(by Grace McCulloch)
This year’s theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” could not be more true here in New Hampshire. Every one of us has a role to play and the power to collect real data that informs conservation science.
At the heart of NH Audubon’s work are observations from volunteers across the state. From Bald Eagle nest monitors to participants in the Christmas Bird Count and the Backyard Winter Bird Survey, community members are helping us better understand the birds of New Hampshire. These efforts provide critical information, from tracking nesting success of key species to building long-term datasets that reveal population trends over time.
This year, we launched a new website showcasing some of this incredible data collected by thousands of community members across New Hampshire. The trend analyses on the Backyard Winter Bird Survey site highlight the power of data collection at scale.
It is also just plain fun!
One of the easiest ways to get started and embrace the “Every Bird Counts” mindset is by using eBird, a free platform run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Birdwatchers around the world submit their sightings, creating a massive, global database used to understand bird populations and inform hundreds of research and conservation projects. If you are new to eBird, check out the free eBird Essentials Course, an easy, approachable way to get started. (We’ll also be demonstrating tools like eBird on May 9 during our World Migratory Bird Day outings in Boscawen and Manchester.)
Here in New Hampshire, NH Audubon biologists regularly use eBird data to better understand the state of our birds. Just last year, we used these observations to locate a previously unknown nesting colony of Purple Martin, a species with only a handful of breeding sites in the state.
The impact, however, goes far beyond the data. Birds face serious and growing threats, from habitat loss to climate change, and community-collected data helps guide conservation decisions and advocacy. Just as important, it fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. That connection matters for us and the birds. We protect what we love.
So, get outside this Migratory Bird Day (and every day). Start exploring, keep observing, and remember every bird counts.