Great Backyard Bird Count results

For four days in February, birders became citizen scientists and counted birds in their back yards and just about everywhere else. Between the 17th and the 20th, participants in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count identified 623 species and counted 7.5 million individual birds.

This year, birders submitted more than 60,000 checklists, making the 2006 event the second-highest in participation. The number of checklists set records in three Canadian provinces (Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta) and 15 states (including New York, Pennsylvania and Virgina).

Among the interesting observations: The Pacific Northwest saw more American Robins this year; observers reported flocks of 40,000 or more robins. Participants also reported an irruption of Snowy Owls.

For more highlights about the results, look here. Consider contributing to next year's count on Feb. 16-19.