Location:      Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar & Conference Center

                        1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 

Time:              7:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Course Description:  Spend the morning discussing the migration, nesting, habitat, conservation, natural history and ecology of mountain birds. Have fun in the field while learning to identify, enjoy and appreciate birds. Participants will learn to identify as many species as possible both by sight and by songs/calls. By learning to identify birds by sound, you can develop a good sense of what birds are nearby.

Course Level:  II

Short-distance walks through the day on primarily level terrain

Brief Instructor Biography (additional information available at www.rmna.org): 

Jeff Maugans worked as a park naturalist for the National Park Service from 1977 to 2009. His special area of interest is birds. He is a Pennsylvania native and has a degree in outdoor education and natural science from Pennsylvania State University. Jeff has worked at Mammoth Cave National Park, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Edison National Historic Site, Gateway National Park, Redwood National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. He came to Rocky Mountain National Park in 1990.

Expectations:  Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Individual ideas will be respected.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

Car-pooling:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars courses utilize car-pooling to limit vehicles traveling into the Park.  Car-pooling makes it easier to keep the group together, reduces transit time, and allows courses greater access because fewer parking spaces are required at destinations.  In addition, it provides an opportunity for participants to discuss course material in small groups during transit.  Typically, a few participants from each course volunteer the use of their vehicles for car-pooling to course locations. 

Tentative Course Schedule:

What to Bring:

·         Snacks, energy bars,  Water

Equipment  Recommendations:  It is highly recommended that participants bring binoculars and a field birding guide. A spotting scope would also be nice to have, but not required.  Jeff will have a spotting scope and one extra binocular.  The day will involve hiking several miles on mostly level terrain.  Be prepared for foul weather.  Warm, layered clothing, hat and mittens and boots might make this a more pleasant outing.  Also bring snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses and hiking shoes.

Remember to Bring the 10 Essentials:

Rocky Mountain National Park recommends that hikers always carry the 10 essentials in their daypacks.

     Raingear                                    Map and compass                     Flashlight or headlamp

     Sunglasses and sunscreen          Candles                                     Matches or other fire starter

     Pocketknife                               First-aid kit                               Extra layers of clothing

     Snacks and water                        

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots/shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.