OUTDOOR BRIEFS: Whitefish Trail photo contest deadline approaching
Friday is the deadline for entries into the Whitefish Legacy Partners’ 2016 “Nature in Focus” youth photography contest.
Contestants aged 12 to 18 can show off their creativity and love of the outdoors by submitting works to be judged by professional photographers and artists. Entries will be judged in two age groups — ages 12 to 14 and 15 to 18 — with three winners and three honorable mentions from each group.
Photos must be taken on the Whitefish Trail and can include wildlife such as birds, mammals, insects, spiders, reptiles and amphibians, as well as landscapes, native plants, trail users or patterns in nature.
Winning photographers will receive cash prizes and be published in the Whitefish Pilot and on the Whitefish Legacy Partners’ website.
Contest rules and registration information are available on www.whitefishlegacy.org.
The deadline to submit photos is Oct. 21.
For more information, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org, call 406-862-3880 or email info@whitefishlegacy.org.
Audubon program in Polson Oct. 27
“Restoring Trumpeter Swans on the Flathead Indian Reservation” by Dale Becker will be Mission Mountain Audubon’s free evening program in the Polson Library Meeting Room on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.
Becker is the Tribal Wildlife Program Manager for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
As the largest of North American waterfowl, trumpeter swans are also some of the rarest. Hunted for their meat and feathers while their habitat was diminished by settlers moving west, the swans were reduced to near extinction.
Becker will discuss the status and welfare of swans on the Flathead Indian Reservation, a story of environmental restoration by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes that exemplifies the cooperation of various agencies and organizations.
Field trip to view late-migrating and overwintering birds
Join premier birder Craig Hohenberger Oct. 30 to explore the Creston, Ramsfield Road and Bigfork areas for late-season migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.
Those participating in the free outing will also have an opportunity to view an extensive list of resident birds that enjoy the winter with us, including chickadees, nuthatches and bald eagles.
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Creston Elementary School parking lot off of Montana 35. Bring a lunch, binoculars and warm clothes, and plan to carpool. This event should last until 1 p.m.
To sign up or for more information, email Hohenberger at asoleado2003@yahoo.com.