The Great Backyard Bird Count

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February 17 & 18

Calling all fledgling and seasoned birders: It’s time to flex your birding skills in the name of Citizen Science!

For four days every February, people all over the globe watch, count, and record as many birds as they can find in the wild. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us at Zoo Atlanta as we highlight this amazing project launched and maintained by The Cornell Lab, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. Enjoy activities throughout the Zoo to learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count and how to participate, discover the joy of birding, and find out ways you can support bird conservation.

  • Activities available 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
  • Join Bird Care Team members in the Living Treehouse Aviary at 1:30 p.m. each day for a special keeper talk. 

Activities are free for Zoo Atlanta Members and children under 3; free with general admission.

What's the issue?

Birds face many recurring issues in the wide array of habitats they call home, and many of those issues are caused by our actions.

Invasive species, glass collisions, habitat alteration and pollution, among other issues, cause well over 2 billion bird deaths each year in the U.S. alone.

What does Zoo Atlanta do to help?

We support North American Songbird SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction).

Zoo Atlanta also has a Motus Wildlife Tracking Station on site, and we make glass windows collision–proof for birds. 

How can you help?

Our actions are often the problem, but they can also be the solution.

Connect With Your Wild Side #onlyzooatl