See songbirds in the hand, learn identification features with biologists, and hear about how avian research is informing the ongoing restoration efforts in the Upper Clark Fork.

This is a great opportunity to see Montana birds up close and learn the environmental history of the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting out, this event is for you.

Location: Meet at 8 a.m. at Galen Road East, located just 20 miles east of Deer Lodge MT, From I-90, take exit 197 toward Galen Rd. Turn left onto Galen Rd E, and park near the Galen Road Bridge. Lunch and lecture will follow at the Dry Cottonwood Field Center, 10802 East Side Road, located 1.4 miles away on East Side Rd/Morel Rd.

We will be leaving Missoula at 6:45 a.m. from the Clark Fork Coalition offices, 140 S. 4th. St. W. for those interested in carpooling.

What to bring:

Bring your favorite birding tools: binoculars, field guides, journals, etc., along with sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, a water bottle. Light-weight long sleeves, long pants, and bug spray are recommended!

Participants need to bring their own brown bag lunches. Water and bathrooms are available at the Dry Cottonwood Field Center during lunch.

Schedule:

• 6:45 a.m: Carpool leaves from Clark Fork Coalition office in Missoula
• 8:30 am: Migratory Songbird Banding Galen Bridge
• 10:30am: Meet at Dry Cottonwood Creek Field Center
• 11:00am – 12:00pm: Lunch & Research Presentation- Bridger Creel from the University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) will present on their research into superfund mine waste contamination transport in riparian food chains, and the impact of these sediments on riparian songbird populations.
• 12:30 pm: Optional birding tour of Warm Spring Ponds complex

Registration is strongly encouraged. Register for free to reserve your spot today!

Do you need to bring your ticket to the event? Nope! We will have a list of everyone who registered!