Kane Christmas bird count slated for Saturday

The annual Kane Christmas bird count will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
This will be the 33rd year for the Kane count. Many people have been participating for several years, but Bighorn Canyon is always looking for new people.
“You don’t have to be an expert. We will pair you with one of our amazing, longtime birders,” said Christy Fleming, Bighorn Canyon Chief of Interpretation.
Participants can pick up envelopes at the front desk at the Lovell Visitor Center any time during business hours (Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The visitor center will be opened at 7 a.m. Saturday. Any envelopes not claimed by 10 a.m. Saturday may be distributed to another group.
Participants should bring binoculars, bird books, spotting scope, camera, clip board, warm clothing and footwear, hat and gloves, lunch and plenty of water and/or warm drinks. The bird count is done at 4 p.m., and the results are totaled.
The Kane Christmas bird count circle is centered around the old town of Kane and extends from roughly Moncur Springs on the east side of Big Horn Lake to Sand Draw near Lovell. It includes a good portion of the Yellowtail Habitat.
“Pheasant season will be open, so don’t forget your hunter orange,” Fleming said.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, and if a volunteer doesn’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle, staff will try to pair the person with a team who has one. At check-in, participants will be asked for their vehicle license number, vehicle description and a cell phone number.
“Everyone is welcome -- no expertise required,” Fleming said. “Bring a friend. If you are interested in birding but are unsure of your identification skills, you will be teamed up with others who have birding skills.”
Contact Christy Fleming at 307-548-5406 or by email at Christy_fleming@nps.gov to participate and for more information about the Kane count.
In addition to the bird count, the Western National Park Association will be hosting an open house on December 16, offering discounts on must-have items for last minute gifts and books. Refreshments will be provided.
The park staff is also planning a special hike on Thursday, Dec. 21.
“December 21 is the Winter Solstice,” Fleming said. “Bighorn Canyon invites you to join me on a guided hike along the Stateline Trail to watch the sunrise. Meet at the Lovell Visitor Center at 7 a.m. We will drive out to the Stateline Trail and watch the sunrise over the Big Horn Mountains. We plan to be back to the visitor center around 9:30 a.m. The visitor center will open after the hike.”