Come out to Police Point Park today and join guides from Grasslands Naturalists on a winter bird watching walk.--NEWS PHOTO SAMANTHA JOHNSON
reporter@medicinehatnews.com
There are plenty of birds to see during the winter in Medicine Hat. The Interpretive Program at Police Point Park has teamed up with Grasslands Naturalists to conduct winter bird watching walks on Saturday.
The walks will start at the Nature Centre. Inside, there will be a table set up with relevant information, such as what apps to use to help identify birds or information on Medicine Hat’s initiative to become a bird city.
The walks are being led by Grasslands Naturalists who have been birding for more than 20 years. Both guides were out at Police Point on Friday to stake out some good locations to take the groups.
There will be a short introduction before the group leaves. During the walk, the guides will explain what to look for, how to identify birds by sound and what habitat to explore when looking for specific species.
Ian Langill, assistant chief interpreter, said, “We will be trying to do lots more of these birding courses. There will be another one in the spring once we get some of the warblers and different varieties coming. We are trying to get more people aware of the different birds we have around us, which helps when we do our bird counts and need volunteers to help.”
The weather is going to be perfect for winter bird watching tomorrow. “It should be a beautiful day. We’ve had few different sightings in the last few days. Hopefully, now that it’s going to be warmer, more birds will start coming out. When they are hiding in the middle or the bushes, they are harder to see but when it’s nicer they are usually out and calling more,” explained Langill.
A Bird Friendly City committee has been set up by Grasslands Naturalists. Marty Drut, who will be one of the guides for the walks, said, “we need the City (of Medicine Hat) to come on fully with the project. It will not be possible to do this without their support. There have been preliminary discussions with the City, and they have indicated willingness to working with GN to attain the BFC status. Full involvement is contingent upon completion of the Environmental Master Plan, which is in progress.”
For more information on becoming a bird friendly city, check out the Nature Canada website. Helping to create a bird friendly city involves residents helping by keeping cats indoors, treating windows to prevent collisions, and making yards more bird friendly.
There will be two guided walks today, Jan. 7. The first is from 10:15-11:30 a.m. and the second from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Nature Centre would like those interested to register for so they can get an idea of how many people will be joining them. Bring binoculars if you have them.
To register, call the Interpretive Program at 403-529-6225, email at mhip@natureline.info or message them on Facebook.
