Bird Hike next Saturday at Lewis and Clark Caverns

Next week local residents can get some fresh air, beautiful views, and at the same time learn bird identification skills.

Lewis and Clark Caverns is hosting The Great Backyard Bird Count Guide Hike Saturday, February 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

According to Brian Turner of Montana State Parks AmeriCorps, the hike being led by Assistant Park Manager Tom Forwood is a way to get the local community come out and an learn some bird identification skills. He added it is also a way to get people to participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon Society’s project to capture birding data in real time.

“I think this will be a great opportunity for families to bring their kids out for some winter fun, and also a chance to learn a bit about the birds that fly and sing just above their heads,” Turner said.

The hike will travel along the main road where most birds are easily visible, and Turner said with the hike being three hours, guests will not have to stay for the duration of the walk, and if it is really cold, they will play the duration by ear.

Visitors are encouraged by Cavern officials to download the eBird app and create an account so they can document what birds they saw on their hike.

Visitors are reminded the cave is not open until May, but the gate to the upper visitors center will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the day of the hike.

Please dress accordingly for the hike.