Great Backyard Bird Count 2026

Self-Guided Activity 

New River Trail State Park has more than 127 bird species; you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds, and the occasional Bald Eagle and Osprey. Help us research the birds along the New River Trail as we participate in this international bird count hosted by the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Make sure you dress for the weather and remember your binoculars. Participants may want to also pack a lunch. Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.

Step 1: Decide where on New River Trail you will watch birds. We have over 14 access points!
Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 13–16, 2026.
Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the Merlin app, eBird, or your computer to enter your sightings. For additional info about participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count and recording your sightings click here.

If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.

If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).

We will also have a morning bird walk scheduled for Friday, February 13 from 8:00 am-9:30 am. Binoculars will be available to borrow.

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