Above: White-tailed Ptarmigan by Carl Bendorf
summer birding in colorado
July 8 to 13, 2024
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
American Three-toed Woodpecker by Carl Bendorf
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Brown-capped Rosy-finch by Carl Bendorf
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Birds Georgia Guide: Adam Betuel, Director of Conservation
Additional Guides: George Armistead (Hillstar Nature) and Carl Bendorf (Colorado Birding Adventures)
Group Size: Maximum 9 participants
Member Price: $3,530/person*
Non-member Price: $3,580/person* (includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single Supplement: +$495
*Based on double occupancy
With an impressive variety of habitats, fantastic mountain scenery, and a bird list (519 species) that ranks in the top ten of all states (impressive considering the nearest ocean is 800 miles!), Colorado is on most birder’s list of places to visit. Throw in warm sunny days, cool nights, low humidity, and relatively few bugs, and Colorado is the ideal summer birding destination.
Our key birding spots include two of the top birding hotspots in North America: Rocky Mountain National Park and Pawnee National Grassland. Despite being only 75 miles apart, the 7,000-foot difference in elevation between these two places creates a wealth of habitat variety and a long list of Western species.
This tour’s target list includes White-tailed Ptarmigan, Western & Clark’s Grebe, Mountain Plover, Williamson’s and Red-naped Sapsucker, American Three-toed and Lewis’s Woodpeckers, Pinyon Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Brown-capped Rosy-finch, Chestnut-collared and Thick-billed Longspur, Lark Bunting, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, and much more.
Join Birds Georgia, Hillstar Nature, and Colorado Birding Adventures for this fantastic tour.
Additional Guides: George Armistead (Hillstar Nature) and Carl Bendorf (Colorado Birding Adventures)
Group Size: Maximum 9 participants
Member Price: $3,530/person*
Non-member Price: $3,580/person* (includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single Supplement: +$495
*Based on double occupancy
With an impressive variety of habitats, fantastic mountain scenery, and a bird list (519 species) that ranks in the top ten of all states (impressive considering the nearest ocean is 800 miles!), Colorado is on most birder’s list of places to visit. Throw in warm sunny days, cool nights, low humidity, and relatively few bugs, and Colorado is the ideal summer birding destination.
Our key birding spots include two of the top birding hotspots in North America: Rocky Mountain National Park and Pawnee National Grassland. Despite being only 75 miles apart, the 7,000-foot difference in elevation between these two places creates a wealth of habitat variety and a long list of Western species.
This tour’s target list includes White-tailed Ptarmigan, Western & Clark’s Grebe, Mountain Plover, Williamson’s and Red-naped Sapsucker, American Three-toed and Lewis’s Woodpeckers, Pinyon Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Brown-capped Rosy-finch, Chestnut-collared and Thick-billed Longspur, Lark Bunting, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, and much more.
Join Birds Georgia, Hillstar Nature, and Colorado Birding Adventures for this fantastic tour.
Lodging Note: Tour price is based on double occupancy. Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
trip overview
Click on each day for more information.
day 1 - arrive in denver
Participants should plan to arrive at Denver (DEN) in the early afternoon (likely no later than 1:30 PM local time – please consult with Adam before booking airfare. He will provide specifics closer to the trip). After picking up a quick lunch on your own, we will meet our local guides Carl and George and set off for the 50-minute trip to Longmont. After checking in to our trip headquarters at the Fairfield Inn, we’ll head ½ hour west for our first birding in the northern Colorado foothills–where the vast Great Plains prairie meets the Rocky Mountains. We may visit several birding hotspots for our first encounters with White-throated Swift, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Golden Eagle, Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, American Dipper, Lesser Goldfinch, Spotted Towhee, Bullock’s Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting. After enjoying our first group dinner back in Longmont, we’ll learn more about birding in Colorado and our plans for the rest of our days.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont.
day 2 - pawnee grassland
Armed with coffee and sack breakfasts, we’ll make the 90-minute drive northeast to the Pawnee National Grassland. Pawnee is perhaps the best remaining example of short-grass prairie habitat in the American West—and an unforgettable experience for any birder. We will have a quarter million acres nearly to ourselves as we search for the resident breeding species including Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Says Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Black-billed Magpie, Chestnut & Thick-billed Longspurs, Cassin’s, Grasshopper, and Brewer’s Sparrows, and Lark Bunting. We may also see the occasional Common Nighthawk utilizing the only available day-perch in sight–a roadside fence post! Black-tailed prairie dogs are abundant, and we should see pronghorn antelope as well. After a picnic lunch at Crow Valley Park, we’ll visit several water areas on our way back to Longmont for Cinnamon Teal, Western and Clark’s Grebe, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, White-faced Ibis, Yellow-headed Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont
day 3 - rocky mountain national park
The fourth most-visited national park, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the finest mountain birding in Colorado. We will enter the park from the east and drive directly to the top of Trail Ridge Road (12,183 feet). Here we will be well above treeline and in the spectacular alpine tundra home of Brown-capped Rosy-Finch and White-tailed Ptarmigan. Neither species is rare here, but both can be very difficult to locate. We’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular scenery amidst the abundant nesting Horned Larks and displaying American Pipits.
Later in the morning, we’ll work our way back down the east slope of the park through the sub-alpine (10,000-11,500’) and montane (8,000-10,000’) life zones, which each have their own distinct mix of birds. Here we will seek Northern Pygmy-Owl, Williamson’s and Red-naped Sapsuckers, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers, Canada Jay, Steller’s Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Pine Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Green-tailed Towhee, Virginia’s and MacGillivray’s Warbler, Western Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. And we haven’t yet mentioned some of the mammals we might find such as elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, yellow-bellied marmot, American pika, golden-mantled ground squirrel, and least chipmunk.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont
Later in the morning, we’ll work our way back down the east slope of the park through the sub-alpine (10,000-11,500’) and montane (8,000-10,000’) life zones, which each have their own distinct mix of birds. Here we will seek Northern Pygmy-Owl, Williamson’s and Red-naped Sapsuckers, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers, Canada Jay, Steller’s Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Pine Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Green-tailed Towhee, Virginia’s and MacGillivray’s Warbler, Western Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. And we haven’t yet mentioned some of the mammals we might find such as elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, yellow-bellied marmot, American pika, golden-mantled ground squirrel, and least chipmunk.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont
day 4 - foray into south-central colorado
We’ll leave at 4:30 AM for our longest driving day, south into central Colorado for new habitats and new birds. Just south of Colorado Springs, we will explore vast areas of cholla cactus which can harbor Chihuahuan Ravens, Curve-billed Thrashers, and Scaled Quail. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the beautiful Arkansas River Valley in search of Pinyon Jay and Lewis’s Woodpecker before an incredibly scenic return trip through the real South Park.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont
Overnight: Fairfield Inn Longmont
day 5 - flexible or ptarmigan back-up day
We’ll use our last day to look for species we may have previously missed. This may include a return to the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park, checking various lakes and reservoirs, or even just a thorough exploration of Boulder County. After a final group dinner our guides will drop us at our airport hotel for our last night.
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denver Airport
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denver Airport
day 6 - departure
After an early continental breakfast at the hotel, we'll take the hotel shuttle to the airport for our flights home.
Number of bird species expected: 125-150
additional details
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Payments:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Birds Georgia Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Payment in full will be due by April 5, 2024. The final payment would include your single supplement payment, if applicable.
COVID-19 Considerations:
Until further notice, all participants in the Birds Georgia Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had at least one booster at the time of their travel date. Birds Georgia may verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time. We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by March 8, 2024, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between March 9, 2024, and April 5, 2024, a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to local companies. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We do not require travel insurance. However, we highly recommend buying it, as it is relatively inexpensive and can protect you from unforeseen costs associated with missed, delayed, or canceled flights, sudden illness, medical evacuation, damaged equipment, or other unexpected issues. Note that in some circumstances, such as if you have preexisting medical conditions, travel insurance must be purchased within 1-2 weeks of paying the trip deposit.
- All meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages) from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6 (Breakfasts will be boxed, or at the hotel depending on departure times)
- All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off. We will be traveling in two minivans (everyone gets a window view!) A cooler with water will be always available on the van.
- Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
- Expert local guides (3 participants per guide!)
- All park entrance fees
Price does not include:
- Airfare
- Tips (for the local guide(s), housekeeping, etc.)
- Alcoholic or specialty beverages
- Optional activities not specified on itinerary
- Snacks
- Laundry
- Travel insurance, recommended
- Medical costs
- Souvenirs
- Other incidentals participants may wish to purchase
Payments:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Birds Georgia Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Payment in full will be due by April 5, 2024. The final payment would include your single supplement payment, if applicable.
COVID-19 Considerations:
Until further notice, all participants in the Birds Georgia Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had at least one booster at the time of their travel date. Birds Georgia may verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time. We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by March 8, 2024, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between March 9, 2024, and April 5, 2024, a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to local companies. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We do not require travel insurance. However, we highly recommend buying it, as it is relatively inexpensive and can protect you from unforeseen costs associated with missed, delayed, or canceled flights, sudden illness, medical evacuation, damaged equipment, or other unexpected issues. Note that in some circumstances, such as if you have preexisting medical conditions, travel insurance must be purchased within 1-2 weeks of paying the trip deposit.
travel information
Altitude, Mobility, and Stamina:
Participants should be aware of the potential effects of altitude and take steps to prepare including proper hydration. Colorado has the highest average elevation in the United States (the statewide average is about 6,000 feet above that of Georgia!). Our birding and travel will range from roughly 4,500 feet above sea level to several brief periods over 11,000 feet. Our five overnights will all be at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. This tour is not recommended for birders who are prone to altitude-related health issues, have mobility issues, or who have difficulty or are unwilling to climb unassisted in and out of mini-vans. We recommend that you consult with your physician prior to committing to this trip and if you have health conditions or concerns about your ability to undertake moderate activity at higher elevations. If you are concerned about whether this tour is a good fit for you, please contact us and fully explain your concerns before you register. To ensure a quality experience for all participants, we may be limited in our ability to make special accommodations if you have mobility, stamina, or altitude-related limitations.
Pace:
Our first day of birding begins in the mid-afternoon and will continue until about 6:30 PM, followed by dinner. For optimal birding and in anticipation of typical summer afternoon heat, we will start early each morning with at least one morning departure from the hotel at 4:30 AM. Our days will be active and can include multiple walks of up to one mile on level roads or on trails with some rocky sections. Most walks are filled with frequent pauses to observe birds. We will travel in two regular size minivans; participants should be prepared to ride in any seat and switch seat locations each day. On several of our days, we’ll have a chance to return to the hotel to briefly rest/freshen up before dinner. We don’t anticipate any night-time or after-dinner birding.
Meals/Dietary Restrictions:
We will generally be eating the breakfast provided by the hotel (either sack breakfast or regular continental buffet), but we will also have snacks along during the day. All lunches will be healthy and tasty field lunches that we bring with us each day. Dinners will be in local, non-chain restaurants. All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions within the confines described above. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Photography:
In general, the habitat in Colorado is open, making for good photo opportunities for both birds/mammals and scenery. That said, this is primarily a birdwatching tour, so while there will be ample opportunities for photography along the way, we will not be making special considerations for photographers.
Weather and Packing Considerations:
The dress for the tour is entirely casual. Lightweight clothing, with layers, is recommended for protection from the sun and changing conditions. Average July temperatures in Denver/Longmont are highs around 90 and lows in the 50s, but the typical very low humidity keeps things comfortable. Be prepared with layers of clothing that can adapt to chilly mornings and hot, sunny afternoons. Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes will be sufficient. A windbreaker/rain jacket is recommended as well as a hat for sun protection. NOTE: We will have at least one early morning at higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park where it can be quite cold and windy, even in summer; a warm hat/gloves/coat are highly recommended.
In terms of gear, you will want the usual birding gear: binoculars, hat, field guide, etc. Most people appreciate having a camera along. Sunscreen is useful, given the often-sunny conditions. Biting insects are generally not a major problem in Colorado. Please bring a reusable travel bottle to reduce the need for single-use bottles; a travel coffee mug/thermos is also useful if you’d like to bring coffee from the hotel for the morning. Our guides will each have spotting scopes for our use. Because of the size of our group and the seating in our minivans, we will have very limited space for tripods or large backpacks during our birding days. We also encourage you to travel light to facilitate our shuttles (with our group and all our baggage) to and from the airport.
Tipping:
We aim to provide exceptional service, using guides that are knowledgeable, interesting, personable, and experienced. While tipping is never expected, we encourage participants to tip our local guides if you feel that they went above and beyond. Tips at restaurants are included in the tour price.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
Participants should be aware of the potential effects of altitude and take steps to prepare including proper hydration. Colorado has the highest average elevation in the United States (the statewide average is about 6,000 feet above that of Georgia!). Our birding and travel will range from roughly 4,500 feet above sea level to several brief periods over 11,000 feet. Our five overnights will all be at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. This tour is not recommended for birders who are prone to altitude-related health issues, have mobility issues, or who have difficulty or are unwilling to climb unassisted in and out of mini-vans. We recommend that you consult with your physician prior to committing to this trip and if you have health conditions or concerns about your ability to undertake moderate activity at higher elevations. If you are concerned about whether this tour is a good fit for you, please contact us and fully explain your concerns before you register. To ensure a quality experience for all participants, we may be limited in our ability to make special accommodations if you have mobility, stamina, or altitude-related limitations.
Pace:
Our first day of birding begins in the mid-afternoon and will continue until about 6:30 PM, followed by dinner. For optimal birding and in anticipation of typical summer afternoon heat, we will start early each morning with at least one morning departure from the hotel at 4:30 AM. Our days will be active and can include multiple walks of up to one mile on level roads or on trails with some rocky sections. Most walks are filled with frequent pauses to observe birds. We will travel in two regular size minivans; participants should be prepared to ride in any seat and switch seat locations each day. On several of our days, we’ll have a chance to return to the hotel to briefly rest/freshen up before dinner. We don’t anticipate any night-time or after-dinner birding.
Meals/Dietary Restrictions:
We will generally be eating the breakfast provided by the hotel (either sack breakfast or regular continental buffet), but we will also have snacks along during the day. All lunches will be healthy and tasty field lunches that we bring with us each day. Dinners will be in local, non-chain restaurants. All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions within the confines described above. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Photography:
In general, the habitat in Colorado is open, making for good photo opportunities for both birds/mammals and scenery. That said, this is primarily a birdwatching tour, so while there will be ample opportunities for photography along the way, we will not be making special considerations for photographers.
Weather and Packing Considerations:
The dress for the tour is entirely casual. Lightweight clothing, with layers, is recommended for protection from the sun and changing conditions. Average July temperatures in Denver/Longmont are highs around 90 and lows in the 50s, but the typical very low humidity keeps things comfortable. Be prepared with layers of clothing that can adapt to chilly mornings and hot, sunny afternoons. Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes will be sufficient. A windbreaker/rain jacket is recommended as well as a hat for sun protection. NOTE: We will have at least one early morning at higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park where it can be quite cold and windy, even in summer; a warm hat/gloves/coat are highly recommended.
In terms of gear, you will want the usual birding gear: binoculars, hat, field guide, etc. Most people appreciate having a camera along. Sunscreen is useful, given the often-sunny conditions. Biting insects are generally not a major problem in Colorado. Please bring a reusable travel bottle to reduce the need for single-use bottles; a travel coffee mug/thermos is also useful if you’d like to bring coffee from the hotel for the morning. Our guides will each have spotting scopes for our use. Because of the size of our group and the seating in our minivans, we will have very limited space for tripods or large backpacks during our birding days. We also encourage you to travel light to facilitate our shuttles (with our group and all our baggage) to and from the airport.
Tipping:
We aim to provide exceptional service, using guides that are knowledgeable, interesting, personable, and experienced. While tipping is never expected, we encourage participants to tip our local guides if you feel that they went above and beyond. Tips at restaurants are included in the tour price.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
