The Ocean City Environmental Commission is encouraging residents to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 17 to 20, and a lecture tonight (Monday, Feb. 13) will help people learn what types of birds might be found in Ocean City.

Becky Hedden, president of the Atlantic Audubon Society, will speak in Room 116 of the Ocean City Free Public Library from 5 to 7 p.m.

"The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent," according to the event website. "Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds."

To learn more about the Bird Count and to register, visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website.