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Bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families across Arkansas came together this February to celebrate the Great American Backyard Bird Count. This annual global event invites participants to observe and record bird species in their area, contributing valuable data to global bird research.
Birdwatching is a rewarding activity that also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. Arkansas, with its diverse landscapes—from the Ozarks to the Delta to the heart of Little Rock—provided incredible opportunities for participation in this year’s GBBC, held from Feb. 14 to 17. If you missed it this time, don’t worry—the next GBBC is just around the corner in February 2026, offering another chance to take part in this meaningful citizen-science project.
What is the Great American Backyard Bird Count?
The Great American Backyard Bird Count is an annual global event organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. It encourages people of all ages and skill levels to observe and count birds, providing valuable data that helps researchers understand bird populations, migration patterns, and environmental changes.
Since its launch in 1998, the GBBC has grown into one of the largest birdwatching events, engaging millions worldwide. The process is simple: participants count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and report their sightings online or through birding apps. Whether watching from a backyard feeder or exploring a state park, this event is an excellent way to connect with nature and support conservation efforts.
A Symphony of Feathers | Arkansas’s Songbirds and Backyard Birds
Arkansas is home to a diverse range of bird species, from colorful songbirds to majestic birds of prey. The Natural State offers endless opportunities to marvel at these feathered wonders. One of our favorite things to do in winter is watch birds from our backyard feeders on snow days. We also like to look for new birds when we visit a new state park or community green space.
Feeder Birds You May Expect
- Northern Cardinal
The iconic bright red plumage of male cardinals and the soft brown of females make them favorites in backyards. Watch for their protection of their mates and dominance at the feeder. - Eastern Bluebird
These vibrant birds boast bright blue feathers and a rusty red chest. Eastern Bluebirds prefer open fields and meadows but often visit backyards with birdhouses. - Variety of Finches
These small, social birds brighten any yard, from the bright yellow of American Goldfinches to the deep red of House Finches. They often gather around feeders, especially those stocked with sunflower seeds. - Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse
Chickadees displaying black caps and titmice sport a gray pointed crest and are often playful and curious. Watch their heads as they listen to their surroundings.
Ground-Feeding Birds You May Expect
- American Robin
Known for their orange breasts and melodious morning song, American Robins are early risers and avid worm hunters. They are often seen hopping across lawns or perched in trees, signaling the arrival of spring. - Dark-Eyed Junco
Nicknamed “snowbirds,” Dark-Eyed Juncos are winter visitors with slate-gray feathers and white bellies. They forage on the ground for seeds, making them easy to spot. - White-Throated Sparrow
Listen for their sweet whistling song as they approach feeders in winter. - Mourning Dove
With their gentle cooing and soft gray feathers, Mourning Doves are peaceful visitors to feeders and open spaces. Their swift, direct flight is a common sight at dusk and dawn, or watch for them on neighborhood highline wires.
Birds You May Hear from Trees
- Blue Jay
Bold and intelligent, Blue Jays are striking with their blue, white and black plumage. They’re known for loud calls and mimicry, often imitating other bird species or human sounds. - Mockingbirds
Known for their melodic mimicry, mockingbirds often defend berry-laden bushes and feeders in winter as a reliable food source. - Carolina Wren
With their perky tails and rich brown plumage, Carolina Wrens are vocal little birds that deliver a loud, cheerful song. They’re year-round residents in Arkansas and love to hide in shrubs and woodpiles. - Woodpeckers
Arkansas has several woodpecker species, including the Red-Bellied Woodpecker and the downy woodpecker. These birds’ drumming sounds are unmistakable as they search for insects in tree bark.
Unique Birds You May Be Surprised to Find
- Swallows and Starlings
Swallows grace the Arkansas skies in summer with their agile flight and forked tails. European Starlings, while less celebrated, form mesmerizing murmuration during migration and often graze in groups. - Nuthatches
Nuthatches are fun to watch because they climb tree trunks headfirst, hunting insects or visiting suet feeders. - Birds of Prey
Keep an eye on the sky or tree tops for majestic birds of prey, including bald eagles, red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures. You may spot herons, Canadian geese, swans, and ducks near water bodies or neighborhood ponds.
Helpful Articles
- Native Birds to Arkansas
- Arkansas Backyard Birds: Summer
- Arkansas Backyard Birds: Winter
- 8 birds to observe in winter
- Year-round feeding guide
How to Participate Next Year
If you missed this year’s count, mark your calendar for the next Great American Backyard Bird Count in February 2026! Participation is easy:
- Spend at least 15 minutes observing birds in your yard, a park, or any outdoor space.
- Record the species and number of birds you see.
- Submit your data online at the GBBC website or through apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird. These tools even help identify birds by sound or photo!
Even one session contributes valuable information to bird research, and it’s a great way to connect with nature.
Tools to Identify Birds
Tools like field guides, birding apps, and binoculars enhance the experience for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Popular apps include:
- Merlin Bird ID: Offers instant bird identification based on a photo or sound.
- eBird: Allows you to log your sightings and explore species common in your area.
- Audubon Bird Guide: Provides detailed profiles of North American birds.
Getting the Whole Family Involved
The GBBC is a fantastic way to engage the whole family in nature and science. It is educational and a wonderful bonding experience.
- Bird Bingo: Print off our bingo card above and mark off your observations.
- Crafts and Activities: Build birdhouses, create a handmade bird feeder, or paint rocks with bird designs. These creative projects double as learning opportunities about bird habitats. Check out opportunities at local nature centers in your area.
- Photography: Encourage children to take bird photos and create a scrapbook or digital album as an opportunity to spark creativity while observing nature.
- Scavenger Hunt: Set up a backyard scavenger hunt where children can look for specific bird behaviors, such as a bird drinking water or eating seeds. Change your location throughout the GBBC and see if you notice different behaviors in different habitats.
- Themed Snacks: Prepare bird-themed treats, like “worm” gummy candies or birdseed granola bars, to make the event extra festive.
- Track it: Birdwatching field journal
The Great American Backyard Bird Count is more than an opportunity to enjoy Arkansas’s diverse birdlife—it’s a chance to contribute to a greater understanding of our environment, and your participation makes a difference.
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