Diverse habitats provide excellent viewing of numerous bird species during the Festival
Birding Festival Schedule of Events
Spring migrants and early nesters attract birdwatchers from across the nation to the Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival. Located in the Archaeological Center of America, many of the birding field trips visit spectacular archaeological areas such as Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Tribal Park.
Diverse habitats from mountain high country, to river corridors, and rugged red rock canyons provide microcosms of several Colorado Plateau ecosystems providing opportunities for a wide variety of species. Due to the varied habitats found in southwestern Colorado, there are many opportunities to look for raptors and owls, and both are the focus of special birding tours.
A sample of other possible species include Lucy's Warbler, Black Phoebe, Wild Turkey, Western Tanager, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Roadrunner, Clark's Nutcracker, Green-tailed and Spotted Towhee, and many more. Previous festival checklists have totaled over 100 birds sighted.
Workshops, an art show, and a special dinner speaker round out the events for the festival weekend. Join the flock in the land of ancient cultures and modern day Native Americans for an incredible birding adventure.
General Information- Registration is $45, which includes Reception, Lectures and Saturday night's dinner and Keynote Speaker. See individual tours below for their pricing.
- Breakfast items will be available for purchase each morning.
- Welcome Reception on Wednesday is at the Cortez Cultural Center.
- All tours leave from the Cortez Cultural Center.
- Don't forget water, jacket, cap, binoculars, scope and your cameras.
- Before you leave, please don't forget to fill out and return your evaluation of the bird festival!
Partners & Sponsors:
Sponsored by
Mesa Verde Country®
Baymont Inn and Suites
CO Division of Parks & Wildlife
Dolores State Bank
Dolores Chamber of Commerce
Montezuma Land Conservancy
For The Birds
Sundance Bear Lodge
Once Upon a Sandwich
Osprey
Guy Drew Vineyards
National Forest Service
Notah Dineh
First National Bank Cortez
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Cortez Journal
National Park Service
Ertel Funeral Home & Crematory
San Juan Mountain Assoc.
Cortez Retail Enhancement Assoc.
Bureau of Land Management
Empire Electric Association
Reprinted by permission, all rights reserved
Visit Chris's website for more original bird artwork
