Northern Saw-whet Owls have been called a “gateway drug to conservation” by ornithologist and author Scott Weidensaul. When the volunteers spot the little owl in the hand of the researcher, it’s easy to see why. Pupils widen, smiles break out, and “oohhhs” and “awws” are abound; it’s hard to resist the charm of this owl.
Of course, this story is about more than just the journey of a single bird between its breeding and wintering grounds. In many ways, it speaks to the work that is at the core of Bird Conservancy of the Rockies: connecting people and places through the common thread of birds.
As I stumble out of my tent at 4 a.m. my eyes squint to a blanket of stars in the dark sky above me. My red headlamp light illuminates my tent as I gather my gear, and get ready for my ascent to Columbine falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, a mere 2.6 miles and 1,475 ft gain in elevation to the falls along the Longs Peak trail. This trail is popular among hikers that attempt to summit Longs Peak.
This summer, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies partnered with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to host two undergraduate students from Colorado State University as interns through the Siegele Internship Program. This internship program creates paid opportunities for early career professionals to get hands-on experience with biologists to gain field skills, explore their interests, and assist with conservation and monitoring programs across a variety of environmental applications.
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Pineridge Natural Area this fall for an up close and personal experience with birds! You will have a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. You will also learn about specialized bird adaptations and behavior, annual migration, crucial habitat requirements, and key conservation issues. Bird banding data increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and is often utilized in management and conservation projects!
The Pineridge Banding Station is open from August 27th – September 28th, 2024.
One hour programs are available Tuesday – Friday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (closed Sunday & Mondays).
The programs are provided at no cost, but registration is required!
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold. Parking closest to the Banding Station is at Maxwell Natural Area (3502 CR 42C Fort Collins, CO). From there, access to the Station requires a very short walk across a road, then down and up a small hill on a packed dirt trail. Please note, this location is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Please check the website below for up to date closures of Pineridge Natural Area. If Pineridge Natural Area is closed, the banding station is closed as well.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status
Please contact Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler, at [email protected] or (970) 482-1707 x40 for more information.
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Pineridge Natural Area this fall for an up close and personal experience with birds! You will have a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. You will also learn about specialized bird adaptations and behavior, annual migration, crucial habitat requirements, and key conservation issues. Bird banding data increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and is often utilized in management and conservation projects!
The Pineridge Banding Station is open from August 27th – September 28th, 2024.
One hour programs are available Tuesday – Friday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (closed Sunday & Mondays).
The programs are provided at no cost, but registration is required!
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold. Parking closest to the Banding Station is at Maxwell Natural Area (3502 CR 42C Fort Collins, CO). From there, access to the Station requires a very short walk across a road, then down and up a small hill on a packed dirt trail. Please note, this location is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Please check the website below for up to date closures of Pineridge Natural Area. If Pineridge Natural Area is closed, the banding station is closed as well.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status
Please contact Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler, at [email protected] or (970) 482-1707 x40 for more information.
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Pineridge Natural Area this fall for an up close and personal experience with birds! You will have a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. You will also learn about specialized bird adaptations and behavior, annual migration, crucial habitat requirements, and key conservation issues. Bird banding data increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and is often utilized in management and conservation projects!
The Pineridge Banding Station is open from August 27th – September 28th, 2024.
One hour programs are available Tuesday – Friday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (closed Sunday & Mondays).
The programs are provided at no cost, but registration is required!
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold. Parking closest to the Banding Station is at Maxwell Natural Area (3502 CR 42C Fort Collins, CO). From there, access to the Station requires a very short walk across a road, then down and up a small hill on a packed dirt trail. Please note, this location is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Please check the website below for up to date closures of Pineridge Natural Area. If Pineridge Natural Area is closed, the banding station is closed as well.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status
Please contact Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler, at [email protected] or (970) 482-1707 x40 for more information.
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Pineridge Natural Area this fall for an up close and personal experience with birds! You will have a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. You will also learn about specialized bird adaptations and behavior, annual migration, crucial habitat requirements, and key conservation issues. Bird banding data increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and is often utilized in management and conservation projects!
The Pineridge Banding Station is open from August 27th – September 28th, 2024.
One hour programs are available Tuesday – Friday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (closed Sunday & Mondays).
The programs are provided at no cost, but registration is required!
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold. Parking closest to the Banding Station is at Maxwell Natural Area (3502 CR 42C Fort Collins, CO). From there, access to the Station requires a very short walk across a road, then down and up a small hill on a packed dirt trail. Please note, this location is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Please check the website below for up to date closures of Pineridge Natural Area. If Pineridge Natural Area is closed, the banding station is closed as well.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status
Please contact Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler, at [email protected] or (970) 482-1707 x40 for more information.
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Pineridge Natural Area this fall for an up close and personal experience with birds! You will have a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. You will also learn about specialized bird adaptations and behavior, annual migration, crucial habitat requirements, and key conservation issues. Bird banding data increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and is often utilized in management and conservation projects!
The Pineridge Banding Station is open from August 27th – September 28th, 2024.
One hour programs are available Tuesday – Friday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (closed Sunday & Mondays).
The programs are provided at no cost, but registration is required!
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold. Parking closest to the Banding Station is at Maxwell Natural Area (3502 CR 42C Fort Collins, CO). From there, access to the Station requires a very short walk across a road, then down and up a small hill on a packed dirt trail. Please note, this location is not easily wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Please check the website below for up to date closures of Pineridge Natural Area. If Pineridge Natural Area is closed, the banding station is closed as well.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status
Please contact Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler, at [email protected] or (970) 482-1707 x40 for more information.
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Barr Lake State Park this fall for an up close and personal experience with birds! You will have a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. You will also learn about specialized bird adaptations and behavior, annual migration, crucial habitat requirements, and key conservation issues. Bird banding data increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and is often utilized in management and conservation projects!
The Banding Station is open from August 22 – October 23, 2024 and one hour programs are available Tuesdays – Fridays from 7:30-8:30 a.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., and 10-11 a.m. (closed Mondays). Registration is required for all timeslots.
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during rain or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold.
Programs are limited to a total of 15 participants to ensure the safety of all visitors, staff, and volunteers.
The Barr Lake banding station has moved south to a section of the Niedrach Trail. Park at the Barr Lake Nature Center and cross the canal bridge. Turn left after the bridge, then a quick right onto the Niedrach Trail (with sign). Take a left at the first fork of the Niedrach Trail and continue until reaching the banding station. Total walking distance is about ¼ mile from parking.
Please let us know if we can offer any accommodations or assistance to help you get to the Station. Parking is available at the Barr Lake State Park Nature Center Parking lot ($10/vehicle Daily Entrance Fee or a Keep Colorado Wild Pass is required for entry) – 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO 80603.
Scholarships are available! Please fill out our SCHOLARSHIPS FORM to apply. Scholarships cannot be applied after registration is complete.
