Bundle up, grab a notebook, camera, or your phone, and head outside because it’s time for the Great Backyard Bird Count!
Each February, families across the world spend at least 15 minutes observing and counting birds in their own neighborhoods. And yes, that absolutely includes Chicago.
Whether you live in a high-rise in Lakeview, a bungalow in Beverly, or near the lake in Rogers Park, birds are everywhere, and your kids can help scientists track them.
Why It’s Perfect for Chicago
Even in winter, Chicago is full of birdlife. You might spot:
- Black-capped Chickadees
- Northern Cardinals
- Blue Jays
- House Sparrows
- American Robins
- Gulls along the lakefront
- And if you’re lucky — a hawk perched high above
Lake Michigan makes our region especially important for migratory birds, so the data collected here really matters.
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How to Participate
It’s simple:
- Spend at least 15 minutes watching birds in your yard, at a park, on your balcony, or along the lakefront.
- Count how many of each type you see.
- Submit your sightings online through the Great Backyard Bird Count website or the eBird app.
Not sure what you’re looking at? The free Merlin Bird ID app can help identify birds by photo or even by sound, which kids love.
Make It a Family & Friend Adventure
Turn it into a mini outing:
- Visit Lincoln Park, Humboldt Park, or the North Pond Nature Sanctuary
- Walk in a local forest preserve
- Explore the lakefront trail
Bring hot chocolate, make a checklist, and see who can spot the most species.
Why It Matters
When kids participate in the bird count, they aren’t just “looking at birds.” They’re contributing to real scientific research that helps track migration patterns and bird populations over time.
It’s an easy, screen-free activity that gets everyone outside, even in winter, and reminds us that nature is active all around us, even in the heart of the city.
So Chicago families, ready to see who’s flying through your neighborhood?
Grab your binoculars. The birds are waiting
Want to expand on your Bird Counting adventure?
Visit local museums such as
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Field Museum
or visit the I AM WILD exhibit at Chicago Children's Museum.
Also you can download apps like the free SEEK! and take your observations beyond birds to observe other animals, insects, flowers and trees all year long!
