Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

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 (America/Denver) | 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.

Birds of the Bluff
2025-07-12 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-19 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-02 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-09 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.

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!

Nature Music Bingo
2025-07-30 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 Nature Music Bingo!
What does Nature Music Bingo mean? There will be music with “nature” words in the song title and artists’ names, OR actual calls from some of our local western Nebraska wildlife. You may hear coyote calls, songs like Fishin’ in the Dark, music by Earth, Wind & Fire! Phones and apps like Shazam and Merlin Bird ID (sound identification) can be used to help you identify the songs.
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.

Four Wings, Infinite Impact - Stories of Modern Bird Conservation
2025-07-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO, 80205
Step into an inspiring evening at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science as we explore how the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is reshaping the future of conservation. Discover how the powerful synergy of science, stewardship, and education is not only protecting bird populations—but also offering bold, innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Join us for thought-provoking presentations and an in-depth panel discussion moderated by the Museum’s Director of Zoology and Curator of Ornithology, Dr. Garth Spellman; and featuring leading voices with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies focused on conservation, ecology, and community engagement:
Panelists: Tammy VerCauteren, Executive DirectorSherry Nickolaus Education DirectorEmily Chavez, Stewardship Director

Together, we’ll explore how saving birds can help save the planet—and why that matters for all of us. We can’t wait to see you at the Museum!

Get your tickets HERE!

Birds & Brews
2025-08-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Papa Moon Craft Ciders – The Farm, 230975 County Road J, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is excited to announce our second annual Birds & Brews fundraiser! Guests will soak in the late summer sunset at Papa Moon Craft Ciders – The Farm, enjoy delicious cider, fun activities, and friendly bidding competitions with the silent auction. This exciting event continues to unite bird lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and community members from Scottsbluff and beyond while showcasing your support of the natural world and the community of the Nebraska Panhandle!

All proceeds raised will directly support environmental education projects across the Nebraska Panhandle.
Bird lovers of all ages are welcome!
*The first 75 tickets sold will receive a commemorative glass.
**Every ticket sold will receive their first pour free.
Questions? Please contact Delanie Bruce at (308) 633-1013 or delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org.

Birds of Nebraska
2025-08-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
From the melodious song of a western meadowlark calling out across the prairie, to the epic world-renowned spring migration of over half a million sandhill cranes, Nebraska is a haven for birds and a bird lover’s paradise.
This indoor presentation will highlight why Nebraska is such a great state for birds as well as introduce participants to several of Nebraska’s most notable species.

Nebraska Statewide Kayak Cleanup
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Lake Minatare SRA, 290415 The Point Road, Minatare, NE, 69356
Join us for this special STATEWIDE Kayak Clean Up. Other locations across Nebraska will also participate and clean up their respective habitats. Together, let’s see how many pounds of trash we can remove from our ecosystems in just one evening!
We will be providing trash bags & gloves for all those interested in helping to clean up trash while on the water. We will meet at the West Wind Bay Boat Ramp. Safety and basic instructions will be given at the beginning of the event. You will be emailed prior to the event to confirm your registration and any needed details.
This event is free, and we welcome you to either borrow a kayak or bring your own! Due to limited kayak supply, we do require registration. To register to use a kayak from Nebraska Game and Parks, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGHJVQZ (Kayaks are available to people ages 10 & up, and are limited on a first-come first first-serve basis)
To let us know you plan on coming and that you’re either bringing your own kayak, or cleaning up on land, visit the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGMCCJN

Barr Lake Banding Station
2025-08-23 - 2025-08-24, 2025-08-26 - 2025-08-31, 2025-09-02 - 2025-09-07, 2025-09-09 - 2025-09-14 | Barr Lake Banding Station, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO, 80603
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.
Click Here to Register!
Scholarships are available! Please apply before registering for your visit. You can apply by clicking here.
Open to the public August 23 through October 23, six days a week (closed Mondays). Weekday programs available from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., and weekend programs are available from 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., and 10-11 a.m.
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.
Access to the Banding Station requires traveling ~1/4 of a mile on a gravel trail. Please let us know if we can offer any accommodations or assistance to help you get to the Station. Please note, the Banding Station is in a new temporary location this year. Instructions will be included in your confirmation email.
Parking is available at the Barr Lake State Park Nature Center Parking lot ($10/vehicle Daily Entrance Fee; Annual State Park Pass; or Keep Colorado Wild Pass entrance fee applies) – 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO 80603. Accessible parking and accessible restrooms are available.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Doxon, Education Manager, at sarah.doxon@birdconservancy.org or (303) 659-4348 x53

Girl Scout Journey in a Day: Think Like a Citizen Scientist
2025-08-23 10:00 - 14:30 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies for a Journey in a Day on Saturday August 23rd, 2025! This event will help you work toward the requirements for the Think Like A Citizen Scientist Journey. Learn all about birds, wildlife, and how you can contribute meaningful data to science by observing the natural world around you!
The formal program will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but you are welcome to arrive early or stay late and enjoy Barr Lake State Park. We will break for lunch on your own (we’ll provide the space, you provide the lunch) from 12-12:45 p.m. and reconvene at 1 p.m. Be sure to bring water bottles, hats, sunscreen, insect repellant, and anything else you need to be comfortable in the outdoors all day.
This event is for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF EVENT. All scouts must be accompanied by their caregiver or attend with their troop. Adult safety ratios must be followed.
Click here to register!
Please note a $10 daily or an annual Colorado State Park Pass will be required for entry into the park. Daily passes are valid until noon the following day.
We will send out final details two days before the event with parking and driving directions but feel free to reach out if you have any questions prior to that.
Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-served need basis. If you would like to apply for a scholarship please reach out to Sarah Doxon at sarah.doxon@birdconservancy.org BEFORE completing registration. Scholarship funds must be awarded before you register. Thank you!

Bird Banding - Family & Homeschool Program
2025-08-27 08:45 - 11:00, 2025-08-28 08:45 - 11:00 | Barr Lake Banding Station, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO, 80603
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies for a monthly educational Family & Homeschool program. Each month we’ll focus on a different subject or area of interest to share with your family. Participants should expect each activity to largely take place outside and a parent or guardian should plan to stay with their child(ren) through the duration of the program.
August’s theme is ‘Bird Banding’. There’s no better time and place to learn about the science of studying bird migratory patterns than joining in on a bird banding station visit! On either of these dates in August, join us as we open the nets for the Fall 2025 season aiming to capture and band different migratory songbirds. We’ll visit our station located at Barr Lake, learning from Bird Conservancy volunteers and scientists about why we band birds as well as what we can learn from this project!
Click here to register!
Child (1-17): $8; Adult (18+): $1
Access Information: Handicap parking is available at the meeting location along with accessible restrooms. Some of this program may include slow-paced walking along flat gravel or dirt paths. Accessible equipment will be available for use during this program.
Scholarships are available. Please complete this form: birdconservancy.org/scholarship-familyprograms BEFORE you register and wait for a reply from a Bird Conservancy staff member.
This program takes place at the Barr Lake State Park Nature Center located at 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton, CO. Please note, a $10 Daily or Annual Colorado State Parks Pass is required for entry into the park at all times.

Evening Bird Walk
2025-08-27 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 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.

Pineridge Banding Station
2025-09-02 - 2025-09-06, 2025-09-09 - 2025-09-13 | Pineridge Banding Station, 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
During a visit to our banding station 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. 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).

Click Here to Register!

Location: North end of Dixon Reservoir within Pineridge Natural Area Fort Collins, CO
Parking lot: 3502 CR 42C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Fall 2025 dates: Open September 2nd through October 11th, open Tuesday through Saturday.
Commonly banded birds: Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler (fall), House Wren.

Please contact Education Manager, Stephanie Wheeler or (970) 482-1707 x 40 for more information.
School programs are available from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, For more information and to schedule your school program, please contact us.

Family Nature Club
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Family Nature Club is designed for children and their grown-ups as an opportunity to spend time in nature, regardless of the season, to play interactive & engaging games together, and to learn about Western Nebraska’s unique wildlife and landscape. Every month will feature a new nature topic.
Click here to register you family!
We hope to explore the natural wonders of western Nebraska with your family every month this year.
Family Nature Club is intended for children and their grown-ups. 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.
Family Nature Club will be gathering at the Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341 .
For more information 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

Thirsty Bird - Science on Tap
2025-09-11 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 September Presenter will be Sarah Albright our Grasslands Program Manager! Sarah grew up in California where she completed her B.S. in ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz. Sarah has found a deep passion for stewardship and management by working in a variety of systems including coastal scrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, shortgrass prairie, and the alpine. Sarah completed her M.S. in ecology at Colorado State University, conducting a population assessment of burrowing owls nesting in eastern Colorado. Sarah is passionate about the conscious stewardship of working lands and connecting with the people and communities that call the grasslands home. In her free time, she can be found doing a variety of outdoor activities.
We often think of Colorado as a mountain state, but where the mountains end, the plains begin. The aspen and conifers of higher elevations yield to expansive tracts of grass, flowers, and shrubs that make up the shortgrass prairie of eastern Colorado. This unique ecosystem is home to a wide array of wildlife including insects, pronghorn, badgers, prairie dogs, and birds. Come learn about the ecology of the shortgrass prairie, the threats it faces, and some of its charismatic inhabitants including the burrowing owl. Discover why burrowing owls are a great example of the interconnected web of life that the shortgrass prairie supports.

Thirsty Bird Happy Hour in Larkspur
2025-09-11 16:00 - 18:00 | The Spur of the Moment, 8885 S Spruce Mountain Rd, Larkspur, CO, 80118
Join us for our first ever Thirsty Bird event in Larkspur, CO!
Our Board Director, Eileen, Development Director, Greg and others will be giving attendees a glimpse into Bird Conservancy of the Rockies work and spending time networking with the community! If you live in the area this is a great opportunity to come and spend time with us!
This Thirsty Bird will take place at The Spur of the Moment.

Fall Birding Fest
2025-09-13 07:00 - 14:00 | Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Rd., Brighton, CO, 80603
Bird Conservancy’s Fall Birding Festival at Barr Lake State Park is a must attend for anyone interested in birding, nature, or time outside with the family. People of all ages and abilities can see birds up close at the bird banding station, experience a mindful bird walk, visit educational booths, and have fun with family friendly games and activities. We will also have a coffee cart and a food truck this year!
Check out the schedule for this years Fall Birding Fest!
