Last Chance Audubon continues to support World Shorebirds Day by participating in Global Shorebird Counts. These worldwide surveys are conducted each September and provide a setting for observing, appreciating and helping to sustain shorebird populations. “Some 50% of the world’s shorebird species are in decline, and vital habitat is being lost at a higher rate than ever. It is urgent to raise public awareness around the world of these imperiled birds’ plight, and the need for shorebird conservation and research.” (shorebirdconservation.org). Stephen Turner will lead a field trip to Canyon Ferry WMA* to survey for shorebirds which are migrating south from the arctic. Several shorebird ID experts will be on hand to assist with identification of this sometimes-challenging group of birds. We will meet at the northeast end of the Costco parking lot at 7:00 am (please arrive a few minutes early). We will return no later than 1:00 pm. This trip has limited space and is nearly full. Please sign up today! It is free to current LCAS members. Non-members pay $15, which includes a one-year membership to LCAS. Surveyors can expect a 1.5-mile round-trip walk on dirt roads. Contact Stephen to register: turnstonest@gmail.com.

*Note: There is some chance that we will survey at the Helena Regulating Reservoir instead of Canyon Ferry WMA. Recent water levels at the reservoir have been extremely low and the influx of shorebirds to the area has been tremendous over the past several weeks. If low water levels continue at the reservoir, the opportunity for high numbers of shorebirds is excellent.