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In honor of the role birds play in Nebraska's economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Nebraska Bird Month.

The month-long celebration, typically celebrated with bird-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year in the interest of public health due to the novel coronavirus. Rather than attend an event, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites Nebraskans to get outside, look for birds and join a national citizen science program as part of the Nebraska Bird Month 2020 Challenge.

"Spring is a great time to go bird watching," said Lindsay Rogers, Game and Parks Fish and Wildlife Education Division administrator. "Many birds are migrating through the state and those birds that breed here in Nebraska are busy establishing territories, courting mates and building nests."

To enter the challenge, participants should head to nebraskabirdmonth.org and complete the commitment form. Those who do will be sent a package of birding resources. Then, head outside to look for birds and enter at least five species found on iNaturalist, a web-based citizen science program.

The Nebraska Bird Month website also contains free resources, tutorials, lesson plans, and information about Nebraska birds. Discover more at nebraskabirdmonth.org.