Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 19 at MRT Interpretive Center, Calabasas

Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) invites individuals, families and groups of all ages to join the annual Great Backyard Bird Count on Sunday, February 19, 8 a.m. sharp at MRT’s Headwaters Corner Interpretive Center at Calabasas.

Participants, whether beginner or advanced birdwatchers, will have the opportunity to learn about bird identification and behavior from experts.

The annual Bird Count is organized by Cornell University, the National Audubon Society, Wild Bird Unlimited, National Resource Conservation Service and Bird Studies Canada.

The effort relies on public participation to help count birds, which provides important information about bird population trends to better serve conservation efforts.

Participants must make a reservation and are asked to bring their own binoculars.

To make a reservation or for more information, contact Susan Haugland at (818) 591-1701, ext. 212; e-mail shaugland@mountainstrust.org; www.mountainstrust.org. Headwaters Corner Interpretive Center at Calabasas is located at 23075 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, 91302.

Mountains Restoration Trust is dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing public enjoyment of the Santa Monica Mountains. Headwater Corners Interpretive Center at Calabasas offers youth and adult educational and volunteer programs.