It fact, the most common birds often demonstrate the most important patterns. Many birds that are now rare or showing population declines were once common. The Passenger Pigeon, for example, used to occur in flocks of thousands and now they're extinct. How tragic it would be for the world to learn that the Red-headed Woodpecker, once a household name in many areas, had joined the likes of the Carolina Parakeet, the Great Auk, and other extinct species. The Great Backyard Bird Count may yield more data about the current strongholds of the Red-headed Woodpecker, data that may be used to help implement conservation measures before it's too late.
Participants also can help follow up on an emerging conservation success story.
American and Canadian citizens alike can help scientists monitor the health and abundance of this once-endangered bird with an immediacy and breadth never before possible. Thanks to support from Ford Motor Company and Wild Birds Unlimited, exclusive sponsors of the GBBC, the web site features special pages that provide information about Bald Eagles, including how to distinguish them from similar-looking species. In addition to the eagle feature, the GBBC web site provides educational materials ideal for families, Youth groups, and classrooms. Tips on feeding birds are also provided, and kids will enjoy watching as their postal code appears on the animated map showing reports. If each one of them can spend just 15 minutes noting the birds they see during GBBC, even if only while sipping their morning coffee, eating lunch, or taking a relaxing stroll, imagine the kind of snapshot of North American winter bird distribution this would create.