What can two osprey in Hellgate Canyon tell us about river heath?
…It turns out, quite a lot! Join the Clark Fork Coalition and UM Wildlife Biology professor, Erick Greene, for a sneak peek into the lives of two Missoula osprey. Come learn about how Iris, a 15-year old bird, and her much-younger mate Louis, are faring as parents and as fish-loving birds living in the recovering Clark Fork River watershed.
Greene will touch on the history of the Clark Fork River, mercury and other contaminants in the river, and how it affects osprey in this area. Participants will learn about the Montana Osprey Project, which is focused on ecotoxicology of heavy metals and mercury, as well as environmental education and conservation.
Meet in the far-eastern, closest to the river corner of the new Missoula College parking lot (1205 E. Broadway). There is a great view of the osprey nest from here, so feel free to bring binoculars!
Check out this nest level video of Louis incubating and rolling their eggs:
The May 17th event is part of the Coalition’s monthly “Water Walks and Talks” learning series, which keeps citizens informed about hot topics and recent developments in the Clark Fork River watershed. For more information on the Walks & Talks series, and the Clark Fork Coalition, please visit www.clarkfork.org.