The annual May Species Count was held on Sunday (May 27) in Red Deer at the River Bend Golf Course.

Medicine River Wildlife centre's Judy Boyd was there, and said this year the primary focus is birds.

According to her, the count this year covered a wide-spread area.

Other areas like Brooks, Milk River, Calgary, and Buffalo Lake were also taking part in the event.

So what happens with all the information they gather? Boyd Explains:

"They send all their information to me, I compile everything from the whole province, that goes up to Nature Alberta which also goes to Bird Studies Canada".

Counting species is also a method for monitoring their trends to help prevent extinction and preserve wildlife habitats.

"We try to fill out as much information as possible...what we're doing is we're trying to find trends for the birds" she says.

The count started at 9 am and lasted roughly one hour.