Area birdwatchers gather Saturday

Budding birders will have a chance to explore parts of the Killdeer Wetlands Saturday morning.

Dave Mead, working jointly with the Sweetwater County Historical Museum and the Green Belt Task Force, said he plans to take a group from the Green River Visitors Center and carpool along the wetlands and river. However, he admits there is a possibility high flows from the river will prevent access to some portions of the wetlands.

The tour starts at 7 a.m. and will conclude at noon. He recommends people interested in attending to bring binoculars and wear walking shoes for the tour.

Mead, who has more than 30 years experience as a bird watcher in Wyoming, Idaho and Missouri, said it’s an activity that can quickly become addictive.

“Birding really kind of hooks you,” he said.

Having been involved with the Audubon Society in other states, Mead said he originally started looking for larger birds before expanding his interest in others.

He said some people have an almost competitive view on bird watching, trying to log as many birds as they can during a 24-hour period or within one year. Some people keep detailed logs involving which species spotted, along with location and time. Mead said he isn’t as competitive as others, but has taken part in breed bird studies; an activity sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tasking bird watchers with driving to 50 points within a 25-mile stretch of road and recording all of the birds they can see and hear within a three-minute period.

Mead said a person can do the activity anywhere and birds are often some of the most visible and audible wildlife. At Killdeer Wetlands, Mead said a person can view both migratory species and nesting birds. Some of those species include Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, American Avocets and many others.

 

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