Education - Region 3
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
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.
- 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 Vanna Boccadori (email@example.com), Megan Fylling (firstname.lastname@example.org) or Sharon Fuller (Sharon.email@example.com).
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
Directions to Mt. Haggin
From Interstate I-90, take Exit 208 (Anaconda, Highway 1). Head west on Highway 1 toward Anaconda for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn south onto Highway 274/579 (Mill Creek Highway). There will be a sign for Wisdom at this turn. Go approximately 3.5 miles to the turn-off into Cabbage Gulch on the Mt. Haggin Wildlife Management Area. You’ll be turning east onto a dirt road with a large brown wooden sign for Mt. Haggin WMA. Head approximately 1 mile up this dirt road, passing the shooting range on your left and going through a pipe gate. Once you near the banding station, there will be a few pull-outs along the road where other vehicles will be parked - you may park here. Someone will meet you there to guide you to the banding station.