Havre Trails sets birdwatching hike

Havre Daily News staff

Havre Trails is inviting people to its first hike of the season, a special birdwatching hike for people of all ages.

Montana State University-Northern biology professor Terri Hildebrand will lead a group, starting at Sands Lake Waterfowl Protection Area west of Havre and viewing several species of of birds there.

For people who wish to continue, the group will then caravan to Fresno Wildlife Protection Area north of Kremlin. The hikers have the potential there to walk around a bit and see blue herons, swans, pelicans, and others.

The terrain is rated as easy difficulty.

People should meet at 1 p.m. Saturday at Sands Waterfowl Production Area just west of Havre. To get there, drive west of town past Walmart and turn left at the U.S. Highway 87 intersection with U.S. Highway 2. Drive south 1.2 miles and just after Big Equipment on the left, drivers will see a turnoff on the right. Park here. For people who plan to drive out to Fresno WPA afterward, a high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended. Carpooling with others may be possible.

Attendees should dress in warm layers including a windbreaker with sturdy shoes; bring plenty of water and snacks, and binoculars and/or spotting scopes if available.

People should make sure to have enough gasoline in their vehicle’s tank if joining the drive out north. The hikers will be out 3-4 hours total, 1.5 hours driving.

People can RSVP on the link at Havre Area Events at https://www.havreareaevents.com/04/20/2019/birdviewing-hike-havre-trails/.