Barr Lake Bird Watch Field Trip

Barr Lake features many different types of birds including songbirds, falcons, hawks, colonial nesting birds, water fowl, and Bald Eagles.  On this Bird Watch students will explore the dynamic wildlife oasis just outside Metro Denver and learn how and why nearly 80 different species are able to coexist using different parts of this ecosystem.   Participants will learn how to use binoculars to view birds, and educators will teach about bird adaptations, habitat needs and the successful recovery of the once-endangered Bald Eagles.  More importantly, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty that can be found right in their backyard!

Meets Colorado Science Standards 1, 2, 3, and 5

Barr Lake Banding Station Field Trip

Every year thousands of birds stop to rest and eat at Barr Lake during their migratory journey. Spend a morning with a Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory bird-bander at Barr Lake State Park, and your students will get an “up-close and personal” experience with nature while they watch a wildlife biologist place a band on migrating birds captured harmlessly in mist nets. Students will also participate in other migration-related activities and observe wildlife on a hike along Barr Lake. The fee for this field trip includes a follow-up classroom program.

Dates: September - mid October 

Time: 7am-11pm

Duration of school group program: 2 hours
Maximum number of participants per program: 60

Location: Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Rd. Brighton, CO

Program Fee: $5.00 per participant, plus $7.00 State Park fee for each vehicle (the program fee includes a free in-class follow-up program)

In-Class Programs/Follow-up Programs

Migratory Mapping Students' understanding of migratory patterns and geography will be enhanced while they discover the factors that drive bird migration. Students use bird banding data to map the migratory routes of four bird species banded at our Barr Lake Banding Station. Recommended Grade Levels: 3-8 Meets Colorado Geography Standards 1, 2, and 3 Topics Addressed: •   Migration •   Data Collection •   Data Analysis •   Geography

Migratory Data Students will graph and analyze migratory data from four birds banded at our Barr Lake Banding Station. They will then use critical thinking skills to determine the factors that drive bird migration. Recommended Grade Levels: 3-12 Meets Colorado Geography Standards 1, 2, and 3 Topics Addressed: •   Migration •   Data Collection •   Data Analysis •   Graphing

Beautiful Birds Students will learn about how birds' physical features increase their ability to survive in Colorado habitats. They will exercise their creativity when they design their own habitat and create a clay bird. Recommended Grave Levels: 1-8 Meets Colorado Reading & Writing Standards 2, 3, and 4 Topics Addressed: •   Adaptations •   Habitat Requirements •   Art •   Creative Writing •   Presentation

Avian Adaptations Students will use different tools representing beaks to eat multiple types of bird food. They will determine the kind of food each beak is designed to eat. Recommended Grade levels: k-6 Meets Colorado Science Standards 1 and 3 Topics Addressed: •    Adaptations •    Habitat requirements

Bird Studies

Would you like us to design a program for you?  If you are interested in a bird related topic that is not already offered, we can help you design a program for your students or group.

Programs can be unique and tailored to fit your class curriculum, and can be taught either in the classroom or as a field trip.

Dates: Available any time of year.
Time: Any time of day
Grade: 1- Adult
Duration: 1-2 hours
Maximum Number of Participants per program: Varies with program
Location: Varies with program
Standards: Can design them to fit into multiple grade level standards.

scholarship opportunities!

RMBO offers multiple summer camps for kids of all ages.  Camp content and activities are designed to increase each camper’s interest in the outdoors, so they may gain an appreciation for Colorado’s unique natural features and wildlife.
           

See below for full descriptions of all camp programs being offered this summer, and register by completing and submitting the appropriate form below. Scholarships are available for all camps, and applications for them can be completed within each registration form. In addition, register before March 31st and receive an Early Bird Discount of 10% Off!

Scholarships are available for all camps!
           
2013 Summer Camps Flyer

Summer Camp Registration

Dates: June-August

Location: RMBO Headquarters (The Old Stone House at Barr Lake State Park) unless otherwise noted.

Young Naturalists

Ages 4 & 5

During the first four Monday mornings (9am-12pm) in July, budding naturalists will gain an appreciation of nature while they engage their senses in Colorado's natural habitats through games and hands-on activities. During the last hour of each session, campers will have the opportunity to enjoy supervised, unstructured outdoor nature play with their new friends. Campers may be registered for an individual session, a combination of sessions, or for all of them, in order to accommodate summer schedules. Cost is just $15 per session.

Nature Investigators

Ages 6 & 7

Dates: July 2, 9, 16, and 23

During the first four Tuesdays (9am-1pm) in July, campers will hike, play games, go on scavenger hunts, and make nature observations at Barr Lake State Park. Nature investigators will learn about the food, water and shelter provided for wildlife living in Colorado habitats. Each day will be filled with different activities relating to the session's topic. Campers will continue exploring during a lunch-hour of supervised, unstructured outdoor nature play with their new friends. As a result, campers will need a sack lunch, water bottle, and daypack for this camp. Campers may be registered for an individual session, a combination of sessions, or for all of them, in order to accommodate family summer schedules. Cost is just $20 per session.

Habitat Explorers

Ages 8 & 9

Dates: July 3, 10, 17, and 24

During the first four Wednesdays (9am-4pm) in July, campers will explore Colorado habitats and discover the special qualities that make Colorado the home for such diverse wildlife. Campers will continue exploring during a lunch-hour of supervised, unstructured outdoor nature play with their new friends. As a result, campers will need a sack lunch, water bottle, and daypack for this camp. Campers may be registered for an individual session, a combination of sessions, or for all of them, in order to accommodate family summer schedules. Cost is just $35 per session.

Young Ecologists

Ages 10 & 11

Dates: June 24-28

Lots of birds depend on Colorado's prairies, water, and your backyard! Observe these birds and discover the secrets to bird survival in the prairie, water, and backyard habitats around Brighton and other local places. Campers will learn to use binoculars, field guides, and spotting scopes, and they'll hike, play games, and go on field trips. In addition, campers will have the opportunity to spend one night in the middle of the week actually camping at Barr Lake State Park! Each day, campers will need a sack lunch, water bottle, and daypack. Cost is $250, and campers must register for the full week of camp, which will be offered 9am-4pm each day.

Taking Flight

Ages 12-14

Dates: June 9-14

This BRAND NEW overnight camp is the next step for budding birders and young nature enthusiasts, and it will serve as the springboard into On the Wing for 15-17 year olds in future summers. For 6 days and 5 nights, campers will call a rustic lodge near Rocky Mountain National Park their home, and they will have the opportunity to explore the ecosystems of Colorado's Front Range, while honing their bird identification skills and gaining independence, responsibility, and leadership skills. Cost of this camp is $750, which includes all lodging, meals, and transportation during the session. Full and partial scholarships are available. Campers must register for the full week of camp.

Taking Flight Registration

RMBO “Winged Wonders” and Butterfly Pavilion “Bugabilities” Camp

Ages 5-9

Dates: July 29 - August 2 or *August 5 - 9, 2013 (at the Butterfly Pavilion)

RMBO is partnering with the Butterfly Pavilion to offer half-day and full-day camps about both bugs and birds. “Bugabilities” will be offered during morning sessions (9am-12pm), while “Winged Wonders” will be offered during afternoon sessions (1-4pm) of each week of camp. Campers present for the lunch hour (12-1pm) will need a sack lunch and  will have the opportunity to enjoy part of their time with as supervised, unstructured outdoor nature play with their new friends. Cost is $130 for a half day of camp and $245 for a full day of camp. Campers may register for individual session but are encouraged to register for the full week of camp.

* Please Note: Registration for the August 5-9 camp is through the Butterfly Pavilion: http://www.butterflies.org/education/camp-listings.php. Combine with Winged Wonders PM Camp for a full day of fun!

RMBO’s family programs are designed with the whole family in mind!  Most programs take place at RMBO’s Old Stone House, 14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton, CO. A minimal fee is required for RMBO Family Programs.  Stay posted to this webpage to find out more about upcoming Family programs.

RMBO’s family programs have limited openings, so please be sure to register at least 24 hours in advance.   Please cancel your registration if you are unable to attend the program so we may open the program up to families on the wait list.

RMBO offers monthly educational programs for home school families. These programs are designed for multiple ages and ability levels.  RMBO naturalists try to encourage the older participants to positive role models and mentors to younger home school students throughout all of the activities.  Parents are welcome to stay throughout the program.  Stay posted for future details regarding upcoming home school programs. 

Please register for all home school programs at least 24 hours in advance.

The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory provides rich environmental learning opportunities through field trips and on-site programs designed to meet the needs of any group.  Hands-on games, crafts, journaling, and outdoor exploration create an engaging learning environment for every participant.  Your group can visit our Environmental Learning Center for a field trip or RMBO educators can come to your site for an on-site program.