Spring migration along Colorado’s Front Range is often full of surprises and the festival weekend is peak migration time. The Pikes Peak region has much to offer, with the short-grass prairie rising to meet the forested foothills and deep canyons of the southern Front Range, and rich, riparian forests providing for countless birds, insects, and other wildlife.

Over the course of the first eleven festivals, the field trips have seen, heard, and identified an amazing 277 species of birds. To put that into perspective, during one weekend each May, festival participants have recorded just over half (actually 52%) of the 523 species of birds ever recorded in all of Colorado throughout the year! In 2026 there were 204 species recorded, 74% of our 277 eleven-year total, and the festival checklist grew by 4 species: Dickcissel, Lucy’s Warbler, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Eastern Warbling Vireo. We have seen 31 warbler species to date!

Come ready to explore diverse ecosystems in search of Colorado poster-birds like Steller’s Jays and Burrowing Owls, Eastern migrants like Indigo Buntings and Northern Parulas, and major surprises like a vagrant White Ibis or Varied Thrush! Expect to have something to brag about at the social event, Birds, Brews, and Bites, where you can bid on the annual festival artwork.