February

Bighorn Festival · Colorado Springs

When: early February
This free event celebrates the fact that our majestic state mammal is often seen within the Colorado Springs city limits! Find out more about the amazing Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep! Look for bighorns using binoculars and scopes, take a guided nature walk that focuses on bighorn sheep, hear presentations about bighorn sheep biology and the Rampart and Pikes Peak herds, take an auto tour through Queens Canyon, and experience a bighorn ‘touch table’. For more information, visit the Web site at www.gardenofgods.com, or call 719.634.6666.

High Plains Snow Goose Festival · Lamar

When: early February
The lesser snow geese you will see at the High Plains Snow Goose Festival are part of the Western Central Flyway population that are on their way back to the Canadian Arctic where they nest. This flock winters in southeastern Colorado, New Mexico, the Texas panhandle and northern Mexico. The festival offers tours, educational programs, presentations, arts and crafts, and a banquet! Contact lamarchamber@bresnan.net or visit the festival’s Web site at www.highplainssnowgoose.com for details.

March

Monte Vista Crane Festival · Monte Vista

When: March 8-12, 2024
“The festival hosts wildlife experts, local naturalists, and biologists who present free educational workshops at the Monte Vista Middle School, while flocks of dancing sandhills assemble in the neighboring farm fields, just east of town. Bus tours to the nearby refuge and adjacent farmlands provide visitors with the opportunity to view this spectacle up close and personal, with a knowledgeable local guide. Special tours feature raptor identification, sunset trips to view cranes, a visit to a local potato warehouse (with free potatoes) and visits to closed areas of the refuge for Crane Fest participants.” From the festival’s Web site. For a listing of scheduled workshops, registration information, and more, go to mvcranefest.org/ or call 719.852.2731.

Annual Eckert Crane Days · Eckert

When: TBD – March
Greater sandhill cranes in small and large flocks glide into Heart’s Basin of the Surface Creek Valley, and land at Fruitgrowers Reservoir east of Eckert. Most of the 20,000+ migrating birds come to the reservoir for an overnight stay to rest, feed, and regroup, relying on the reservoir’s water and wetlands for protection, and adjacent agricultural lands for food. The following morning they lift off in an organized mayhem of flight and sound that cannot be forgotten. Get schedules, maps, information about other wildlife seen at this time of year, lodging suggestions, and more at www.eckertcranedays.com.

Dinosaur Ridge Hawkwatch—Lakewood/Morrison

When: Mid-March to mid-May
Volunteers and researchers from Bird Conservancy of the Rockies help visitors search the sky above the Dakota Ridge Hogback (Dinosaur Ridge) for hawks, eagles, and vultures while sharing why birds have chosen this migratory path. Tour involves a short, but steep, hike up the ridge to a viewing vantage point. For specifics, go to site rmbo.org.

Prairie Chicken Watching tours with Colorado Parks and Wildlife · Wray

When: Weekends, March 26 – April 25
Greater prairie chickens perform courtship rituals in open grasslands. Males gather in large groups called “leks”, attracting females looking for a potential mate. Performing stunning mating displays to impress females, males produce a wide range of vocalizations and engage in a complex “dance”, raising their feathers, bowing their heads, and rapidly stepping with their feet. The Wray Chamber of Commerce and the East Yuma County Historical Society organize tours where visitors can learn about and witness these astounding natural spectacles. Early morning bus trip takes participants to specially designed viewing blind for optimal experience. Reservations are required. Cost varies from $120 to $135 per person; includes motel room. To register visit: www.wraychamber.net or call the Wray Chamber of Commerce at 970-332-3484.

Prairie chickens are very early risers, so be prepared to meet with you tour group well before dawn!

April

Karval Mountain Plover Festival

When: April 28-23, 2023
Karval, CO
The shortgrass prairies near Kaval, CO are prime foraging sites for mountain plovers. These small birds use Colorado grasslands during the breeding season, where sparse vegetation gives them plenty of room to build nests on the ground. When foraging, mountain plovers scurry over the flat ground in short bursts, searching for insects at each stop. Festival registration includes habitat tours, food, and entertainment.. For more information and a registration form, please visit the Karval Community Alliance website.

Sharp-tailed Grouse Viewing · Hayden

When: Mid-April through mid-May
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers limited guided tours to view sharp-tailed grouse near Hayden. Tours are provided by the local district wildlife manager; participants must arrange for meals and accommodations on their own. Hayden is located in the Yampa Valley between Steamboat Springs and Craig. Information about the area is available at haydenco.areaguides.net. To request a tour, call 970.276-3338 and leave a message.

Greater Sage-grouse Viewing · Walden

When: Late April and early May
Guided viewing trips offered; tours are limited to 20 people per day, so it’s best to register early. Each tour begins at 6:30 p.m. the evening before the viewing trip, with a meal and a short educational program provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Participants meet before dawn the next morning for the trip to the sage grouse lek. Tour fees are paid to the Walden Chamber of Commerce and cover the cost of meals, accommodations, and access to state land board property. Lodging will be arranged when you call to register. For details, call the Walden (North Park) Chamber of Commerce at 970.723.4600.

May

Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival · Cortez

When: May 17-21, 2023
Take tours of local sites, including Mesa Verde, Denny Lake, McElmo Canyon, Ute Mountain tribal Park, and many more; hear presentations about protecting birds, backyard feeders; attend a bird-oriented art show; learn bird songs! Opening reception, guest speakers, and some meals provided. For further information, visit http://www.mesaverdecountry.com/tourism/festivals/birding/birdfest.html or write to cultural@fone.net.

Canon City Blossom Festival · Canon City

When: May 3-7, 2023
Join the southern Colorado small town for an old fashioned spring time event. Parades, Jazz & Marching Band competitions, arts & crafts fair, local business events & booths are there for your entertainment. The USFS, BLM & Colorado Parks and Wildlife are there as well to provide information about outstanding wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation opportunities available in the Royal Gorge region. For further information, visit their website

Hummingbird Festival · Colorado Springs

When: early May
Free, one-day event held at the Starsmore Discovery Center, featuring children’s activities, craft projects, face painting, live entertainment, climbing wall, Ute tipi and Ute craft project, native plant sale, hummingbird viewing bus tour, food and nature product vendors, and much, much more. Fun for the whole family! For details, go to the festival Web site or write to Phyllis McKee.

International Migratory Bird Day Statewide

When: Mid-May
Not an event for Colorado exclusively, International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is celebrated worldwide, with events in Colorado sometimes associated with it or occurring at the same time. For details about local events, or to learn how you can organize and register you own celebration, visit the IMBD Web site.

June

Mt. Evans Wildlife Viewing · Summit Lake Parking Area on Mt. Evans

When: June – Labor Day
Colorado Parks and Wildlife partners with City of Denver Mountain Parks and the US Forest Service to provide alpine-related education for visitors to the mountain. Stop by and visit our dedicated and knowledgable volunteers as they help you spot the animals living in the harsh land above the trees! Check out wildlife artifacts, see high-altitude wildlife, and learn how to recreate responsibly on the sensitive alpine tundra. Fore more information, visit Summit Lake or Mt. Evans Recreation Area.

Orient Mine Bat Watching · Near Villa Grove in the San Luis Valley

When: Late July
A SW region event Bat watching available all summer from June through August through the Orient Land Trust – www.olt.org

July

Grand Mesa Moose Day · Grand Junction, CO

When: TBD
A free event for the entire family. Take a scenic drive on Grand Mesa and learn about moose! Scavenger hunt, puppet show & prizes for kids; touch table with hides and tracks; programs on moose viewing and safety; moose biology & telemetry demonstrations. At the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center off of Highway 65, 20090 Baron Lake Drive.

August

Yampa Valley Crane Festival · Steamboat Springs

When: late-August to early-September
The Greater Sandhill Crane is an iconic species of the Yampa Valley. In late summer and early fall, hundreds of cranes from the Rocky Mountain flock join the local birds to rest and feed before continuing their journey south. The festival includes daily crane viewings, expert speakers, live raptors, films, art exhibits, workshops, family activities and more.

Many events are free and do not require registration. Certain activities, including guided crane viewing shuttles and events with limited space, will require advance registration and a nominal fee. These events will be noted in the annual schedule. Be sure to register early as we expect these events to fill quickly. Register and view the schedule and other event details on the Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition website. For more information, please call 970-276-1933or write to ColoradoCranes@gmail.com.

September

Fall Birding Festival at Barr Lake · Brighton

When: Early September
Fly over to Barr Lake State Park to celebrate the fall bird migration, an experience worth sharing with others. Be entertained at this festive community event filled with food, fun, and lore—something for everyone. Plan for a day packed with free food and activities. The Fall Birding Festival is free, but a valid parks pass is required for each vehicle that enters the park.

Elk Fest · Estes Park

When: late September
A two-day festival, as described on the event’s Web site: “Elk Fest offers visitors a chance to view elk during the rutting season in the wild, as well as expand their knowledge of elk. Learn more about elk, their habitats, and how to observe them in the wild. Held in Bond Park, located in downtown Estes Park, Elk Fest will offer bugling competitions, educational areas, seminars, music by the Elktones, Mountain Man Rendezvous, Native American story telling and music, guided elk viewing tours, and vendors that offer art from oils and pastels, hand made elk-ivory jewelry, scrimshawed antler knives, elk antler lamps and chandeliers, elk hide pillows, silver and gold jewelry, and elk antlers.” Find out more from the Elk Fest Web site including schedules and costs (for elk viewing tours), or write to the event organizers.

October

Bald Eagle Viewing

All around the State Beginning in the fall, bald eagles from colder northern climates travel to Colorado for their own version of a warm-weather holiday. Nearly 1000 bald eagles spend the winter in Colorado, from the eastern plains reservoirs like John Martin Reservoir State Park to the wetlands, lakes and streams of the San Luis Valley. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for more information.

November

Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Fest · Georgetown

When: TBD
Celebrate Colorado’s ‘state mammal’—the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The Town of Georgetown and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offer opportunities to watch and learn about one of Colorado’s oldest bighorn sheep herds. Plus, speakers and short wildlife educational programs for the whole family! Artisans and shop owners in Georgetown will showcase their wildlife related art, gifts, crafts, and other goods. For more information, visit their site.

Bighorn Sheep Viewing · Highway 50 between Canon City & Salida

When: all year long
Bighorn Sheep Canyon. This stretch of highway provides reliable viewing for Bighorns all year long, especially during the winter months. Stop at interpretive waysides at the Arkansas headwaters State Park all along the river. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for more information.

December

Various Christmas Bird Counts

Mid December to Mid January in a variety of locations