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migrations. Shorebirds flying up from South and Central America and southern Mexico travel through the area in abun- dance.


Melynda Hickman, a wildlife diversity biologist at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and an Oklahoma Electric Cooperative member, spends a lot of her time at Hackberry Flat. Each year, birders are invited to the wet- land for Hackberry Flat Day. This year’s event, scheduled for April 21, will focus on shorebird migration and includes be- ginner and advanced birding tours. “You can easily see 26 species in one day during the peak migration,” Hickman said. “Hopefully we’ll have enough water in the wetland to draw the shorebirds into the fl ats.”


For those who prefer backyard birding, Hickman administers ODWC’s annual hummingbird survey, which runs from April 1 to Nov. 30. In order to gather data about the state’s ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbird popula- tions, Oklahoma residents are asked to hang a feeder and record the earliest and latest hummingbird sightings. To partici- pate, download the survey form from the ODWC website.


For the birding novice, Rachel Bradley, wildlife diversity information special- ist at ODWC offers some advice: “Bird watching is simple for all ages and you can watch birds anywhere. It’s easy to get started—hang up a feeder or provide a bird bath in your backyard, get a spot- ting scope or binoculars, and put on some sunscreen.” A fi eld guide is helpful to identify bird species, but there are several online re- sources available as well. The Species Spotlights on the ODWC website provide information about some of Oklahoma’s most common feathered friends and the Cornell University ornithology website is host to a comprehensive bird guide, Brad- ley said. For those venturing into the fi eld, downloadable smart phone apps, such as one from the National Audubon Society, offer birders a compact identification guide at their fi ngertips. Wood recommends the Bird Watch- ing for Dummies book for beginning bird watchers along with some encourage- ment, “Give it a try—it’s a fun hobby. Most people who try it really get into it. You get to spend time outside and you meet some interesting people along the way.” OL


Helpful links for bird watchers:


✓ Cornell University Bird Guide http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide


✓ ODWC Hummingbird Survey Form http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifemgmt/ citizen_science.htm


✓ ODWC Species Spotlights http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifemgmt/ species.htm


✓ Oklahoma Ornithological Society http://www.okbirds.org


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