinals, finches, titmice, and woodpeckers.
Hotspots Coastal areas (Gulf Coast), urban green spaces in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, or San Antonio, and places like Brazos Bend or Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge can yield high counts.
ID help Download Merlin for instant audio and photo identification’s a game-changer for beginners and experts alike.
Beginner-friendly Register for the free GBBC webinar (check birdcount.org for details) to get tips and inspiration.

Make Texas Shine on the Global Map
Every checklist you submit adds a glowing point to the live GBBC map (viewable at ebird.org/gbbc/livesubs). Imagine hundreds of lights across the Lone Star State lighting up as our community participates!

Whether you’re a backyard feeder watcher or a hardcore lister chasing county records, your efforts matter. The data helps scientists and ultimately helps protect the birds we all cherish here in Texas.
Ready to join? Head to birdcount.org right now to learn more, explore the community map, and get prepared. Then grab your binoculars, download or open eBird, and plan your counts for February 13-16.
When you participate, drop a note or photo in the Birds of Texas group we’d love to see what you find and celebrate together. Let’s show the world what Texas birders can do!

Happy counting,
Your fellow Texas birder

P.S. The event is free, open to all ages and skill levels, and happens rain or shine. Even a quick 15-minute session from your patio counts. See you on the map!