Glacier hosting alpine bird count
A Clark’s nutcracker buries whitebark pine nuts along the Rocky Mountain Front below Scenic Point. Once common, the birds are increasingly rare in Glacier, as whitebark pine stands have been decimated by blister rust, a fungal infection imported from Asia.
To celebrate the birds of Glacier National Park’s alpine areas, the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center and park wildlife staff are hosting the second Alpine Bird BioBlitz on Friday, July 19.
Participants will work alongside expert birders to collect important data on the presence and abundance of 12 of Glacier’s alpine bird species, some of which are species of concern. Species of concern are those that may be declining or are in need of conservation or monitoring to understand more about their status.
The Alpine Bird BioBlitz will occur at various designated locations accessible by hiking. Participants should be able to hike moderate to strenuous trails and have some prior birding experience.
Start time for most hiking destinations will be as early as 5:30 a.m. Early morning starts are necessary to ensure bird detections. End times will vary, with some hikes lasting into the late afternoon.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.nps.gov/rlc/crown/bioblitz.htm.
For more information, contact CCRLC at (406)-888-7986 or email glac_citizen_science@nps.gov.
Glacier National Park Conservancy donors provide nearly all funding for the park’s citizen science program.