The 2010 Great Backyard Bird Count takes place today through Monday, Feb. 15.

The annual event is designed to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day over the four-day period, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event.

All you have to do is look. For 15 minutes, watch and write down what kinds of birds come to your birdfeeder. Or what you see while you’re out for a walk. Then share your results with the GBBC, online at www.birdsource.org.

It’s free, fun, and easy — and it helps the birds.

Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time.

To learn more, click here. You’ll find lists of birds common to your area, information on birdwatching, and a downloadable poster at the site, as well as more information on citizen-bird counts.

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