This weekend, you can participate in the original citizen-science birding project, the Great Backyard Bird Count, Friday thru Monday, February 15 to 18.

February 15 thru 18, get serious about joining the fun during the Great Backyard Bird Count! You can identify and count birds from any location, as many times and places as you wish, as many days as you want – then report your sightings! The Count is not limited to your backyard, but your yard is a great place to start. Birders of all ages and group sizes join the Great Backyard Bird Count each February to create an annual accounting of the distribution and abundance of birds, sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon and Bird Studies Canada.

During the count, you can see what other birders are observing in your state, across the country and even around the world by checking the Count website, which adds count information in near real time. You can share your bird photos too, by entering the photo contest, and enjoy the photos that will be submitted by fellow birders from across the country and around the world. Join in the action by participating on your own, with your family, join together with birding friends – but be sure to help all of us get an overview of what birds are present extended this winter weekend – you will have plenty fun in the process.

For more information, be sure to refer to the official Great Backyard Bird Count website at http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/