The Great Backyard Bird Count is taking place this month and you can contribute just by identifying the birds around you.

Each year in February, during a four-day span, millions of people count the variety of birds that can be seen and heard in their own backyards. Bird enthusiasts are invited to participate in the count that takes place beginning Friday, Feb. 17 and continuing until Monday, Feb. 20.

The Great Backyard Bird Count allows people from all over the world to come together and share their love of birds while learning about migration patterns. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.

All you need to do is log the birds that you count in a 15-minute period on at least one of the four days of the event. You can download the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify the birds in your area or you can use the eBird Mobile app to enter your bird sightings.

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