Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

Pineridge Banding Station - 5/6/2025
2025-05-06 07:30 - 2025-05-10 09:30 (America/Denver) | Maxwell Natural Area, 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
Visit our Bird Banding Station located at Pineridge Natural Area this spring! Migration is a magical time of year! Come enjoy 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.
The Pineridge Banding Station is open from April 26th – May 31st, 2025.
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 or (970) 482-1707 x 40 for more information.

Panhandle Trail Feathers - Birding Morrill Sandpits
2025-05-10 08:00 - 10:00 | CO
Celebrate Nebraska Bird Month and the Nebraska Birding Bowl 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 vast habitats allow numerous bird species to thrive here throughout the year. Whether you are new to birds & birding or an avid birder, we invite you to join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies staff to explore different sites around the panhandle each month and learn about the winged wonders that share our home. This is a 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. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for two hours. There is one porta-potty in the gravel parking lot. We will be walking along the flat gravel roads, among the sandpits.
Click here to register!
Trail Feathers will be gathering at the Morrill Sandpits, 2.5 miles south of Morrill on Morrill Road, 79D.
For more information: delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org or 308-633-1013.
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program.
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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

World Migratory Bird Day
2025-05-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Stop by the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center anytime during the afternoon to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and chat with Bird Conservancy educators about 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 look forward to sharing our passion for birds with you!
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program. Donate here!
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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

Birding at the Bluff
2025-05-10 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 and Global Big 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.
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program. Donate here!
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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

Pineridge Banding Station - 5/13/2025
2025-05-13 07:30 - 2025-05-17 09:30 | Maxwell Natural Area, 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526

Family Nature Club - Fun with Our Feathered Friends
2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a bird! This months Family Nature Club we will learn all about birds and investigate what makes our feathered friends special. We’ll discuss what makes a bird a bird, examine bird biofacts, and see how well our skills match up with some of the world’s finest avian athletes during the “Bird Olympics”.
Family Nature Club is intended for children and their grownups. Each family group will receive an Exploration Kit to use during the series to explore the natural world around them at home. Family Nature Club will be outside the entire time unless otherwise noted. Please dress comfortably for the weather and bring snacks/water as needed.
Click Here to Register!
Family Nature Club will be gathering at the Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341 .
For more information contact Noelle Grunwald: noelle.grunwald@birdconservancy.org or call 308-633-1013.
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program HERE.
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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

Pineridge Banding Station - 5/20/2025
2025-05-20 07:30 - 2025-05-24 09:30 | Maxwell Natural Area, 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526

Nature Music Bingo
2025-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Papa Moon HQ, 3109 Ave B, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361
We are excited to partner with Papa Moon Craft Ciders to bring you a special edition of Nature Music Bingo!
May is Nebraska Bird Month, which means this Nature Music Bingo will be bird-themed. This means that there will be music with the word bird or the name of the bird in the song title and artists’ names, songs with bird sounds in them, OR actual calls from some of our local western Nebraska birds. Phones and apps like Shazam and Merlin Bird ID (sound) can be used to help you identify the songs! Limited prizes will be available to win.
No cost to play! Bring your friends, family and bird nerds to enjoy this interactive edition of Nature Music Bingo at the Papa Moon HQ on Avenue B.

Panhandle Trail Feathers: Riverside Park
2025-05-24 08:00 - 10:00 | YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 Beltline Hwy W., Scottsbluff, NE, 69363
Did you know that western Nebraska is a fantastic place to see birds? Our unique and vast habitats allow numerous bird species to thrive here throughout the year. Whether you are new to birds & birding or an avid birder, we invite you to join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies staff to explore different sites around the panhandle each month and learn about the winged wonders that share our home. This is a 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. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for two hours. There is one porta-potty in the gravel parking lot. We will be walking along the flat gravel roads, among the sandpits.
Click here to register!
Trail Feathers will be gathering in the parking lot of the YMCA Trails West Camp at 1918 Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69363.
For more information: noelle.grunwald@birdconservancy.org or 308-633-1013.
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program. Donate here!
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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

Pineridge Banding Station - 5/27/2025
2025-05-27 07:30 - 2025-05-31 09:30 | Maxwell Natural Area, 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526

Birds of the Bluff
2025-05-31 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-07 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-28 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-05 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-12 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Western Nebraska offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. It is also a fantastic place for birds!
Whether you are local or visiting Scotts Bluff National Monument as part of your vacation plans, please join a Bird Conservancy educator on Saturday mornings to learn about the amazing birds that call Scotts Bluff National Monument and western Nebraska home for the summer.
We will have a table set up on the visitor center’s front lawn and look forward to sharing our passion for birds and western Nebraska wildlife with you! In the event of inclement weather, this program will move inside the visitor center.

Birding Adventure Day Camp (Ages 12-13)
2025-06-02 09:00 - 2025-06-06 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Birding Adventure Camp
Ages: 12-13
When: June 2-6, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Daily
Tuition: $340/week; scholarships are available
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
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.
REGISTER HERE!

Fort Collins Foothills Day Camp (Ages 9-12)
2025-06-02 09:00 - 2025-06-06 16:00 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
* New Camp for 2025!
Ages: 9 – 12
When: June 2 – 6, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
Tuition: $240/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Lory State Park, Bellvue, CO
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!
REGISTER HERE!

The Big Week Day Camp (Ages 10-11)
2025-06-09 09:00 - 2025-06-13 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
The Big Week Camp
Ages: 10-11
When: June 9- 13, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
Tuition: $285/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
In The Big Week, campers will hone their observational and scientific skills in order to see as many bird species as possible. We will explore different habitats and seek out the birds that call them their home. All of our Day Camps strive to balance learning and fun through games, hikes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and structured outdoor play.
REGISTER HERE!

Evening Bird Walk
2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 | 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!
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for up to the duration of the program.
Registration is limited to 15 people. Click Here to Register.
Evening Birding Walk will be gathering at YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69363.
For more information: Delanie at 308-633-1013 or delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program.
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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

On the Wing Overnight Camp (Ages 15-17)
2025-06-19 - 2025-06-27 | Cal-Wood Education Center, 2282 Co Rd 87, Jamestown, CO, 80455
On the Wing Overnight Camp
Ages: 15-17
Dates: June 19 – June 27, 2025
Tuition: $1,400/week
Location: Camp takes place in Jamestown, CO. Drop-off and pick-up take place at the Environmental Learning Center in Brighton, CO
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.
REGISTER HERE!

Summer Block Party
2025-06-21 12:00 - 17:00 | Maxline Brewing, 2724 McClelland Dr #190, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 21st from 12 – 5 p.m. for our third annual Block Party.
Join us on Saturday, June 21st from 12 – 5 p.m. at Maxline Brewing for our third annual Summer 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 Summer 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!

Taking Flight Overnight Camp (Ages 12-14)
2025-07-06 - 2025-07-11 | Cal-Wood Education Center, 2282 Co Rd 87, Jamestown, CO, 80455
Taking Flight Overnight Camp
Ages: 12-14
Dates: July 6 – 11, 2025
Tuition: $950/week
Location: Camp takes place in Jamestown, CO. Drop-off and pick-up take place at the Environmental Learning Center in Brighton, CO.
Learn the ecology of the Rocky Mountains and the birds that call these spaces home. Our Taking Flight campers work toward a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna that exist here and the ways that they interact with our avian residents. We aim for these campers to come away with better observational skills and lasting memories of hiking, birding and so much more.
REGISTER HERE!

Birding by Kayak
2025-07-09 18:30 - 20:30 | CO
Gain a new perspective on birds — from the water!
After an introduction to kayaking, we will head out on the water to discover the incredible birds that love Winters Creek Lake as much as we do. Kayaks, life jackets, and binoculars will be provided. Have your own kayak? We’d love to welcome you to join, too! Email delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org to let us know you’ll be bringing your own kayak, canoe, or even paddleboard!
Provided kayaks are limited to 8 people. Participants needing to use one of our kayaks must be 10 years of age or older by the time of the event.
Registration is required if you need to borrow a kayak and closes July 7th at 11:59 p.m..
Click here to register!
Birding by Kayak will be gathering at Winters Creek Lake, off of Stonegate Road & Jenkins Road, Minatare, NE 69356. Heading north on Stonegate Road, you will turn left on Jenkins Road, then take an immediate left onto the first path/road on Jenkins. This will lead you to a dead end at the parking lot and meeting location for Birding by Kayak at Winters Creek.

Thirsty Bird - Science on Tap - 7/10/2025
2025-07-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Funkwerks Brewing, 1900 E. Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 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 2025 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.
Our July presenter will be Dr. Jacob Job, our Communications Director. On any given night, dense clouds of dark, ghostly figures pass over your head as you sleep. Maybe you never knew they were there, but there are people out there who are deciphering all the unseen movement that happens amid the darkness. Dr. Jacob Job will reveal the mysteries of nocturnal bird migration through the monitoring of their nocturnal communications, a field of study still very much in its infancy.
All Thirsty Bird events take place at Funkwerks Brewing in Fort Collins.

Raptor Day Camp (Ages 8-9)
2025-07-14 09:00 - 2025-07-18 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Raptor Camp
Ages: 8-9
When: July 14-18, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily.
Tuition: $240/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Raptors are top predators here on the grassland! Campers will learn all about the variety of raptors that live in Colorado, as well as their adaptations and the food webs that they dominate. All of our Day Camps strive to balance learning and fun through games, hikes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and structured outdoor play.
REGISTER HERE!

Evening Bird Walk
2025-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 Beltline Hwy W., Scottsbluff, NE, 69363
Whether you are new to birds and 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!
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for up to the duration of the program.
Registration is limited to 15 people. Click Here to Register!
Evening Birding Walk will be gathering at YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69363.
For more information: Noelle at 308-633-1013 or noelle.grunwald@birdconservancy.org
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program. 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 to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

Budding Birders Day Camp (Ages 6-7)
2025-07-21 09:00 - 2025-07-25 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Budding Birders Camp
Ages: 6-7
When: July 21-25, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily.
Tuition: $240/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Hone your birding skills in this camp designed to take your birding to the next level! Campers will become experts in binocular and field guide use, and build their observational and scientific skills. All of our Day Camps strive to balance learning and fun through games, hikes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and structured outdoor play.
REGISTER HERE!

Wild Nestlings Mini-Camp (Ages 4-5)
2025-07-28 09:00 - 2025-08-01 12:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Wild Nestlings Mini-Camp
Ages: 4-5
When: July 28-August 1, 2025. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Daily.
Tuition: $120/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Our youngest campers will explore the great outdoors through nature walks, crafts, stories, games, and structured outdoor play. Mini-Camps focus on building connections to the outdoors through sensory experiences, and building friendships among campers.
REGISTER HERE!
