With spring bird migration still in full swing, a free opportunity to see potentially several species is coming up this Saturday in Greene County.

The Raccoon River Watershed Association, Jefferson Matters and Carroll County Conservation are co-hosting a birding hike at Dunbar Slough on Saturday. Local bird enthusiast and Jefferson Matters Director Matt Wetrich will be leading the excursion starting at 8am, with attendees meeting at the Casey’s General Store in Scranton and everyone will carpool to the habitat area.

Wetrich says Dunbar Slough is home to lots of different bird species and he has seen several different ones that stop through on their way north this time of year.

“Come and explore something that is truly a gem here in the very western edge of Greene County. It’s a very significant piece of habitat that plays a key role on spring migration, on the summer nesting season, fall migration, and even over wintering. It’s a really neat spot. It’s managed by the state and the feds, and the (Iowa) DNR (Department of Natural Resources) is the main caretaker of it, but there are state and federal land out there.”  

Wetrich adds that anyone is welcome to join this free event and there will be binoculars to share, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own, as well as dress appropriately for the weather.