0:48 The Christmas Bird Count is over but now the public is encouraged to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. It's open to everyone and the premise is simple: Take 15 minutes -- or longer -- and count every bird you see. When you are done counting, upload your information to birdcount.org. Backyard bird feeder in Aurora, Ill. Credit Guy Stephens This worldwide annual event is in its 24th year. National Great Rivers Research & Education Center Environmental Educator Jen Young says that in 2020 there were more than 27 million birds counted. "There were over 250,000 participants in over 194 countries," Young said. "There were also over 7,000 species of birds identified."