Bird populations have been declining for decades, with three billion birds lost over the last 50 years. Understanding the drivers of these loses is a monumental task because most bird species have ranges that span large expanses across a mosaic of land uses.
Once a year each winter, dozens of volunteers congregate at Barr Lake State Park, Colorado to dedicate their day to a singular purpose: tally every bird of every species seen within a 15-mile diameter circle centered on Barr Lake. This tradition has been taking place every year since 1980 at Barr Lake. The 2023 Christmas Bird Count will take place on December 31.
We have driving routes available if you want to stay in a warm vehicle that makes frequent stops to count birds. We also have walking routes that can cover up to six miles. You can be a recorder and write down the number of birds being identified, you can be the counter or you can be the identifier! These counts really are for everyone!
If you’d like to participate email Colin Woolley, Banding Manager and Barr Lake CBC Compiler.
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and take part in a Journey in a Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023! The planned activities will help you work toward fulfilling the requirements for the Think Like A Citizen Scientist Journey and you will take away great ideas for your Take Action project. Learn all about birds, biodiversity and what makes a healthy ecosystem! Also learn how you can contribute meaningful data to science by observing the natural world around you!
The formal program will run from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 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.
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.
This event is for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. This is not a drop-off event. All girls must be accompanied by their caregiver or attend with their troop. Adult safety ratios must be followed.
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 stop and reach out to Sherry Nickolaus at [email protected] for an application. Scholarship funds must be awarded before registration is complete. Thank you!
CLICK HERE to register!
Do you enjoy exploring the natural world and discovering new things, building your bird list, and connecting with fellow nature lovers and bird enthusiasts?
Then join us for the 2023 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies BioBlitz and Community Science Celebration! Enjoy a day of exploration as we count as many different species as we can at Barr Lake State Park, learn about the park’s biodiversity, and celebrate community science!
You’ll join scientists and experts on short walks around Barr Lake State Park where you search for, identify and record as many species as possible! Do you like birds? Join the ornithologists group! Do you want to learn about plants? Join the botanists group! Do you want practice your bird identification skills? Join a bird walk! Just want to hang out and enjoy a beautiful Colorado day? There will be lots of things to do at the Nature Center base camp! You can join survey groups anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
(additional surveys are being added daily so check back often!)
BioBlitz participation is free, but there is a $10 state park fee unless you have an Annual State Parks Pass.
Join us for the annual Christmas Bird Count at Barr Lake. We’ll work in teams to tally all birds encountered within a 15-mile diameter circle centered on Barr Lake. Contact [email protected] to register and for more details.
The Bird Migration Explorer reveals migration data consolidated for 458 bird species found in the United States and Canada. It allows users to see the most complete data collected on migratory species in their neighborhoods and where those birds go throughout the year. Read on to find out how Bird Conservancy was involved in the creation of this platform.
A BioBlitz brings together community members, students, naturalists, and scientists to find and identify as many birds, plants, insects, reptiles, mammals and other organisms as possible in a short period of time. The result is a snapshot of the biodiversity of a specific place.This year over 68 attendees and ten volunteer survey leaders recorded 70+ species of plants and animals! No matter our level of expertise, we all saw new species and learned new ways to find and identify them, and had a great time exploring this local biodiversity hotspot.
Join us during our annual Chadron State Park BioBlitz as we discover the biodiversity of Chadron State Park!
Did you know that Westminster is a birding hotspot? Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Westminster Open Space to get to know the winged wonders that share our home. We will explore a different area of Westminster 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.
Please register here. Cost is $10 for the year and includes a t-shirt!
