Counting Birds: Join a Citizen Science Effort This May

Counting Birds: Join a Citizen Science Effort This May

Each spring, people in a number of countries count birds across neighborhoods, balconies, parks, and backyards and you can be part of it. The Hour of the Garden Birds is an annual bird-counting project that invites people of all ages to step outside (or simply look out the window), observe nature, and contribute to real scientific research.

Organized in Germany by Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), this nationwide initiative takes place every year during the second weekend of May. The idea is simple: spend one hour counting birds and report what you see. But behind that simple activity is something much bigger. It’s citizen science in action.

What Is Citizen Science? Why Does It Matter?

Citizen science projects like the Hour of the Garden Birds allow everyone to contribute to large-scale research. By combining thousands of observations, scientists can track bird populations, identify environmental changes, and better understand how ecosystems are evolving over time.

The May count focuses on breeding bird populations, while a similar count held in January provides insight into winter bird populations and migration patterns. Together, these snapshots help paint a more complete picture of bird life throughout the year.

How to Participate

Taking part is easy and accessible – perfect for Scouts and families:

  • Choose a one-hour period during the second weekend of May – so May 8-10 this year.
  • Observe birds from your yard, balcony, window, or local park
  • Count the maximum number of each species you see at one time
  • Record your observations on a counting sheet you can download here and submit them online at  www.NABU.de/onlinemeldung.

Watch this video to show you how:

Bird Counts Beyond Germany

The Hour of the Garden Birds is part of a broader network of bird-counting efforts across Europe and around the world. Scouts and families in the Transatlantic Council can participate in similar initiatives wherever they are stationed:

Scouting and Conservation in Action

For Scouts, this activity is more than just birdwatching. Participating in the Hour of the Garden Birds can even count toward conservation service hours.

Whether you’re identifying species, tracking numbers, or simply enjoying the outdoors, you’re contributing to something meaningful.

You Can Participate Anywhere

No backyard? No problem. You can count birds from:

  • A balcony or apartment window
  • A neighborhood park
  • A campsite or Scouting activity

Even birds flying overhead count, because every observation adds to the bigger picture.

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Hour of the Garden Birds shows how small actions, just one hour of observation, can add up to powerful insights when shared across thousands of participants.

For Scouts and families across the Transatlantic Council, it’s a chance to connect with nature, contribute to science, and take part in a global movement of conservation.

So this May, take an hour, look around, and start counting. You might be surprised by what you discover right outside your door.

Download the NABU counting sheet