What is the Global Big Day (GBD)?
The Global Big Day (GBD) is an annual event that brings together bird lovers from around the world for a day of birdwatching and species recording. The goal of the Global Big Day is to record the highest number of bird species in a single day in different locations worldwide. Since its inception, it has become a landmark date for the ornithological community and birdwatchers alike. Anyone, from experts to beginners, can participate in this event that promotes citizen science and connection with nature. This year, the GBD will be celebrated on May 11, 2024, and massive participation is expected worldwide.
GBD and its History
The GBD, took place for the first time in 2015 under the organization of Cornell University. Cornell, a leader in wild bird science, manages the website eBird.org and uses the collected data to study and conserve bird populations more effectively. A group of passionate birdwatchers, known as “Team Sapsucker”, dedicated themselves to traveling around the world each year to a different destination. Their mission was to count the highest number of species possible in each visited area. In 2015, they invited the global birdwatching community to join them in this effort to reach the goal of 4,000 species. Surprisingly, this goal was surpassed, with a final tally of 5,827 identified species. Since that first event, the previous year’s record has been exceeded each year in terms of the number of species spotted.
This event has grown in popularity and scope over time. What started as a local initiative has become a global phenomenon that brings together people of all ages and abilities in birdwatching and scientific data collection.
Colombia: Leader in Bird Diversity
Colombia has proven to be a leader in birdwatching during the Global Big Day in recent years. With its incredible biodiversity and a variety of thermal floors ranging from sea level to the top of the mountains, Colombia is home to an astonishing number of bird species. In the last two years, Colombia has consistently ranked first in terms of the number of species observed during the GBD.
In 2023, Colombia recorded 1547 species. This achievement reflects Colombia’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and the key role it plays in protecting migratory and endemic birds. Additionally, in 2022, Colombia also led with 1561 observed species, consolidating its position as one of the top destinations for birding in the world.
Why Does Colombia Have So Many Birds?
The remarkable biodiversity of Colombia is attributed to a combination of geographical and climatic factors. Located at the northern tip of South America, Colombia is a crucible of ecosystems ranging from dense tropical rainforests to high mountain páramos in the Andes. This diversity of habitats creates a mosaic of ecological niches that harbor an astonishing variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species.
Colombia’s ecosystems offer optimal conditions for a wide range of bird species. The vast expanses of Amazonian rainforests and dense humid forests in the Chocó region provide shelter and food for specialized birds such as the harpy eagle and the quetzal. Wetlands and mangroves along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts are vital for migratory and resident waterbirds, such as herons, flamingos, and frigatebirds.
Additionally, Colombia’s diverse topography, including mountains, valleys, and plains, contributes to its richness. The Colombian Andes are home to a large number of endemic and specialized species that inhabit different altitudes. From high mountain páramos to cloud forests and inter-Andean valleys, each region offers unique habitats that harbor birds adapted to specific conditions.
Colombia’s strategic location also plays a crucial role in its diversity. As a biogeographical bridge between North and South America, Colombia serves as a convergence point for migratory birds traveling between the two continents. During seasonal migrations, millions of birds cross the country in search of breeding, feeding, and resting sites, further enriching Colombia’s avifauna.
How to Participate in the Global Big Day?
Join the celebration of the Global Big Day 2024 and be part of the global community of birdwatchers! Go out into the field, enjoy nature, and contribute to citizen science by recording your sightings on the eBird platform. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting out, your participation is important and will contribute to our understanding of birds and their conservation.
For those in Colombia interested in participating, there are a number of resources available to help you get involved in the Global Big Day and birdwatching in general. Regional ornithological organizations offer activities, events, and resources for birdwatchers of all experience levels. From birdwatching groups to educational programs, these organizations are committed to promoting responsible birdwatching and nature conservation.
If you are in Colombia and wish to participate, you can join one of the regional birdwatching organizations. For example, in Bogotá and Cundinamarca, you can contact the Bogotana Association of Ornithology (ABO) whose website is https://avesbogota.org/. In Quindío, the Quindiana Society of Ornithology (SQO) is an excellent option, and you can find more information on their website: https://www.sociedadquindianadeornitologia.com/. In Caldas, the Caldense Society of Ornithology (SCO) offers participation opportunities, and you can find more details on their website. In Antioquia, you can approach the Antioquia Society of Ornithology (SAO), which has relevant information on their website: https://sao.org.co/. Additionally, in Córdoba, the Ornithological Society of Córdoba (SOC) is active in birdwatching and conservation, and you can visit their website for more details: https://sociedadornitologicadecordoba.org/. These organizations offer activities, events, and resources for birdwatchers of all experience levels, promoting responsible birdwatching and nature conservation.
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