New in 2011, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Friends of Hackberry Flat are offering a series of Saturday morning programs at the Hackberry Flat Center located south of Frederick. This Saturday, Feb. 12, the first in the series will provide a program for those interested in learning more about identifying the ducks, geese and other water birds that use the wetlands and reservoir at Hackberry Flat.

It looks so easy in the field guides but ducks on water and in flight can be confusing. The program begins at 9 a.m., and includes some classroom time in the Center followed by a trip out in the wetland to try out your new identification skills, weather permitting. Program will end at noon and is suitable for ages 12 years to 99. There is no fee but reservations are required. For more information or to make your reservation, please email: mhickman@zoo.odwc.state.ok.us or call Melynda Hickman at 405-990-4977.

Other programs currently scheduled for the Saturday Morning Program series include Bird Identification, Hunter Education classes and of course the annual Hackberry Flat Day, a fun-filled day for the entire family on May 14. Participants at any of the Saturday Morning Programs are exempt from requiring a current hunting/fishing license or Wildlife Conservation Passport.

The Hackberry Flat Center offers amenities for visitors, a meeting facility for events, wetland classrooms for school children and programs to help develop outdoor skills. For more information, including scheduled events, go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/hackberry_flat.htm.