On February 15-18 bird watchers all across North America will be participating in the 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count- what about you?

This popular hobby and can be done from your yard, a city park, nature center, even your fire escape. Best of all, your actions truly make a difference as your count is included with thousands of others, helping science and conservation spotlight changes in bird populations and distribution from year to year.

Last year's count was a record-breaker. Citizen scientists across the United States and Canada counted more than 11 million birds and tallied 616 species, submitting 80,000 checklists, exceeding the previous record of 61,000 checklists in 2000 by 33 percent.

Up and coming film directors, please upload your video to YouTube and tag it "Great Backyard Bird Count." Some of the best clips will also be posted on the Bird Count site and enter the 2008 photo contest as well.

Visit the Great Backyard Bird Count webpage for more information.

NewsClip: Residents Can Take Part in Bird Count Contest

2/8/2008