Charge your phones and grab your binoculars, Austin. The annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes flight on Friday, Feb. 13 and runs through Monday, Feb. 16. The community event invites nature lovers and bird enthusiasts from around the world to go outside, watch, count, and celebrate birds.

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 timer: Merlin Bird ID app
Seasoned counter: eBird — mobile app or website

The information will help experts study bird habitats, migration patterns, and global bird populations.

Don’t know where to start? Check out this list of common wildlife in our area + start in your backyard or any of these parks around the Capital City. Bonus: Once you submit the photo for the count, consider sending it our way.