Birds are one of the best barometers of the health of our watershed, as they depend on clean rivers and healthy riparian habitat for breeding, nesting, shelter and food. In the Upper Clark Fork, where large-scale cleanup is underway, researchers have been studying how birds are faring in both unremediated and restored areas for several years. What have they learned?
Come find out and get an update on the Clark Fork River cleanup at the second annual Superfund Bird Tour, Friday, Aug. 2. Participate in a bird banding demo with the UM Bird Ecology Lab, learn about the fascinating story of recovery of the river, hear from scientists about their current research, and enjoy a guided visit to one of western Montana’s best birding spots, the Warm Springs Pond Wildlife Management Area. Please join us! Details below.
- 7-7:30 am: Meet at the Galen Road bridge: Go east off I-90, 11 miles south of Deer Lodge (Exit 197). OR: Contact Larry Weeks, FVAS, to arrange a carpool: 549-5632 or bwsgenea@gmail.com
- Recommended: close-toed shoes; bug spray; sunscreen. Cameras and binoculars welcome.
- 10:30 am: Group will move to ranch house at nearby Dry Cottonwood Creek Ranch for lunch and presentations. (NOTE: Bring your own sack lunch and beverages. Limited snacks and water will be available.)
- 12:00 pm: Depart for Warm Springs Ponds WMA for birding tour with Montana birding expert, Nate Kohler. Did you know the only known black crowned night heron nest west of the Divide is smack dab in a Superfund cleanup zone? Nate will fill you in, plus help you spot raptors, songbirds, and shorebirds at this little-known birding hotspot in the Deer Lodge Valley.
- Questions? Contact Larry Weeks at 549-5632 or bwsgenea@gmail.com
Can’t make the tour, but want to help ensure birds and other wildlife benefit from a clean and healthy Clark Fork? We could use your help. Donate today!