If you are looking for something to do this long weekend, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has a great opportunity for you to have some safe fun while learning more about your local wildlife.

People in southeastern Saskatchewan and around the world will have a chance to help a longstanding research project by spotting some birds.

The 25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count begins today, February, and will stretch into Monday as well.

Sarah Ludlow, a conservation science coordinator with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, explains what documenting local birds accomplishes.

"This count provides a snapshot of the bird population, just before immigration starts," Ludlow shared. "It's purposely put in February to get capture that period of the life cycle."

The Great Backyard Bird Count has been an ongoing pedestrian ornithology study since 1988 when it was started by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It has since spread all over the world and is a great event for families, outdoor types, and anyone who is just curious about what kind of bird sings to them in the morning.

As to the reason why Cornell's Ornithology Lab wants thousands if not millions of birds reported? It allows them to track populations much more reliably than if a few researchers were to attempt it alone. It not only shows the populations but the migratory patterns and territory changes over the course of the year.

Everyone is welcome to participate, even if you aren't a regular bird connoisseur.

"It's really easy to participate," assured Ludlow. "Anybody can do it. If you go watch the birds in your backyard for 15 minutes, write down what species they are. Count how many of each species and then enter that information onto bird count dot org."

But what if you don't know how to identify a species? Ludlow had some advice on that matter.

"If you need help identifying birds, then there are also free apps available to help you with your bird ID," revealed Ludlow. "Merlin Bird ID would be one good example of that and then paper field guides. Those are always different."

Here in southwestern Saskatchewan, you can expect to see House Sparrows, or perhaps Chickadees. You might spot Red and or White Breasted Nuthatches. Depending on the type of trees you have around, you may also have Downey or Hairy Woodpeckers or Common Redpolls. This part of the province is surprisingly rich in study subjects for budding ornithologists.