(CHAPEL HILL) -- By the end of this weekend, North Carolina could become the top bird counting state in the country. The Great Backyard Bird Count is going on this weekend in Chapel Hill.

Andy Wood of Audubon North Carolina says residents of all ages and skill levels can participate.

"Basically, what you're doing is observing birds upwards of 15 minutes or more and counting the greatest number of birds of each species that you see," Wood said.

Once the counting is complete, checklists should be turned in at www.birdcount.org. Last year, North Carolina residents turned in over 5,000 checklists, good enough for sixth in the country.