The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is encouraging Saskatchewan residents to participate in one of the world’s largest community science projects this upcoming long weekend.

The NCC states it is as easy as going outside for 15 minutes, listening for cheeps and caws, watching the birds in people's yards, subdivisions, nature reserves and local parks.

The 25th annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place February 18 - 21. Participants in the event document findings within the eBird app; contributing information to help experts track the health of bird populations in Saskatchewan.

Another app the NCC recommends for beginners is the Merlin app.

Last year, over 300,000 people participated in over 190 countries. Within Canada, there were over 43,465 lists of birds submitted across all 10 provinces and 3 territories, stated the NCC.

Bird populations are in flux in Canada, stated the NCC. Waterfowl and birds of prey appear to be growing in numbers, and more than doubling their population since 1970. On the other hand, shorebirds and aerial insectivores, such as swallows, appear to be disappearing at alarming rates. NCC states its land conservation work protects critical habitats for species in Saskatchewan.