Birding

With its diverse landscapes and mild climate, Mesa Verde Country attracts a wide spectrum of migratory and resident birds. Spring migration and early nesters attract birdwatchers from far and wide for the Ute Mountain/Mesa Verde Birding Festival. The Festival offers tours that combine birding with regional archaeology, ecology and history. The festival’s birding tally has climbed to 180 species! Field trips to the variety of habitats and spectacular settings in Mesa Verde Country make for great birding adventures.

Species include gulls, shorebirds, waterfowl, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Bald and Golden eagles, elusive owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers and phoebes, American Dipper, towhees, crossbills, and colorful bluebirds, tanagers and warblers. Some species, such as Lucy’s Warbler, are found no place else in Colorado.

Birding is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in American involving an estimate 46 million people. It’s a great way to increase your conservation awareness and support local conservations projects. For more information on birding in the area, visit the San Juan Ranger District in Dolores, or visit the Cortez Cultural Center for more information on regional wildlife specialists.