If cold temperatures have you feeling a little down, then get ready to step outside and do something to lift your spirits while doing something for conservation.

The 10th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is scheduled for Feb. 16-19 and provides an opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors together while playing a role in scientific research.

The bird totals counted by volunteers will actually be added to a national tally gathered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.

This rare opportunity is made possible through the Citizen Science Program at Cornell.

Data gathered by volunteers will be displayed as dots on a map posted to the international website, www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

Tallies from both the U.S. and Canada will be included.

The 2006 count included 623 different species - about 7.5 million birds overall. Although the counts represent just a snapshot in time, scientists can determine the spring migratory routes of certain birds by marking where most of them are situated at the same time each year.

Changes in these routes, both in time and space, can be seen as well. The counts also serve to document increases in the ranges of non-native species, and possible declines in native populations.

For those who might want to participate, but may be reluctant to do so because they feel their knowledge of birds is inadequate, there is help available.

Bird checklists are available from a number of sources, including the Nevada Department of Wildlife's Web site, www.ndow.org.

A good way for new birders to become more comfortable with bird identification is to get out and practice before the actual count, according to department of wildlife biologists.

Birds can be viewed at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve in Henderson, the Clark County Wetlands Park, Lake Mead, Red Rock, or the department's Overton Wildlife Management Area - all good sites for bird encounters. Birding books and Web sites are also an indispensable resource.

Photography buffs are encouraged to participate in the photo contest and can submit their photographs to the Great Backyard Bird Count Web site.

They can also enter those photos in a contest. There will also be a competition for the locality with the greatest number of participants.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety.

The department's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear.

Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.