New Hampshire residents are invited to take part in the 39th annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey, hosted by NH Audubon on February 14-15, Valentine’s Weekend! This beloved science project encourages participants of all ages and experience levels to count the birds (and squirrels) visiting their backyards and help track long-term trends in winter bird populations across the state.
Participation is simple and flexible. Participants can count birds for as little as 15 minutes or as long as they’d like over the two-day period. Counts can be done from a window or outdoors (coffee or hot chocolate optional). Any bird seen in the backyard counts. Observations are submitted through an easy to use online survey form.
This year’s survey features a brand-new project website, offering expanded resources for participants and the entire community. Visitors can explore annual reports, browse photo galleries and dive into 38 years of bird data, including population trends for 20 common winter species. Species profiles include identification tips, look-alike species, and simple actions people can take to help birds through the winter. NH Audubon thanks the Davis and Butler Foundations for their support in developing this new project website.
“The Backyard Winter Bird Survey is for everyone, whether this is your first year or your tenth,” said Grace McCulloch, community science project leader at NH Audubon. “There is always something new to discover and every count adds to our understanding of New Hampshire’s winter birds and how they respond to changes in climate and habitat.”
The survey is also a great introduction to birding. Beginner-friendly online guides help new participants get started, and photographers are encouraged to submit images through the project’s new photo page for a chance to be featured in the 2026 Backyard Winter Bird Survey photo gallery.
Each year brings surprises, from first-time sightings of Carolina Wrens to rare winter visitors. In 2025, eight participants reported Baltimore Orioles, a species rarely seen in New Hampshire during winter. With rumors of an Evening Grosbeak irruption this season, survey organizers are eager to see what participants discover.
Last year, a record 1,953 people took part in the survey. That year, the most commonly reported bird was the Dark-eyed Junco, with 10,490 individuals counted statewide. With help from participants across the state, NH Audubon hopes to surpass that milestone again in 2026 and find out which species will top the list this year.
The Backyard Winter Bird Survey relies on donations to support data collection, analysis, and outreach. Participation is free; donations are appreciated but not required.
To learn more, view instructions, or participate, visit backyardwinterbirds.nhaudubon.org. To donate visit, https://nhaudubon.org/make-a-donation-to-bwbs/.
NH Audubon is a nonprofit statewide membership organization dedicated to the protection of New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. Independent of the National Audubon Society, NH Audubon has offered programs in wildlife conservation, land protection, environmental policy, and environmental education since 1914. For information on NH Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org.