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 $50, 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!
BIRDING FESTIVAL
WEBSITE
Sponsored by
Mesa Verde Country®
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
& SPONSORS
City of Cortez
Baymont Inn and Suites
CO Division of Parks & Wildlife
Dolores Chamber of Commerce
Sachs Construction
Dolores State Bank
Empire Electric
Citizens State Bank
Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde
Sundance Bear Lodge
Guy Drew Vineyards
Dr. Robert Heyl
For The Birds
Ballantine Fund
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Cortez Retail Enhancement Assoc.
Once Upon A Sandwich
Cortez Super 8
Cortez Journal
National Park Service
First National Bank of Cortez
Ertel Funeral Home & Crematory
San Juan Mountain Assoc.
FESTIVAL
TRANSPORTATION
SPONSORS
Crow Canyon
Archaeological Center
Dolores Methodist Church
Dolores Public Lands Office
Southwest Open School
City of Cortez
RE-1 School District
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Evangel Assembly of God
Mancos Methodist Church
Montezuma County
Pinon Project