Best of Colorado Summer Birding Resources

Includes pre-trip information, important planning tips, preliminary daily schedule, and checklist of species. You can view this online or download and print a copy (6 pages.)

Here’s a link to a Google photo album from our tour this past June 11-15 and here is the complete list of species we found and a map of our travels.

It seems like every region talks about how quickly the local weather can change. Colorado is no different but we also have to think about the impact of elevation. As described in the information packet, you will want to be prepared for a wide variety of conditions including cool mornings, hot sunny days, and possibly a cold, windy, rainy day in the mountains!

In addition to the suggested packing list in the Information Packet, here are some personal thoughts about weather and clothing:

• Even on days with forecast of warm temps, it’s often chilly first thing in the morning so I usually start with a light jacket/fleece, etc.
• A hooded rain jacket for the potential afternoon thunderstorm also serves as a wind-breaking layer over my fleece for our day at the highest elevations in RMNP.
• At least part of our day at RMNP is at the highest elevations and temperatures in the 40s are possible with wind so I bring along gloves and a stocking cap just in case.
• The soil in Colorado is generally sandy or rocky so we don’t encounter much mud and the trails tend to dry out quickly. Speaking of trails, most of our trails will be relatively smooth but there can be rocky sections. I’ll put a few pics of our typical trails below. Insulated or waterproof boots are typically not necessary. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are sufficient.
• The sun is very strong in Colorado and a wide-brimmed hat (with a chin-strap for windy days) is recommended.
• I usually wear shorts on our day at Pawnee Grassland and lightweight hiking pants on our other days. The typical birder pants that convert to shorts work well.
• The typical humidity in Colorado is relatively low and you’ll find your clothes may stay fresher since you won’t be sweating all day long. This may help you to consider packing lighter. Well, you actually do sweat (and lose body fluid!) but you still “feel” dry. Our heat is certainly a “dry heat!”

Typical Trails (click to enlarge)

Weather Forecast and Average Temperatures

Pawnee Grasslands 10-day Weather Forecast June average temperatures: high 85 low 51

Longmont area (northern Colorado foothills) 10-day Forecast June average temperatures: high 85 and low 51

Rocky Mountain National Park 10-day Forecast June average temperatures: High 71 and low 34

Early morning in RMNP after spotting our ptarmigan

Mid-day at Pawnee Grassland

There are many excellent resources on preparing for the higher elevations. Here is just one. Your hotel each night is at 5,000 feet above sea level. Most of our birding time will be between 5,000 and 8500 feet. On the days we visit Rocky Mountain National Park, part of our mornings will range up to 11,000 feet.

Participants are responsible for your own transportation from the airport to the Fairfield Inn at the beginning of our tour and back to the airport at the conclusion of the tour.

There are two comparable shuttle services that can be reserved in advance that pick up at the airport and take you to the Fairfield Inn Longmont (1089 South Hover Street.)

www.longmontshuttle.com

www.eightblackairportshuttle.com

Our tour headquarters is the Fairfield Inn Longmont by Marriott. Even though we will be taking care of all your needs during our tour, the Fairfield is within 100 yards of a coffee shop, grocery store, and several restaurants.

In the event you wish to stay at the Fairfield an extra night either before or after the end of our tour, please contact them directly at 303-776-8050 and ask if they will honor the same group rate as Colorado Birding Adventures/Carl Bendorf. These extra nights will be on a separate invoice for which you will be responsible when you check-out. Remember that the lodging for the evening after our last tour day is NOT included in your tour price.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We look forward to birding with you this coming June.

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