Birding by Habitat Series

Join us for this special outing along Pitkin County Airport's Radar Road* to explore the suite of birds inhabiting various mountain shrubland habitats traversed by this seldom traveled road. At the beginning, we will bird our way through stands of riparian cottonwoods and willows, an historic ranch compound, and open grassland areas. Seldom used, the road continues on through native mountain shrublands that vary according to soils, moisture, and slope aspect. The variety of birds is reflected in these subtle ecosystem changes, and offers excellent birding along the entire route. Spring is prime time in this sunny, dry landscape that is currently bursting with wildflowers and green foliage. Additional highlights include background on airport wildlife management, ranch history, geology, botany, and unique views of the valley where elk migration corridors and glacial landforms can be seen in sweeping views. 


This trip is a hike on a well-maintained gravel road that climbs uphill; our route will gain about 600' elevation to a viewpoint.  Total mileage of this out-and-back route is about 3.5 miles or less, depending on bird activity and our group's pace. We have the potential to see over 25 species along with a few active nests.


Please dress in layers as temperatures will likely change during the outing; bring a rain jacket, sun hat, plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. Bring your binoculars (or borrow ours). 


*With special permission from Pitkin County's Airport and Open Space offices. Note that there are no restroom facilities at this location.


This class requires advance registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. 


This class meets in the Buttermilk parking lot at 6:30am for a prompt departure to carpool to the airport parking lot off Owl Creek Road.

The montane lifezone is especially diverse, sandwiched between the habitats of the high mountains and the foothills. Slope aspect also plays an important role in montane ecosystems, creating rich patches of diversity on the landscape. Birds, both migratory and resident, benefit from the rich resources in this broad ecological belt, including nesting sites, forage, and migration habitat. On this field trip, we will explore the birdlife along Snowmass Village’s Nature Trail, which meanders along upper Brush Creek through aspen groves, stands of conifers, riparian willows, beaver ponds, and open meadows. Species we hope to see include Yellow Warblers, Western Wood-pewees, Warbling Vireos, Steller’s Jays, Red-naped Sapsuckers, MacGillivray’s Warblers, Tree Swallows, House Wrens, and more. Hiking distance will be about 3.5 miles.

This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing.

Meeting location will be communicated to participants a few days prior to outing.

Birders of all experience levels are welcome! Special attention will be given to orienting beginning birders to local habitats and their associated bird species, and basic field craft skill