[cobirds] A Summer Solstice Bird Count in Estes Park on June 21

Scott Roerderer and I have been ask to seek volunteers to help with a new bird count in Estes Park.  An announcement for this follows.

The first Estes Park Summer Solstice Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday, June 21. All Estes Valley birders are encouraged to participate!

The idea for the Solstice Bird Count developed out of a new sister park relationship between Rocky Mountain National Park and the protected areas near Monteverde, Costa Rica. Participants in the development of this new event included conservation organizations from Costa Rica as well as Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, and Sister Cities of Estes Park.  Compilers of the Christmas Bird Count in Estes Park are assisting in the organization of the event.

Each year Christmas Bird Counts in Costa Rica record numerous species of migratory birds that summer in and near RMNP and winter near Monteverde, Costa Rica.  By utilizing the same sampling methodology, researchers will collect summer breeding bird information that will be directly comparable to the data collected during the Costa Rica winter bird counts.  This study is one of the first of its kind in North America.

The count will be an annual event. Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory support the count and intend to use the data as part of their long-term studies of birds breeding in the park.

Patterned after a Christmas Bird Count, the Summer Solstice Bird Count will be more relaxed and a lot warmer. Participants will be placed on teams that cover an assigned territory. Team members will spend five or six hours in the field identifying and counting every bird they see. A compilation picnic follows the count at 1 p.m., leaving time in the afternoon to chase any rarities that might be found.

Drive-and-walk routes are available, such as Bear Lake Road, as well as several hiking trails, including Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake Trail, and Cow Creek Trail. 

 

This is your chance to participate in a "first" and contribute to the understanding of local bird populations. Basic bird identification skills are required, but less experienced birders are welcome. Experienced birders will lead each team. 

For questions or to sign up, contact Gary Matthews at GJMatLOP@aol.com or Scott Roederer at osprey@estesvalley.net. The deadline for signing up is Monday, June 16.

Gary Matthews

Estes Park

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