Bird and nature fans in Maine are invited to join tens of thousands of bird watchers for the 12th annual great backyard bird count this weekend.

The count, which is a joint project between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, takes place Feb. 13-16. Individuals, families, schools and organizations are invited to count birds in their backyards, local parks or other locations. The tallies are then reported online through the BirdSource web site at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

The data these “citizen scientists” collect helps researchers understand bird population trends, information that is critical for effective conservation. Their efforts enable everyone to see what would otherwise be impossible: a comprehensive picture of where birds are in late winter and how their numbers and distribution compare with previous years.

More than 85,700 checklists were submitted in 2008, recording the activity of 635 bird species. In Maine, 767 checklists were submitted last year, listing 96 species.

“We are hoping for even more checklists from Maine for 2009, to track our extraordinary bird activity, including a number of irruptive birds, birds that migrate based on natural food source availability, species like the Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwings and Robins, which have been seen in large flocks all over the state,” said Laura Turner, owner of the South Portland Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop.

Turner said she was disappointed with the number of checklists submitted from Maine last year, adding that this year is especially important for Mainers to participate because more birds have come to the state for food.

“This year more than others, I’m really trying very hard to get people involved,” Turner said. She gets calls every day from people telling her what kind of birds they saw in their backyards. Recently she got a call about a Bluebird in Raymond, which she said was a first.

Anyone can take part, from novice bird watchers to experts, by counting birds for as little as 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings. Participants can also explore what birds others are finding in their backyards-whether in their own neighborhood or thousands of miles away. Additional online resources include tips to help identify birds, a photo gallery and special materials for educators.

“It’s very easy to participate,” said Turner.

The BirdSource Web site contains all program information, including the information you need to submit with your count such as time of day, weather, snow accumulation and the Maine Bird Checklist. At the end of the count, participants can submit their counts online at www.birdcount.org.

“With just the click of your mouse, you can view which bird species other participants in Maine or across North America have seen,” explained Turner.

You may also obtain program information as well as submit your counts to Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in South Portland, local ambassador and sponsor of the bird count, located at 50 Maine Mall Road, South Portland 04106. They can be reached by phone at 771-BIRD. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding and nature products, expert advice and educational events.