Bird watchers coast to coast are invited to take part in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 12-15. Participants in the free event will join thousands of volunteers counting birds in their own backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges.

Each checklist submitted by these "citizen scientists" helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how the birds are doing — and how to protect them.

"Taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way to get outside with family and friends, have fun, and help birds — all at the same time," said superintendent Randy Wester.

Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes or as long as they wish on one or more days of the event, report their sightings on a checklist and return the forms to Ranger Ron Calhoun.

For more information or to get a checklist, call (912) 786-5787, ext. 209, e-mail Ron_Calhoun@nps.gov or go to www.birdcount.org.