Saturday September 14, 2024 is Colorado Field Ornithologist’s annual Birdathon/Fundraiser, a challenge to record (see/hear) as many bird species as possible over a 24 hour period. Money raised this year will help to fund the important Conejos River Restoration Project in southern Colorado and restore greatly-needed riparian habitat where the southwestern subspecies of Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Cuckoo live. Please consider making a pledge per species or simply a flat donation.

The Larimer Larks will be at it again in Larimer County. This is their 6th year as a birding team and are poised for another fun and, at times, grueling challenge. Each team member brings important birding savvy. Irene Fortune, the team leader, and Bobbie Tilmant bring years of expertise, with keen visual as well as superb birding-by-ear skills. Laurie Kleespies rounds out the group with her fine birding and photographic skill to help find and document those difficult-to-ID birds. This year we are missing Cheri Orwig and her perfect 'birdmobile' hybrid minivan so will endeavor at least part of the day in Laurie’s and her husband’s electric car.

Birding in September (fall migration) is a far greater challenge than the usual May (spring migration) because birds don’t sing as much – songs are easier to identify than chips and calls. The Larimer Larks will spend about 16 continuous hours working hard to find those elusive species that are heading south as well as all the usual suspects.

Thank you for supporting the 2024 Colorado Birding Challenge!