Every year, bird enthusiasts and nature lovers from all around the world eagerly participate in an event known as Global Big Day. This event, organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and eBird, encourages individuals of all ages and skill levels to spend a day in the great outdoors, celebrating the incredible diversity of birdlife. In 2023, Global Big Day promises to be an even more exciting and immersive experience for birdwatchers worldwide. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of birdwatching and discover what Global Big Day has in store for us!
Birdwatching: A passionate pursuit
Birdwatching, also known as birding, has become a beloved hobby (especially since the panini of 2020) and a way to connect with nature for millions of people globally. With over 10,000 species of birds inhabiting our planet, birdwatching offers an opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, observe avian behavior, and contribute to conservation efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to discover the wonders of the natural world, Global Big Day offers an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your love for birds.
The significance of Global Big Day:
Global Big Day is not only about personal enjoyment and admiration for birds; it also plays a crucial role in citizen science and conservation. By participating in this event, birdwatchers contribute valuable data to eBird, a global database of bird sightings. These observations help scientists and researchers monitor bird populations, track migration patterns, and identify habitats that require conservation attention. Global Big Day empowers ordinary individuals to become citizen scientists, making a significant impact on our understanding of birds and the environment.
Global Big Day 2023: What to expect
Global Big Day 2023, held on May 13th, promises to be a thrilling day of birdwatching and community engagement. With participants spanning across countries and continents, the event unites bird enthusiasts worldwide through a shared passion for birds and nature. The goal is simple: spot as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period and record the sightings on eBird. This collective effort creates a massive dataset that helps scientists gain insights into bird populations and conservation priorities on a global scale.
Preparing for Global Big Day:
Participating in Global Big Day requires some preparation and planning. Here are a few tips to make the most of this exciting event:
- Familiarize yourself with local birds: Research the bird species that are commonly found in your region during May. This knowledge will help you identify the birds you encounter during Global Big Day. Merlin is a great app for your studying.
- Assemble your birdwatching gear: A pair of binoculars, a field guide or bird identification app, and a camera will be your trusty companions during the event.
- Plan your route: Decide on the birding hotspots you want to visit during the day. Local parks, nature reserves, and wetlands are excellent locations to find a diverse range of bird species.
- Team up or join a local event: Consider birdwatching with friends or joining a local birdwatching group for added enjoyment and camaraderie. Many communities organize group events, which can be a fantastic way to share experiences and learn from seasoned birders.
- Record your sightings: Once you spot a bird, note down the species, time, and location with the eBird app These details will contribute to the scientific database and help researchers monitor bird populations and migration patterns.
- Share your experience: Social media platforms and birding forums are great avenues to share your Global Big Day experiences. Use hashtags like #GlobalBigDay and #BirdingAdventure to connect with fellow birders.
Get out and go see some birds this Saturday!
