As the Global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) returns from February 13-16, students across the country are once again set to play a leading role through the Campus Bird Count – an initiative coordinated by Bird Count India in collaboration with WWF India and the Foundation for Environmental Security (FES).
Building on last year’s momentum, when more than 270 campuses uploaded over 8,000 bird lists, organizers expect even more colleges, universities and schools to participate this year. Campus Bird Count, a sister event of the global GBBC, has emerged as a powerful platform to engage young people in citizen science and biodiversity documentation, according to PO Nameer, event coordinator from Kerala.
The GBBC is a global annual event that invites people of all ages to observe and record birds, creating a real-time snapshot of bird populations around the world. Globally, the event is organized by Cornell University and the Audubon Society in the United States, while Bird Count India – a consortium of more than 70 bird, wildlife and conservation organizations – coordinates activities across the country.
Bird watchers from all Indian states and Union Territories participated in the GBBC last year, with more than 10,000 participants from various age groups and backgrounds contributing their observations.
What sets the Campus Bird Count apart from others is its focus on green spaces outside of conservation areas. Across the country, students and teachers have documented the birds in courtyards, historic groves, tree-lined trails and areas near bodies of water. These informal green spaces, organizers note, are increasingly becoming key biodiversity sanctuaries in rapidly urbanizing cities and towns.
Participants are encouraged to observe birds anywhere on their campus for at least 15 minutes during the four-day count, identify any birds they see or hear, and record their sightings using the eBird app. Bird Count India also encouraged participants to connect with state coordinators and join local campus events.
Also contributing to awareness this year is the launch of the free online course Into the World of Birds on 12 February. Co-developed by Early Bird, Roundglass Sustain and Bird Count India, the self-paced multimedia course is designed for students aged 14 and up.
Through videos, quizzes and field assignments, the course explores bird evolution, behaviour, ecology and citizen science to transform nature enthusiasts into knowledgeable bird watchers, says Bird Count India.
Published – 06 Feb 2026 19:47 IST