Charge your phones and grab your binoculars, Lexington. 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 (Psst: On Thursday, Feb 12., Legacy Grove Park will host a bird walk to learn how to use the Merlin Bird ID app)

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 birds found in our region + start in your backyard or any of these parks around Lexington.

At the end of the count on Monday, Feb. 16, Legacy Grove will also host a Bird Lovers Fellowship and Chili Dinner for the Great Backyard Bird Count.