Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, an award-winning podcast heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas. Hosted by Debbie and Laurie, passionate nature advocates with credentials like Master Naturalist and Wildlife Ambassador, this multi-award winning show dives into everything connected with the natural world!

In this episode, we're talking about one of the most exciting global citizen science projects: the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Discover how over 642,000 participants from 210 countries helped identify 7,920 bird species in the 2024 count—out of nearly 11,000 worldwide! With over 3.3 million eBird checklists submitted, this effort plays a vital role in understanding bird populations across the globe.

Looking ahead to the 2025 GBBC, happening February 14-17, the hosts share tips to make your bird count successful and fun. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, the GBBC welcomes everyone to join in and contribute to this meaningful project. From prepping feeders to using handy bird ID apps like Merlin and eBird, participating is easy and rewarding.

Tune in to hear why citizen science matters, how you can make a difference for our feathered friends, and how to turn birdwatching into a lifelong passion. Don't miss this episode—it's for the birds (literally)!

Let's make the 2025 GBBC the biggest and best yet. Plan ahead, get your birding gear ready, and prepare to count for conservation!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].