American Goldfinch (Photo: Submitted by Nature Conservancy of Canada) If you are looking for something to do this weekend, get out and count the birds! The 24th annual Great Backyard Bird count runs from February 12 to 15th this year. It’s very simple, bird watchers from around the globe, count the number of birds they see during at least a 15 minute period, on one or more days of the count. Conservation Biologist with the Nature Conservancy of Canada Allison Patrick says there are a number of birds that are commonly spotted in New Brunswick at this time of year, “Black-capped chickadees, red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches, American goldfinches, downy and hairy woodpeckers may be seen around backyard feeders. Several species that visit only in the winter, such as pine grosbeaks, bohemian waxwings and common redpolls, may also be seen. If you can safely view a body of water from your backyard or neighbourhood, keep an eye out for mallards, American black ducks, common goldeneyes and common mergansers. Finally, look for bald eagles, a variety of gulls and American crows along river shores or soaring over your home.”