This summer, as you work on your landscaping, try to select plants that attract wildlife while still enhancing the beauty of your garden. It’s called “naturescaping,” and it can be quite a challenge at high elevations. David Menough, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Arvada and a Master Gardener, offers five plant species that are not only beautiful but hardy, fruitful and bird friendly.

RMBO biologists and field technicians are once again preparing to fan out across mountains, prairies and high deserts to conduct breeding bird surveys under the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program. Biologist Nick Van Lanen provides an update on trainings for IMBCR surveys, including a rare bird spotted by a crew member – and former RMBO camper – in South Dakota.

On the third Saturday in May, Wildlands Day is held at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. More than a hundred people attended this year’s event to enjoy the abundance of plants and wildlife in the hills of western Nebraska. Educator Maggie Vinson writes about the day and makes a great case for attending the seventh incarnation of the event in 2014.

Binoculars are an essential tool for any birder, but how do you pick out a good pair? There are many factors to consider to ensure you get the best pair for you. David Menough, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Arvada, offers tips on selecting binoculars so you can have a fun, high-quality birding experience.

RMBO's field crew in western Nebraska discovered its first Mountain Plover nest of the breeding season on May 8. After the cold start to spring, this newly laid nest with a clutch of three eggs was an important find. Nebraska Project Biologist Larry Snyder writes about the find and RMBO's plover nest conservation program. Post updated on June 11.

The temperate forests of West Mexico are critical habitat for endemic and migrant bird species. In March, RMBO wrapped up its first year of surveying birds in this region. Our technicians offer a report from Jalisco, Mexico, on their experiences meeting locals and surveying in this challenging, beautiful terrain, including a list of unique and interesting species detected.

Eastern Screech-Owls are the most common owl species in North America, yet little is known about their habitat needs or population dynamics. To fill these knowledge gaps – and get citizens involved in science linked to their natural environment – RMBO launched a new project last month in Fort Collins, Colorado, to monitor Eastern Screech-Owls along the Cache la Poudre River. Post updated on May 30.

Spring is here, and you know what that means … hummingbirds! In the mountains, it's easy to attract hummingbirds. In cities, however, it requires a little more effort. Scott Menough, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Denver, offers tips on attracting these hovering jewels of nature to your yard.

Bald Eagle Watch, a citizen science program coordinated by Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, is in the midst of its 26th season of nest monitoring along the Front Range of Colorado. Educator Emily Snode provides a history of the program and Bald Eagle recovery and offers an update on the season to date. How many nests have shown signs of incubation? Read her post to find out! Post updated on May 13.

Last month, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory completed its first field season studying winter survival of Baird's and Grasshopper Sparrows in Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Both of these grassland species have declined between 70 and 80% since the 1960s. The key to stemming these population declines may lie on their wintering grounds in Chihuahua. Biologist Erin Strasser provides a wrap-up of the study including some interesting preliminary data.