Tag

bird-friendly living

40th Monte Vista Crane Festival

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Join Us For The Migration Experience Of A Lifetime. The 40th Festival Will Be March 10-12, 2023

Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds follow a long route during their seasonal migrations. Along the way, there are many places where you can stop and view these beautiful creatures. So what makes the Monte Vista Crane Festival Unique? We believe it is a combination of unmatched scenery, exceptional wildlife viewing, and the friendly, welcoming communities of the San Luis Valley.

At the Monte Vista Crane Festival you can enjoy thousands of Sandhill Cranes, ducks, and geese flying against a backdrop of mountain scenery. Raptors will adorn the power poles and owls will be sitting with their young. A visit to the Monte Vista Crane Festival is an opportunity to see an amazing natural spectacle as well as experience a unique rural community.

Bird Conservancy’s Private Land Wildlife Biologist Anna Greenberg will be a presenter at the festival.

Visit mvcranefest.org to purchase your ticket and for more information.

Conservation Birding Tour – Sandhill Crane Migration

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Please note that this trip is currently full!
If you would like to be added to a waitlist of this trip or be contacted about future trips, please contact Joe Pettit

Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies at the iconic Zapata Ranch for a weekend of exploration in the majestic San Luis Valley. Guests will be joined by scientists, birders, ranchers, and expert guides as they tour the 100,000 acre ranch and visit the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to view Sandhill Cranes on their spring migration. This exclusive trip is perfect for birders, nature lovers and anyone interested in land conservation.


Medano – Zapata Ranch

The group will explore the extensive meadows, lakes, historic headquarters, and bison barn while learning about the 2,000-head wild bison herd and it’s role in conservation. We will explore the original Medano Homestead which dates back to the 1860s and see the fascinatingly diverse ecosystem in this portion of the ranch. As we drive amongst wild bison we will keep an eye out for the other extraordinary animals that call this side of the ranch home. Elk, porcupine, coyotes, golden eagles, great horned owls, hawks, and pronghorn are commonly spotted.


Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

We’ll be greeted at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge by the “gar-oo-oo” of sandhill cranes, the quacks of mallard ducks, and the vibrant whistling songs of western meadowlarks. We will also find beautiful vistas of wetlands and meadows that make up great portions of the Refuge. As a backdrop to the Refuge’s many scenic vistas, visitors can also enjoy amazing sunsets against the backdrop of the nearby San Juan Mountains.


Accommodations

When not in the field, guests will enjoy wonderful accommodations and dining provided by Ranchlands, the amazing team that manages the ranch. Guests will be joined by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies staff including Executive Director and Sandhill Crane expert Tammy VerCauteren and Anna Greenberg, Private Lands Wildlife Biologist based in the San Luis Valley. With a small group size, the trip will give guests a high level of access to scientists, birding experts and conservation practitioners and the opportunity for deep learning about the challenges and successes in the bird conservation world.


Details

Cost of the trip is $995 per room based on double occupancy.

Cost Includes: Accommodations for two nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, land transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Cost Does Not Include: Transportation to and from Zapata Ranch, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or personal services.
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is collaborating with Ranchlands to offer this trip. Ranchlands is responsible for all trip accommodations, services, and policies. Trip costs and fees will be processed by Ranchlands and will not constitute a charitable gift to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Great Backyard Bird Count

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Take part in the continued community science of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This world-wide event is a collaborative effort of birders all coming together to see what birds are around mid-winter in their community.
Join us at Barr Lake to take part in this tradition and learn how you can continue being a community scientist throughout the year!
This event is free, but registration is required. Please register at the link below. Space is limited.

Nature Art – Family & Homeschool Program

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There are countless ways to create art, and nature is the ultimate inspiration. Join Bird Conservancy Educators as we explore our creative sides and the great outdoors to see what materpieces we create! Have a little one? We have developmentally appropriate activities for our littlest learners, too! Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes!

Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!

Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)

Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.

This program takes place at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center located at 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Bald Eagle Extravaganza – Family & Homeschool

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Learn all about the Bald Eagles of Barr lake, the science and studies working to protect them, all while observing them on a guided walk.

Have a little one? We have developmentally appropriate activities for our littlest learners, too!

Playing outside can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes! Registration is required. Follow this LINK to register!

Cost: $7/child (Ages 1-17)
$1/adult (18 & up)

Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.

This program takes place at Barr Lake State Park at the Meadowlark Pavilion. 13401 Picadilly Road Brighton Colorado

The Continuance of Indigenous Lifeways and Bird Conservation

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Thursday, February 02, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Aimee Roberson is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and of Chickasaw descent. Roberson is a lifelong student of Earth’s wisdom, and currently serves as the southwest regional director for American Bird Conservancy. Sharing compelling stories from her life, career and culture, Roberson addresses environmental, climate and human rights crises through the continuance of Indigenous lifeways and bird conservation. She is committed to reciprocity, community and environmental stewardship, and partners with people and all our relations to ensure that native grasses grow and rivers continue to flow. Roberson provides leadership to conservation partnerships with an emphasis on the southwestern United States and northern Mexico — co-creating a vision; integrating cultural values and ecological knowledge with science for meaningful decision making; and implementing shared strategies for stewarding wildlife, water and ecosystems. Presented in partnership with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and with promotional support from Audubon Rockies and Denver Audubon.
Follow this LINK to learn more and to register

Scotts Bluff Trail Feathers – Riverside Park

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Did you know that Scottsbluff is a birding convergence of eastern and western species? Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to get to know the winged wonders that share our home. We will explore a different area of Scotts Bluff County each month, covering many habitats with a chance to discover new birds each time.
This program is intended for anyone interested in birding; from beginners to experts.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for two hours.
We will be meeting at the Monument Valley Trail Head next to the YMCA Trails West Camp parking lot.
Thanks to generous support from our sponsors, this program is provided at NO COST!
For more information: [email protected] or 308-633-1013
All are welcome. Our community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors and creeds to join in, benefit from and contribute to our mission. We strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other status

Sensory Exploration: Family Nature Club

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Join educators with Bird Conservancy for the new year of the Family Nature Club series! Join us for the Sensory Exploration: Family Nature Club! Play in games and activities that explore how animals use their different senses (smell, touch, sight, sound) to explore the world around them.
Sensory Exploration will be outside the entire time. Please dress comfortably for the weather and bring snacks/water as needed.
**Thanks to generous support and funding from our sponsors, Family Nature Club is available at no cost!
Space is limited, register now to save your spot and to claim an Exploration Kit!
Location:
Elks Shelter
Riverside Park (next to Riverside Dog Park)
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
All are welcome. Our community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors and creeds to join in, benefit from and contribute to our mission. We strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other status

Pineridge Conservation Night

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Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and other panhandle conservation organizations for a fun night of hands-on activities focused on nature and conservation in Northwest Nebraska! Black Hills Raptor Center is traveling from Rapid City with their live birds of prey!

Share photos of wildlife around your home and participate in the Trail Camera Photo Contest! Only one submission per person, must be in a JPEG or PNG format. Submit your photo here: https://bit.ly/3CIqqQg

Attendance is FREE, but you must register to secure your meal.

Click HERE to register!