South Dakota Birders Asked to Help with National Count

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Bird enthusiasts in South Dakota will get an opportunity to make their passion count during a citizen's science project to be conducted this month across North America.

The state Game, Fish and Parks Department is inviting bird watchers to participate in the 19th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count this Feb. 12 through 15.

State wildlife diversity coordinator Eileen Dowd Stukel says participants have to count birds for at least 15 minutes, keeping track of the highest number of each bird species they see together at one time, and then enter their results online.

The department says the reports provide a snapshot of the whereabouts of birds, contributing relevant information for science and conservation.

The event is hosted by the National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.