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Waterfowl roundup at Gibson Park is next Friday

The birds are kept inside during the cold months
Waterfowl at Gibson Park
Waterfowl at Gibson Park
Waterfowl at Gibson Park
Posted at 10:32 AM, Oct 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-11 16:18:38-04

GREAT FALLS — City of Great Falls Park & Recreation staff will conduct their annual waterfowl roundup in Gibson Park on Friday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m.

All domestic waterfowl will be moved to what is referred to as “The Honker Hilton," their winter quarters, located at the north end of Gibson Park.

During the cold months, the birds are kept inside for their own safety as many have clipped wings. Park & Recreation staff care for the birds throughout the winter.

Each year, several City workers put on their waders and pick up rakes to walk around in the pond, nudging the flightless birds toward a pen. They are then loaded onto a truck and driven to the north side of the park and released inside their winter quarters.

The birds will be returned to the pond in April.

Public schools in Great Falls are not in session on Friday, so people are encouraged to bring the entire family to the roundup.

For more information, call the Park & Recreation office at 406-771-1265.

Here is video from last year's roundup: