Time commitment: Organizers recommend watching and counting birds for no less than 15 minutes at least one time over the four-day period. Where: You can count birds anywhere you want – whether that’s in your backyard, at a local park or on a hike.

The count is part of a global bird count Friday through Monday when bird watchers will work to create a real-time snapshot of populations.

But you don't have to attend a get-together to show your fandom for feathers; you can simply participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count when you have a few minutes to spare. And we do mean "a few minutes": The annual science-helping event,

If you have at least 15 minutes to spare between February 14 and February 17, you can take part in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, a global effort organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Audubon Society,