Get your binoculars ready, Asheville. The annual NC Bird Count runs Fri., Feb. 18 to Mon., Feb. 21. The community science event invites people from across the globe to go outside + watch, learn about, count + celebrate birds.

During the NC Bird Count — part of the international Great Backyard Bird Count — 32 state organizations will collaborate to observe + collect data on our local avian friends to better understand habitats, global bird populations + annual migration patterns.

Anyone can participate — all you have to do is go outside and observe for as little as 15 minutes. Count all of the birds you see or hear, using one of the following tools:

First time counter: Merlin Bird ID app
Seasoned counter: eBird Mobile app or eBird website

Pro tip: Remember to take photos + check out these instructions for group counting.

For even more avian activities, the North Carolina Arboretum offers a slew of online + onsite educational programs, including the free “Beginning Birding Program” on Sat., Feb. 19, “Birding Basics Field Experience” on Tues., Feb. 22, and “Meet the Barn Owl” on Sat., Feb 26.

Locally, avian awareness will continue from March-May and September-November, thanks to Mayor Esther Manheimer’s recent proclamation of those months as “Bird Migration Awareness Months.” The goal? To promote the protection of birds during peak migration periods by encouraging residents to turn off all non-essential lighting from 11 p.m.-6 a.m.