Have you ever been curious how biologists get those tiny bands around a bird’s leg, and what they are for?
You can find the answers to all your burning bird questions Monday, July 15, at Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area, where experts in the field will be banning birds, and hosting a program called “Bird’s-eye View Education Program.”
University of Montana Avian Science Center and FWP will provide a chance 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.
The event is free and open to the public. Plan to arrive around 7:00 am or 9:00 am, wear hiking aproapriate shoes and clothing, bring snacks & water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Binoculars and cameras would also be a good idea if you have them.
More information about this program here
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.
