Join the University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab and the Clark Fork Coalition on the Upper Clark Fork River floodplain at Galen, MT for a FREE day of birding, banding, and learning! This is a great opportunity to see Montana birds up close, and explore the Upper Clark Fork River Basin and learn more about its environmental history.

• Hear from U. of MT scientists and bird experts, Dr. Erick Greene and Megan Fylling
• Join an afternoon tour of bird life on Warm Springs Pond, led by bird researcher, Nate Kohler
• See wild birds up close in-the-hand, and learn why biologists capture and band birds
• Learn how historical mining activities in the Upper Clark Fork basin impacted bird communities
• Hear about ongoing restoration efforts in the Upper Clark Fork
• A fun and educational day for experienced birders and novices alike!
• Schedule, directions, and more info below

REGISTER HERE
This event is FREE, and you do NOT need to bring a registration receipt.

SCHEDULE:

• 8:30 – 11:00 am: Bird banding with UMBEL
  • Contact Will McDowell at will@clarkfork.org if you plan to arrive before 8:30.
  • Park and meet at bridge over Clark Fork River on Galen Road. Directions below.
• 10:45 am: Move to nearby Dry Cottonwood Field Center for presentations
  • To get there: Drive east from bridge on Galen Rd., turn left on E. Side Rd. and go 1.6 miles. Driveway is on the left; Field Center is at end of driveway beyond the corrals and barn. See map.
• 11:00 – 11:45: Presentations at Field Center
  • Dr. Erick Green and Megan Fylling will speak about their research on the impacts of metals contamination in the Upper Clark Fork on ospreys and songbirds, and the effects of remediation and restoration
• 11:45 – 12:30: Lunch at Dry Cottonwood Field Center.
  • Bring your own lunch and beverages
  • Flush toilets and sink available at Field Center
• 12:30 – 3:30: Optional: Birding tour of Warm Springs Pond with Nate Kohler

WHAT TO BRING:

• Water and sack lunch
• Clothing appropriate for the weather (jacket recommended – weather is unpredictable in Upper Clark Fork)
• Close-toed shoes or boots – birding areas are often wet
• Bug repellent and sun protection recommended
• Birding tools! Binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, journals, field guides
• Kids!
• Please note: No porta-potties provided at birding site. Flush toilets and sink available at Dry Cottonwood Field Center only.

DIRECTIONS:

• From I-90 ten miles south of Deer Lodge, take Galen Road (Exit 197)
• Turn east, toward the Clark Fork River
• Meet at the bridge over the river, about 1/2 mile from I-90
• See location on map
• Park along road or in pull-outs. Be careful of traffic!

* * * * REGISTER HERE * * * *