Events Scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026
Photo courtesy of Tim Reeves
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TOUR #20
Ponderosa: Old & New
6:00 am – 3:00 pm
Don Marsh, Senior Systems Analyst, Retired and eBird Reviewer
This tour focuses on the vast ponderosa forest habitat located north of the town of Dolores. First exploring a healthy ponderosa forest, then a rare remnant of old growth ponderosa, and finally a lakeshore nearby will no doubt produce a high-species day of birding! The Boggy Draw area is a great place to see Red Crossbill, Red-naped Sapsucker, White-breasted-, Pygmy- and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dusky Flycatcher, even the occasional Sora in the small pond/marsh area. Farther north, the group will visit McPhee Park, a dedicated remnant of old-growth Ponderosa from pre-lumbering days. This pocket of massive trees has the feel of a redwood grove, harboring many cavity nesters—swallows, wrens, bluebirds–as well as less common Williamson’s Sapsucker and Grace’s Warbler, and other species in the oak underbrush, such as Green-tailed Towhee. In both areas, keep an eye out for raptors, such as accipiters and owls. The final destination will be House Creek Campground, which is located on McPhee Reservoir, and offers a chance to see sparrows, migrants, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Basic restrooms available at two of the locations. Hiking at each location is more of a “stroll”, easy to moderate but up to 2 miles total. Approximately 60 miles round trip.
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TOUR #21
Mesa Verde National Park
6:15 am – 3:00 pm
John Cahill, Education Park Ranger, Mesa Verde National Park
Explore a variety of birding locales in this world-famous national park, well known for archaeological sites and varied pristine habitats. Possible sightings include accipiters, Peregrine Falcon, Downy Woodpecker, Virginia’s & Black-throated Gray warblers, Juniper Titmouse, Ash-throated & Dusky flycatchers, Western Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee, Lazuli Bunting, Green-tailed & Spotted towhees, Rock & Bewick’s wrens, Clark’s Nutcracker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, swifts and hummingbirds. Easy to moderate. Approximately 75 miles round trip.
Photo courtesy of Erik Hendrickson
Only 1 Space Remaining!
NEWRETURNINGREVISEDEXPANDEDSOLD OUT!
NEWRETURNINGREVISEDEXPANDEDSOLD OUT!
TOUR #22
Mancos: An Old West Habitat
6:30 am – 3:00 pm
Diane Cherbak, Citizen Scientist and Festival Committee, UMMV Birding Festival
A trip through the Mancos Valley is like a journey into the past. Many historic ranches that have existed for over 150 years continue to operate. Cattle drives still pass through the streets of Mancos. Mining, logging and a railroad also have left their marks to provide a variety of birding habitats. Ponderosa forest and Gambel oak are prime habitats for Hairy, Downy & Lewis’s woodpeckers, Steller’s Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Western Tanager, nuthatches, towhees and warblers. Waterfowl and swallows nest or feed in the numerous stock ponds and reservoirs. Red-winged & Yellow-headed blackbirds might be expected in the associated cattail/bulrush marshes. The riparian woodland characterized by cottonwood, willow and buffalo berry could add, Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Great Blue Heron, and Magpie. The agricultural lands are habitat for Western & Mountain bluebirds, Mourning Dove and possible Sandhill Crane. The pastures and meadows will provide opportunities for observing nesting Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagles and possibly a Great-Horned Owl. Easy. Optional lunch at Mancos Brewing. Approximately 40 miles round trip.
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Birding Festival General Information
- The Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cortez Cultural Center. All proceeds benefit the Center.
- All tours require pre-registration.
- A registration fee is required for all tours. Full registration includes all daily tours. Daily registration includes a single full day tour. Half-day tour fee includes a single ½ day tour. Full registration is required in order to qualify for the free early bird t-shirt.
- All lunches are an extra cost and are provided by Once Upon a Sandwich unless otherwise noted.
- Unless otherwise noted, tours will return to the Center at approximately 3:00 pm.
- Carpools/caravanning will be used for all tours. Drivers will be reimbursed for gas by passengers at the rate of 70 cents per mile, divided among all participants in the vehicle.
- Tour size is generally 13 or less.
- Tours take place in varied habitats with altitudes ranging from 5000 - 9500'.
- Cancellations considered on a case-by-case basis up to 21 days prior to start of Festival. All cancellations are subject to a processing fee.
- Availability of restrooms depends on the tour. Nearly all guides scout out restroom locations as well as bird species. Some tours are in parks or other facilities that have established restrooms. Some have outhouses. Others, the only option are bushes. The leader will usually mention the restroom plan at the beginning of the tour.
- All tours depart from and return to the Cortez Cultural Center.
- Tour times listed are the DEPARTURE time. Please arrive 15 minutes prior.
For Birding Festival information email diane.cherbak@gmail.com
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