May in the high country is when we welcome back wildlife, such as birds, that have wintered in warmer climates. Ducks, shorebirds, warblers, swallows, flycatchers, sparrows, sapsuckers, bluebirds and many others return for the nesting season or stop to refuel before heading farther north. Explore several birding locations in and around Estes Park and Rocky […]
The diversity of birds of prey in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park during spring is impressive. In a few hours of field time, it’s possible to locate turkey vulture, osprey, golden eagle, bald eagle, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, northern goshawk, red-tailed hawk, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon and more. Our focus will be on […]
Twilight marks the transition time when nocturnal birds become active. While many daytime species still can be located, Wilson’s snipes, owls, common nighthawks and common poorwills start their nightshift hunting at dusk. Explore the haunts of these elusive birds, and discuss their natural history and ecology as we visit, search and listen. Meets at the […]
Participants will explore Rocky Mountain National Park in search of 3-4 species of owls during the spring courtship and nesting season. Students will be listening for the vocalizations of northern pygmy, northern saw-whet, flammulated and great horned owls. The group will head into the field well before dark as pygmy owls are diurnal which provides […]
Birds are far more often heard than seen – but learning to identify them by ear can be a challenge. This course will introduce the most common bird sounds of Rocky Mountain National Park. We will begin with a field trip in the morning to several different habitats, to hear and practice identifying as many […]
Eagles, hawks & falcons are icons of power and speed that capture the human imagination. Rocky Mountain National Park has all three of these aerial athletes. With an illustrated lecture/discussion in the morning followed by an afternoon field trip, participants will learn how these beautiful birds are alike and different with respect to their diet […]
Rocky Mountain National Park is a birder’s paradise during the nesting season. This two-day class will explore the various ecosystems (life zones) of the park to find 50-70 bird species. We will identify hawks, falcons, eagles, ducks, white-tailed ptarmigans, brown-capped rosy-finches, swifts, broad-tailed hummingbirds, swallows, tanagers, sparrows, warblers, American dippers, wrens, woodpeckers, owls, nuthatches, chickadees, […]
Marking individual hummingbirds remains essential to assess population size, migration corridors and survival. Genetic and statistical analyses are complementing and expanding understanding of these important migratory pollinators. Learn about Rocky’s hummingbird populations and their habitats while observing field ornithologists as they safely capture and band these remarkable birds. Visit typical habitats, observe and identify types […]
Learn about Rocky’s hummingbird populations and their habitat while observing field ornithologists as they safely capture and band these remarkable birds. Marking individual birds remains essential to determine population size, migration corridors, and survivorship. Genetic and statistical analyses are complementing and expanding understanding of these important migratory pollinators. Class members will visit typical habitat, observe […]
The Rocky Mountains and Front Range area are home to an exciting variety of raptors! Experienced wildlife guide Perry Conway will introduce you to these remarkable birds and help you learn to spot them in the wild. Register now, there are just a few spots left! Our morning will begin with an informative lecture, illustrated […]
A two-day introductory birding course for anyone who wants to learn about the diverse habitats of Rocky Mountain National Park and the birds who call these places home. In this two day class, instructor Debbie Bangs will begin with a brief talk about why birds are so specific to various habitats within the biomes of […]
