(AP) — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is inviting bird-watchers to its 114th annual Christmas Bird Count.

The event begins Saturday at locations around the state and runs through Jan. 5. Tens of thousands of participants across the country participate in the Christmas Bird Count to provide critical data on bird population trends. The data collected also allows researchers and biologists to study the long-term health and status of bird populations.

The event caters to bird-watchers of all experience levels. Anyone with questions should call the park at 402-755-2284.