On Saturday, February 15, Audubon Mississippi staff and volunteers participated in the 23rd annual Great Backyard Bird Count at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

The Great Backyard Bird Count, one of many community science programs Audubon facilitates, encourages birders of all skill levels to take time to observe the birds around them. Whether they are on a trip to a distant country, or watching birds through their kitchen window, observers can keep track of their sightings and submit a checklist. These checklists provide scientists with valuable insight into avian population trends in a constantly changing world.

This year, Audubon Mississippi was joined by a group of enthusiastic birders, and observed a total of 39 species. Some of the highlights from this year’s count included Blue-headed Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, Tree Swallow, and American White Pelican.