Colorado’s varied topography makes it special and a haven for birders of all levels. The Great Plains cover the eastern part of the state. The Rocky Mountains bisect the state from north to south and the Colorado Plateau covers much of the western side. This diversity of habitats, from expansive plains to majestic peaks, provides homes for a rich array of bird species, placing Colorado in the Top 10 States for number of birds recorded.

This 3-day itinerary showcases Colorado summer birding hotspots in a wide variety of habitat types. We’ll travel over Guanella Pass, one of Colorado’s Scenic Byways, that takes us through montane forest, then up over alpine tundra that’s home to White-tailed Ptarmigan, and down through spruce/fir and mixed coniferous/aspen habitats for birds like Golden-crowned Kinglet and American Three-toed Woodpecker. We’ll explore Pinyon-Juniper woodlands in search of jays, hummingbirds, warblers, flycatchers, and swifts. We’ll make our way through the high-elevation grassland of South Park to awe-inspiring Eleven-Mile Canyon, with Ponderosa and Lodgepole pine and mountain riparian homes of American Dippers, towhees, bluebirds, warblers and swallows. We’ll also visit a ranch improving wildlife habitat through bird-friendly ranching techniques.

A trip highlight is sure to be our field visit with Dr. Brian Linkhart and his research team. Dr. Linkhart has been studying Flammulated Owls for decades.  This trip is scheduled during peak nesting season for “flams,” and we’ll get an up-close look at this season’s field work. The chance to observe this elusive forest owl alongside experts doesn’t get much better than this.

We’ll travel in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect ‘blind’ and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time. Join Reefs to Rockies for this unforgettable summer birding trip through colorful Colorado!

Chip Clouse is a long-time bird tour leader and Reefs to Rockies’ Lead Naturalist Guide. He’s also ProStaff for Opticron Optics and Former Manager of Front Range Birding Company. Originally enamored with tooth and claw predators, his fascination with birds started by volunteering with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor Peregrine Falcon nest sites. His fascination and love for birds was cemented once he saw his first Western Tanager while working for the Peregrine Fund in Oregon. Chip’s experience includes 20 years of bird research and project management experience in nine states and the Caribbean nation of Grenada, a Masters in Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, five years with the American Birding Association, two years as a rep with Novagrade Digiscoping adapters and stints guiding at 15+ different US birding festivals. Chip is excited to share his love of Colorado birds and natural this summer.