I can't participate because I'll be traveling.
FALSE. Count the birds wherever you are; just be sure to record the town or postal code.

I can't participate if the weather is bad in my area.
FALSE. Recording the absence of birds in bad weather is important to the database too.

Participating in the GBBC takes too much time.
FALSE. Participating takes as little as 15 minutes on any or all of the count days.

My write-in species will be included in the database.
TRUE. However, because they are processed by hand, they may not appear on the web site immediately.

I can submit more than one checklist per day.
TRUE. If you count in more than one postal code on the same count day, you'll need to submit a checklist for each.

I may be counting the same birds someone else is counting.
TRUE. They are lumped on our web page, but each report is tagged by zip code and location, for research purposes.

I can't count "heard-only" birds.
FALSE. If you're sure of what you're hearing, count it. This may be the only way to count secretive species such as owls.

I don't have to do a special "GBBC count" if I'm out birding anyway.
TRUE. Just report the highest number of each species seen at once, time spent in the field, and the site's postal code.

I can't participate because I don't have access to the Internet.
FALSE. Check your local library for online access. Our sponsor, Wild Birds Unlimited, may have a participating store in your area. Or call the Lab of Ornithology for help at (800) 843-2473 or (607) 254-2473 if outside the United States.