Birding by Habitat: Snowmass

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 Northern Yellow Warbler, Western Wood-pewee, Warbling Vireo, Steller’s Jay, Red-naped Sapsucker, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Tree Swallow, Northern House Wren, and more. Hiking distance will be about 3.5 miles.

This outing meets at the Snowmass Rec Center/ Rodeo Lot in Snowmass at 7:00 am.

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.

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 skills.

 Interested in joining ACES Bird Club? Click here for more information!

About the Instructor:

Rebecca Weiss is a birding guide and naturalist with thirty years of experience in the Aspen area and Colorado’s mountain regions. She is author of the local guidebook, Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley and the primary guide for ACES’ Birding Program. She is a certified interpretive guide and holds a BS in Biology and a MA in Education. Rebecca’s professional background includes bird banding, field research, and conservation writing as well as outdoor education, program administration, and guide training. Past employers and affiliations include the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Outward Bound, and the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab.