Great Backyard Bird Count 2025
/
This past weekend, FMCP Stewardship volunteers became community scientists for a day by participating in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, a global online citizen science project organized by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This initiative encourages individuals to observe and document different bird species in their local areas.
Our group of volunteers enjoyed a walk through some of FMCP’s iconic areas, including the Tide Gate Bridge, the Garden of Meditation, the Unisphere, and Meadow Lake. Additionally, FMCP’s Project Development Coordinator, Michael Devito—an avid birder himself—shared fascinating facts about the bird species we identified. Over the course of three hours, we recorded 28 different species!
FMCP is home to a diverse number of bird species, thanks to its unique combination of wetlands and open spaces. Some of the group’s favorite sightings included the Red-Tailed Hawk, the Great Blue Heron, and the Red-Bellied Woodpecker!
Our volunteers were excited to learn about different species and the importance of migration. One volunteer commented, “I think it’s amazing how each species has its own unique colors, shape, and size!” The birds identified during our walk were logged into the GBBC database, helping scientists better understand bird populations and migration patterns. Through simple bird observation, our volunteers contributed to vital conservation efforts that analyze trends related to climate change and bird health.
The success of our community science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count and the Great Backyard Bird Count, highlights the importance of supporting our local green spaces, which serve as essential habitats for wildlife in the park. The goal of these events is not only to contribute to a larger scientific effort but also to inspire and connect our volunteers with the natural world in FMCP.
A huge thank you to all the community scientists who joined us for the Great Backyard Bird Count! If you missed this event, we look forward to more community science projects in the future. To learn more about this ongoing project and to view live submissions of birds spotted click here.
For updates on future events, follow us on social media or sign up for our mailing list.
