June 13th Field Trip – Shields Valley Driving Tour
June 13 @ 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Leaders: George and Valerie Nixon
406-219-6169 or 406-219-6170 hawkowl526@gmail.com
Options for half to full day
The Shields Valley is home to some impressive bird diversity. When we leave Clyde Park, we will check some backroads and the riparian corridor along Highway 89 for nesting species as well as any migrants passing through. They should be out in force. We will also visit two separate marshes on the tour in search of Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, and Sora. One of the highlights will be the visit to Cottonwood Reservoir which can host an impressive variety of migrant shorebirds and waterfowl including displaying Western and Eared Grebes. The nearby sagebrush environs are a good chance to study Brewer’s Sparrow and Sage Thrashers. Finally, we will head up the Shields River Valley drainage to explore some coniferous and montane riparian habitats to round out the experience!
Meet at the Clyde Park Post Office parking lot, at 7:30 AM for car-pooling. 4 vehicle and 12-person limit. Please contact the trip leader to register.
