International Migratory Bird Day - Moiese

Saturday, May 08, 2010

International Migratory Bird Day is a yearly event conducted to make people aware of birds, their importance in people's lives and current concerns. A variety of events, from beginning to advanced bird watching, bird identification and photography are held to encourage the public to get involved with and enjoy birds. As part of the celebration, the 19-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive is opened for the summer season (weather permitting).

For those interested in learning how to birdwatch and to identify birds, sign up for the Beginning Bird Walk. No experience is necessary, although binoculars are handy to have with you. Staff will take you on a leisurely stroll along the Nature Trail and help identify the birds seen. Pointers on what to look for, where to go and how to continue birdwatching will be offered. Commonly seen birds are tree swallows, yellow warblers, Bullock's orioles and, of course, American robins. One year, the beginning birders were lucky enough to see the nesting pair of Great Horned Owls along with their fledgling (an unusual sighting even for the most advanced birders!)

The Range also offers birdwatching opportunities along Red Sleep Mountain Drive. Because this route takes you through a variety of habitats, there are opportunities to see western meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows in the grasslands, spotted towhees and willow flycatchers along the shrubby creeks, red-breasted nuthatches and blue grouse in the forest as well as common mergansers and belted kingfishers along Mission Creek. This road is open for visitors to take on their own. Afternoon activities include demonstrations and talks about bluebirds and photography, as well as trivia contests, free posters and all sorts of bird information and bird watching tips.

ALL GUIDED BIRD ACTIVITIES NEED TO BE RESERVED, SO CALL THE NATIONAL BISON RANGE AT 406-644-2211 EXT 207 TO REGISTER.