CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AT MISSOURI-YELLOWSTONE CONFLUENCE CENTER AND FORT UNION TRADING POST SET FOR JANUARY 5

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Sundlov
December 28, 2007
(701) 572-9034

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AT MISSOURI-YELLOWSTONE CONFLUENCE CENTER
AND FORT UNION TRADING POST SET FOR JANUARY 5

WILLISTON – Tired of being cooped up for the winter? Set aside the morning of Saturday, January 5 for some live, outdoor entertainment at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center and Fort Union Trading Post! Join with the Upper Missouri Birding Club to count as many birds as possible from selected points in prairie, bottomlands and wooded habitats at both parks. The nationwide Christmas Bird Count is reported from citizen-scientists like yourself from across the country to biologists. The biologists then use the information to better understand bird distributions, patterns of movement, and responses to climate.

Bird counts are fun for beginning birders, experts, and anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. Even if you can't tell the difference between a Black-Billed Magpie and a Bald Eagle, don't worry. You will have fun finding birds, and beginners will team their eyes and ears with experienced birders who love to share this classic hobby! Children are welcome.

Meet us in the parking lot of Fort Union Trading Post (the fort with the big, white walls around it) at 9 a.m. Central Time, where we'll bundle up and count birds, then huddle around the trader's fire to warm up with hot cider.

At 10 a.m., we'll caravan three miles to the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, to count the birds that make winter homes there. We'll end inside the warm visitor center with breakfast treats and an educational program on some of our winter birds.

All events and refreshments are free.

Come prepared for winter weather. As you know, warm clothing has a mysterious way of ensuring warmer weather! Bring binoculars, extra layers of clothing and your favorite bird book. Some extra binoculars and books will be available for those who don't have their own. Mosquito repellant won't be necessary.

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