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Christmas Bird Count For Kids December 14

The second annual Glen Canyon Christmas Bird Count for Kids will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch Ramp (8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time). Lees Ferry is located 42 miles from Page, Arizona via Highway 89 south and Highway 89A west. This event is made possible by the Glen Canyon Conservancy.

For over a century, thousands of volunteers take part in the National Audubon Society's Annual Christmas Bird Count, the longest running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. In an effort to teach students about this countrywide endeavor, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Glen Canyon Conservancy invite families with children ages 8 to 18 to join us for a half-day event.

Scout Will Participate

Each participant will receive a bird booklet to help them get familiar with birds, and keep a record and tally of what they observe in the field. Participants will break into groups led by local birding enthusiasts and spend two hours discovering and counting birds. Groups will return to the Lees Ferry Shade Structure for the Tabulation Celebration to report their findings.

Glen Canyon Conservancy will provide snacks, water, water bottles and hot drinks. Martin Tyner from the Southwest Wildlife Foundation will be on hand to present his "Wild Birds of Prey" live raptor show. Tyner will cover topics such as identification, hunting, and nesting behaviors. A golden eagle named "Scout" will be part of the presentation.

Please Remember

An adult must accompany all children. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring binoculars (if possible). Loaner binoculars will be available. To register visit https://www.canyonconservancy.org/christmas-bird-count-4-kids. All participants must print out and present the volunteer waivers found on the registration website.

If the participant is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must complete and sign fields 26 through 32 on the second page. Registration is limited to 60 participants and pre-registration is required to ensure adequate supplies for all participants. The park entrance fee provides access to this free event.

Enjoy An Old-West Christmas At Lees Ferry

The National Park Service invites you to celebrate an Old West Christmas at Lees Ferry on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Lees Ferry is located 42 miles from Page, Arizona via Highway 89 south and Highway 89A west.

Fascinating History

Explore the fascinating history of Lonely Dell Ranch with pioneer crafts and cowboy carols, stargazing and Navajo astronomy, hot donuts and cider. The historic buildings at the Lonely Dell Ranch will be open to tour and decorated in holiday splendor.

NPS

Raptor Show 2018 Christmas Bird Count For Kids

"This is going to be a really fun event," said Superintendent William Shott. "There will be great activities for people of all ages. This is a family-friendly way to get in the holiday spirit and also learn some unique things about our area's history."

Christmas Gifts

Visitors are encouraged to dress warm. Hotels and restaurants in the Marble Canyon area will be open for business and offer a quick and affordable holiday getaway from Page. Glen Canyon Conservancy will also be on-site selling gifts for Christmas. A portion of the proceeds will go back to care for our local national parks. The park entrance fee provides access to this free event. Park in the 14-day parking lot near the fish cleaning station and maintenance complex then hop on the event shuttle.

More information is available on each park's website: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or Rainbow Bridge National Monument.