Sandhill cranes (photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)

Nebraska Game and Parks officials want Nebraskans to get out and go birding this summer.

Birds play a critical role in Nebraskas ecosystem as well as its economy.

Thousands from throughout the world converge on Nebraska each year to observe the incredible crane migration.

Wildlife Education Specialist Lindsay Rogers with Game and Parks points out a challenge has been issued for the sesquicentennial: get out and see 150 of the 450 bird species in Nebraska.

So, seeing 150 shouldnt be all that hard, but again its a challenge to get people outside, Rogers tells Nebraska Radio Network.

Lindsay Rogers with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Gov. Pete Ricketts talk birds with students from Trinity Infant and Child Care Center in Lincoln.

Rogers says bird watching can be an enjoyable family activity; seeing birds and enjoying nature.

May is the official Nebraska Bird Month, linking the month to the annual crane migration.

Though it has passed, Rogers says summer offers great opportunities to see birds.

Now is when birds are really active, either defending their territory or raising their young, according to Rogers. So, youre going to see a lot of birds out and active.

Rogers suggests a family outing of birdwatching at a state park or wildlife management area.

Recently, Gov. Pete Ricketts celebrated Nebraska Bird Month with about 20 5-year-old students at Trinity Infant and Child Care Center, not far from the Capitol in Lincoln.

AUDIO: Brent Martin reports [:45]

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Birds boost the Nebraska ecosystemand the state economy (AUDIO) - Nebraska Radio Network