Birding fans can make a weekend out of it this year as the Medora Christmas Bird Count and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park count are set for Dec. 21-22.

The Medora count gets under way at 8 a.m. MST Dec. 21 at the South Unit Visitor Center, and the North Unit count gets going at 9 a.m. CST Dec. 22 at the North Unit Visitor Center. Birders will be asked to cover a 7½-mile radius around Medora and the North Unit Visitor Center.

Valerie Naylor, park superintendent, said birders will be assigned areas to cover so if participants are planning to drive later in the morning, they should call ahead of time for directions. She said it's not necessary for people to be expert birders, because volunteers are needed to assist as observers and recorders.

This will be the 33rd year for the Medora count and the 28th year for the North Unit. Birders should bring their own binoculars and dress warmly.

Hot drinks will be provided at the visitor centers. Sixty-seven species have been recorded during the Medora count and 60 species in the North Unit.

Call the park at 701-623-4466 for information.

- Brian Gehring