Winter Birding on the Lower Columbia offered February 21 at Fort Clatsop

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop has announced the next In Their Footsteps free speaker series event. This program is Winter Birding on the Lower Columbia by Mike Patterson on Sunday, February 21 at 1:00 p.m.

Captain Meriwether Lewis, with help from his fellow Corps of Discovery members, was the first to collect specimens and write detailed descriptions of western birds for scientists back east in the 17 United States (and Europe). Lewis wrote about 51 species or sub-species of birds that were new to science. Many of these descriptions were completed during his 1805-06 winter at Fort Clatsop. Winter Birding on the Lower Columbia is an exploration of birds in this area with thoughts on changes over the years since the Corps of Discovery’s visit 210 winters ago.

Mike Patterson is an educator, photographer, and ecological consultant. He works with state and federal agencies, land trusts, and private citizens to inventory, interpret and promote the protection and restoration of natural spaces.

This monthly Sunday forum is sponsored by the Lewis & Clark National Park Association and the park. These programs are held in the Netul River Room of Fort Clatsop’s visitor center and are free of charge.

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.