Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

Bald Eagle Outing
2026-01-31 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton, CO, 80603
Experience the serene beauty of Barr Lake State Park while observing the majestic Bald Eagles that spend their winter here. Each outing will be led by knowledgeable Bird Conservancy staff and volunteers. They will offer insights into the behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts surrounding Bald Eagles. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, you’re sure to learn something new! Binoculars provided.
**Spanish-language interpretation available for this session**
Access Information: This program includes traveling ~3 miles round-trip (1.5 miles to gazebo/viewing area and back) on a packed dirt trail, with little to no incline. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the meeting location. Some adaptive equipment is available for this event. Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events accessible to everyone, if you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Sarah Doxon (303-659-4348 x53 or sarah.doxon@birdconservancy.org) for more information.
Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
Click here to register today!
This program takes place at Barr Lake State Park Nature Center located at 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton, CO. Meet in front of the Nature Center. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Lory State Park Bird Walk - Well Gulch Nature Trail
2026-02-07 08:30 - 11:00 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
Come along on this hike of the Well Gulch Nature Trail in search of raptors and wintering birds. Our experienced guides will help you find and identify birds along the way. Interact with and meet other local birders in the community, spend time in outside, and see the winter beauty Lory State Park has to offer. Bird Conservancy will provide binoculars to those who need them. Whether new to birding, or a seasoned birder, participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Click here to register!
Meeting Point: Well Gulch Trailhead at the South Eltuck Picnic Area. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times. The trail is a 1.7 mile loop with an ascent of 417 ft. It is rated as an easy trail that families and newer hikers could handle. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events as accessible as possible, if you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact Stephanie Wheeler at stephanie.wheeler@birdconservancy.org. Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes 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.

Winter Bike to Work Day
2026-02-13 07:00 - 10:00 | CO
Visit Bird Conservancy and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery at the corner of Cherry St. and Mason St. Pick up breakfast items, learn about our organizations and activities before exploring other stations around Fort Collins.
This event is organized by the City of Fort Collins, FC Moves: “Fort Collins celebrates bicycling year-round, and Bike to Work Day is our biggest community ride. It’s a chance to swap your car trip for a bike ride, grab breakfast on the way and connect with others who share the road and trails. Whether you ride every day or once a year, it’s an easy, fun way to be part of the city’s active transportation culture.”
Learn more here!

Great Backyard Bird Count
2026-02-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Court, Fort Collins, CO, 80524
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an international event that encourages everyone from beginner to expert birders to participate. By spending at least 15 minutes counting birds in your yard, neighborhood, or community, you can contribute to an expansive community science project that helps scientists better understand bird populations and communities all around the world. The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place February 13-16. Any checklists for 15 or more minutes can contribute to this amazing project!
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Northern Colorado Bird Alliance, American Bird Conservancy, and Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will be hosting a free event at which you can learn all about birds and how to help birds in our community. Join us on bird walks and bird sits to participate in the count. Or enjoy some Mindful Birding to be resent in nature and take in all of the sounds and sights in a more meditative way. There will be activities for participants of all ages.

The Great Backyard Bird Count
2026-02-15 09:00 - 11:30 | CO
Come enjoy birds, explore our local ecosystems, and take part in this worldwide event! The Great Backyard Bird Count is a community science project, designed to engage any and all in bird watching and population monitoring. Bird Conservancy and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are teaming up to host a morning of bird walks so you can get involved and learn how you can contribute to bird conservation from your own backyard! Families and children encouraged!
February 15th, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Meet at Pelican Point parking lot in Cherry Creek State Park (SE of the East Boat Ramp Parking)
We’ll run two, ~1.5 hour bird walks starting at the Pelican Point parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and submit all data to the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Contact Payson Cronen Smith at payson.smith@birdconservancy.org for more info!

Bald Eagle Outing
2026-02-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton, CO, 80603
Experience the serene beauty of Barr Lake State Park while observing the majestic Bald Eagles that spend their winter here. Each outing will be led by knowledgeable Bird Conservancy staff and volunteers. They will offer insights into the behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts surrounding Bald Eagles. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, you’re sure to learn something new! Binoculars provided.
Access Information: This program includes traveling ~3 miles round-trip (1.5 miles to gazebo/viewing area and back) on a packed dirt trail, with little to no incline. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the meeting location. Some adaptive equipment is available for this event. Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events accessible to everyone, if you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Sarah Doxon (303-659-4348 x53 or sarah.doxon@birdconservancy.org) for more information.
Scholarships are available. Please complete this FORM BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
Click here to register today!
This program takes place at Barr Lake State Park Nature Center located at 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton, CO. Meet in front of the Nature Center. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Lory State Park Bird Walk - West Valley Trail
2026-03-14 08:00 - 10:30 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
Come along on this hike of the West Valley Trail in search of raptors and wintering birds. Our experienced guides will help you see and identify birds along the way. Interact with and meet other local birders in the community as we wrap up winter birding and look for early signs of spring. Bird Conservancy will provide binoculars and field guides to those who need them. Whether new to birding, or a seasoned birder, participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Click here to register!
Meeting Point: Timber Trail trailhead at the Timber Trail Parking Area Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times. The trail is a 2.3 mile out and back hike with an ascent of 226 ft. It is an easy trail that families and newer hikers could handle. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events as accessible as possible, if you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact Stephanie Wheeler at stephanie.wheeler@birdconservancy.org. Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes 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.

Thirsty Bird - Science on Tap
2026-03-26 16:00 - 18:00 | New Blegium Brewery, 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, 80524
Join us at our Thirsty Bird – Science on Tap programs this year! Guests will learn about what we do as an organization, our programs in local communities and get a glimpse into our research. We hope you’ll join us throughout 2026 to raise a glass to birds and learn more about Bird Conservancy of the Rockies!
Each Thirsty Bird starts at 4 p.m. From 4 – 5 p.m. you can mingle with Bird Conservancy staff and supporters, grab a drink, and get a good seat! Starting promptly at 5 p.m. a staff member will begin a presentation focused on their work at Bird Conservancy as well as fun natural history facts about local birds. These presentations are engaging, thoughtful and you will walk away with new knowledge! Last year our Thirsty Bird events were very well attended. If you are hoping to get a seat at a table we recommend arriving at 4 p.m. Otherwise it may be standing room only.
Bird Conservancy’s Fort Collins Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler, will give a presentation on the impact of the growing Fort Collins education program, how you can get involved, and what’s next! Stephanie’s talk will begin promptly at 5 p.m.
Joining us will be a Bird Conservancy sponsor, Tellus Outdoor, a Colorado-based sustainable outdoor apparel and gear company founded in 2023 with one mission: Adventure With Purpose. Drop by and find out more about their gear!
All Thirsty Bird events in 2026 will be held at New Belgium Brewery!

South Platte Birding Club
2026-03-28 08:30 - 11:00 | City of Cuernavaca Park, 3500 Rockmont Dr #13212, Denver, CO, 80202
The South Platte Birding Club will create community and celebrate the ecosystem of the South Platte River; the river that gives life to Barr Lake State Park. We will meet monthly, choosing a unique birding location along the river each time.
March location: City of Cuernavaca Park
To foster a sense of community, we will start each outing with food, beverage, and connection for participants. This Club is meant for birders of all levels; Bird Conservancy will provide mentorship to new birders but also encourage sharing of knowledge among all participants. Outings will vary from traditional bird walks to stationary birding, depending on the interest and needs of participants.
These walks are free, but registration is required.
Click here to register!

Lory State Park Bird Walk - Well Gulch Nature Trail
2026-04-11 07:30 - 10:00 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
Come along on this hike of the Well Gulch Nature Trail to spot the early migrants passing through settling into the landscape. Interact with and meet other local birders in the community and see what other spring beauty Lory has to offer. Early blooms will brighten up the walk and shake off the winter. Bird Conservancy will provide binoculars to those who need them. Whether new to birding, or a seasoned birder, participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Click here to register!
Meeting Point: Well Gulch Trailhead at the South Eltuck Picnic Area Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times. The trail is a 1.7 mile loop with an ascent of 417 ft. It is graded as an easy trail that families and newer hikers could handle. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events as accessible as possible, if you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact Stephanie Wheeler at stephanie.wheeler@birdconservancy.org. Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes 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.

Birding 101 Class
2026-04-18 08:00 - 10:30 | Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Center Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
Discover the fascinating world of birding! This beginner-friendly class will introduce you to the essential skills and tools needed to identify birds and appreciate their natural beauty.
The first half of the class will start with an engaging introduction to birding basics. Learn how to use key clues like body and bill shapes, posture, behaviors, habitat, field marks, and songs to identify birds. We’ll also explore tools such as field guides and birding apps for identification and reporting sightings. Then we will head outside for a bird walk to take your new skills into the field! Enjoy a guided walk through the gardens and along the scenic Spring Creek Trail, practicing bird identification in a natural setting.
Click here to register!

Pineridge Banding Station
2026-04-25, 2026-04-28 - 2026-05-02, 2026-05-05 - 2026-05-09, 2026-05-12 - 2026-05-16, 2026-05-19 - 2026-05-23, 2026-05-26 - 2026-05-30 | Pineridge Banding Station, 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
Migration is a magical time of year! Join us for a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. The data collected gives us insight to many aspects of avian life history and can be used to inform conservation decisions.
This program is provided at no cost to participants due to generous support from donors, but registration is required for all individuals and groups. Groups are limited to 15 people per one hour time slot. 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 Sundays & Mondays).
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.
Click here to register!
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.
If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Wheeler, Education Manager, at stephanie.wheeler@birdconservancy.org or (970) 482-1707 x40

Nebraska Bird Month - Birding Walk
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Morril Sandpits, Morrill, NE
Celebrate Nebraska Bird Month, the Nebraska Birding Bowl, and World Migratory Bird Day by going birding with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies at the Morrill Sandpits, just south of Morrill, NE! Did you know that western Nebraska is a fantastic place to see birds? Our unique and diverse habitats enable numerous bird species to thrive here year-round.
Whether you are new to birds & birding or an avid birder, we invite you to join this great opportunity to connect not only to birds but also to nature and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Registration limited to 15 people. This event is free, but registration is required. Click here to register!
Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of how one identifies, to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission.

World Migratory Bird Day with Bird Conservancy
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Visit Bird Conservancy educators at the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center anytime during the afternoon to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and chat about amazing migrating birds and birding in Nebraska.
We will have a table set up on the Scotts Bluff National Monument’s front lawn of the visitors center, and we look forward to sharing our passion for birds with you!
Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of how one identifies, to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission.

Birding at the Bluff
2026-05-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Enjoy a pleasant early evening birding stroll around the vicinity of the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center to wrap up World Migratory Bird Day. Whether you are new to birding, an avid birder, or just want to get outdoors and enjoy some time with others, everyone is welcome!
We will meet on the front lawn of the visitor’s center. Binoculars will be available to borrow. This event is free thanks to generous donors.
Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of how one identifies, to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission.

Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia
2026-05-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Flyover Brewing Company, 1824 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361
Calling All Nature Nerds! Join us and Nebraska Game and Parks for the Statewide Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night on Wednesday, May 13! Test your nature knowledge and team up with fellow nature lovers (teams of up to 5) to compete for fun, nerdy prizes awarded to the top three teams!
**No registration required. This event is FREE, but we encourage you to support your host brewery with a purchase.

Ash Hollow Birdy Blitz
2026-05-16 08:30 - 11:30 | Ash Hollow State Historical Park, 4265 Highway 26, Lewellen, NE, 69147
Get ready for the 1st Annual Ash Hollow Birdy Blitz!
The Birdy Blitz is an exciting event for you and the Lewellen community to visit Bird Conservancy’s new bird banding station at Ash Hollow State Historical Park! Enjoy expert-led visits at the banding station, engage in birding around the pond, and participate in bird-tastic scavenger hunts. This is your opportunity to learn more about Bird Conservancy and the vital work we do for bird conservation and education in Nebraska. Come for a little while or stay as long as you’d like!
May 16th is a free-park entry day for Nebraska Game & Parks Commission! No vehicle permit required, enjoy lunch and afternoon activities on Ash Hollow after visiting us.

Lory State Park Bird Walk - West Valley/Well Gulch Trail
2026-05-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
Come along on this hike of the Well Gulch Nature Trail to spot the early migrants passing through settling into the landscape. Interact with and meet other local birders in the community and see what other spring beauty Lory has to offer. Early blooms will brighten up the walk and shake off the winter. This will be an evening hike, during which we might catch some Caprimulgids. Bird Conservancy will provide binoculars to those who need them. Whether new to birding, or a seasoned birder, participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Click here to register!
The trail is a 1.7 mile loop with an ascent of 417 ft. It is graded as an easy trail that families and newer hikers could handle. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks. A headlamp or flashlight is also advised in case some of the trails are darker close to sunset.
Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events as accessible as possible, if you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact Stephanie Wheeler at stephanie.wheeler@birdconservancy.org. Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes 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.
Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Evening Bird Walk
2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30 | YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 Beltline Hwy W., Scottsbluff, NE, 69363
Whether you are new to birds & birding or an avid birder, we invite you to join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies educators for a relaxing summer evening walk through Riverside Park, as we look for birds along the North Platte River and within the YMCA Trails West Camp.
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and meet fellow bird and nature lovers. Come for a little while or stay as long as you’d like!
Registration is limited to 15 people. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register!
Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of how one identifies, to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission.

Nature Music Bingo
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Papa Moon HQ, 3109 Ave B, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361
May’s music bingo will highlight anything and everything BIRD related! To celebrate Nebraska Bird Month, we are excited to partner with Papa Moon Craft Ciders to bring you more Nature Music Bingo!
What does Nature Music Bingo mean? There will be music with “bird” words in the song title and artists’ names, OR actual calls from some of our local western Nebraska birds. You may hear meadowlark calls, music from artists like Counting Crows!
Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of how one identifies, to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission.

Fort Collins Foothills Camp (Ages 10 - 12)
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-05 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Lory State Park for a day camp week of birding through the park. We’ll explore each of the ecosystems, learning about bird species that call each of them home. Throughout the week, we’ll be putting a specific emphasis on understanding the natural history of each species, becoming better acquainted with our variety of summer and year-round species!
Ages: 10 – 12
When: June 1 – 5, 2026. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
Tuition: $300/week ($325/week after 1/1/2026); scholarships are available.
Location: Lory State Park, Bellvue, CO
REGISTER HERE!

The Big Week Camp (Ages 12 - 13)
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-12 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Take your birding to the next level by visiting different birding hotspot locations along the front range. Campers will go on three field trips away from Barr Lake to find new birds to add to their life lists while exploring some of the different ecosystems that birds thrive in. * This camp was previously known as Birding Adventure Camp.
Ages: 12-13
When: June 8-12, 2026. 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Daily
Tuition: $350/week ($375/week after 1/1/2026); scholarships are available
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
REGISTER HERE!

Lory State Park Bird Walk - Arthur's Rock
2026-06-13 07:00 - 10:00 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
This hike will encompass the Arthur’s Rock Trail which goes through forested and meadow habitats. We should see a variety of resident and breeding birds. This hike is a chance to hike one of Lory’s most scenic trails with a focus on its feathered features! Interact with and meet other local birders in the community and see what other summer beauty Lory has to offer. Bird Conservancy will provide binoculars to those who need them. Whether new to birding, or a seasoned birder, participants of all experience levels are welcome!
Click here to register!
Meeting Point: Arthur’s Rock trailhead at the Arthur’s Rock Trailhead Parking Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times. The trail is a roughly 3.6 mile out and back trail with an ascent of 1,182 ft. It is a moderately difficult trail. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Bird Conservancy is committed to making our events as accessible as possible, if you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact Stephanie Wheeler at stephanie.wheeler@birdconservancy.org. Our community of practice is to be an organization that welcomes 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.

Block Party
2026-06-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Maxline Brewing, 2724 McClelland Dr #190, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 13th from 12 – 3 p.m. for our fourth annual Block Party.
Join us on Saturday, June 13th from 12 – 3 p.m. at Maxline Brewing for our fourth annual Block Party. The Block Party is a warm weather celebration of birds, conservation, and community partners! Over 150 guests will soak up the sun at Maxline Brewing as they enjoy amazing beer, fun activities and live music. The Block Party is on its way to becoming the premier environmental event of the year in Fort Collins. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your support of the natural world and the community of Fort Collins!

On The Wing Overnight Camp (Ages 15 - 17)
2026-06-18 - 2026-06-26 | Cal-Wood Education Center, 2282 Co Rd 87, Jamestown, CO, 80455
In our longest running camp program, we aim to provide our eldest campers with opportunities to learn about careers in natural resources, spot new lifer species and create an investigative research question about the things that inspire them. From trekking through the tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park to camping among the woodland forest in the foothills, we aim to truly take these campers soaring over different unique spaces learning and having fun throughout.
Ages: 15-17
Dates: June 18 – June 26, 2026
Tuition: $1,500/session ($1,600/session after 1/1/2026)
Location: Camp takes place in Jamestown, CO. Drop-off and pick-up take place at the Environmental Learning Center in Brighton, CO
REGISTER HERE!
