Allen's hummingbird perched on a red kangaroo paw plant

© GypsyPictureShow/Shutterstoc

Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!. Allen's hummingbird

It’s time to do our part to help scientists to learn more about global bird populations. The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that originated in the United States but has expanded to the entire world. Birdwatchers are encouraged to keep an eye out for local species of birds and to report them online via the eBird platform. For example, if you’re in southern central Mexico, you might spot this Allen’s hummingbird who winters there. The results of the event are compiled and shared online for both scientists and curious minds alike. With an estimated 10,000 species of birds worldwide, this weekend is an exciting time to grab a notebook and head outside.