Involve youth as citizen scientists by identifying and counting birds in schoolyards and neighborhoods.  Classrooms, youth groups and families are encouraged to participate.

Follow this Flying WILD Activity and collect data about your local birds. Then send information collected to scientists who study bird populations and develop bird conservation programs.

Count Your Birds builds on the following three lessons:

#1 Learn to Identify Birds:
Clues to Identify Birds, Part 1, Clues to Identify Brids, Part 2
Bird ID Chart, Page 1 & Page 2 or Bird Identification Poster (see below)

#2 Conduct a Stationary Count:
Stationary County Instructions
Stationary Count Tally Sheet, Page 1, Stationary Count Tally Sheet, Page 2

#3 Sumit the Data: Get registered and enter your data at www.eBird.org

Additional Resources: About Birds & Birding Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,
Birding with Binoculars & Tips for Successful Field Experiences

For a free bird identification poster, e-mail a request to Illinois Audubon Society or call 217.544.BIRD