Public Invited to Montana Bird Banding Events at Mt. Haggin WMA
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 05.29.13
Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area will host several opportunities for both kids and adults to observe bird banding while learning about the ecological effects of past mining activities and current restoration projects along the Clark Fork River. These events are part of the University of Montana’s Avian Science Center’s “Bird’s-eye View Education Program” in cooperation with FWP. They are free and open to all.
Participants will:
- See birds “in the hand”
- Learn why biologists capture and band birds
- Find out what kind of data biologists collect
- Gain bird ID skills and learn a few common bird songs
- Find out why riparian areas are so important to birds.
- Learn the history of mining activities in the Upper Clark Fork Basin and the effect those activities had on bird communities
Bird Banding Schedule at Mt. Haggin 2013:
- Saturday, June 1, Thursday, June 13, Thursday, June 20
- Monday, July 1, Monday, July 15, Tuesday, July 23
- Monday, August 5
Visitors should plan to arrive at either 7:00 am or 9:00 am in order to participate in the program. For more information about this program or to arrange a group visit, contact Megan Fylling (megan.fylling@mso.umt.edu) or Sharon Fuller (Sharon.fuller@mso.umt.edu).
Please keep in mind that these programs are weather dependent – if the forecast is for rain or high winds, we may have to cancel – contact Megan or Sharon at 243-2035 for an update.
Visitors should wear shoes and clothes appropriate for hiking near riparian woodlands & consider bringing snacks or a lunch, as well as water, sunscreen, a hat, and bug repellent (the mosquitoes can be quite numerous!) Bring binoculars if you have them and a camera if you’d like – this unique “bird-in-the-hand” situation creates nice photo opportunities. More information about this program at: http://avianscience.dbs.umt.edu/projects/bird_banding.php
