Trip Leaders: Bryan Guarente with Megan Jones Patterson
Participant Limit: 25 Teen Naturalists. A waitlist will be available if the trip fills.
Have you ever wondered about why some days are better than others to spot migrating birds along the Front Range of Colorado? Have you heard the adage of “Going birding in bad weather”? Let’s explore what it takes to make migrants show up in the Colorado Front Range and how the weather plays a critical role. We will bird Lagerman reservoir looking for those migrants and discuss where they may have come from, the weather that affects their passage and stopover, and the gap in our understanding of bird migration related to weather. Bring binoculars and a scope if you have one (we'll provide at least one) If you would like to check out a digital camera and / or binoculars for this trip, let us know when you register. An internet connected device would also be useful but not required.
Registration Required: To register or for any questions, contact Dave Sutherland, dsutherland4747@gmail.com or (720) 626 1797.
Who Can Participate?: Outings are open to unaccompanied students in sixth grade and up, as well as younger students accompanied by parents. New participants are welcome at any time.
Transportation: Participants must provide their own transportation to teen naturalist trips. A participant list will be shared if participants want to coordinate carpooling among themselves. If you don’t want your contact information shared with other participants, please include this when you register.
Trip Location: Lagerman Reservoir, NE of Boulder
Learn more about Boulder County Audubon’s Teen Naturalist program or send questions to Dave Sutherland, dsutherland4747@gmail.com or (720) 626-1797.
Trip Leader Bios
Bryan Guarente is a meteorologist and life-long birdwatcher (“thanks, Dad”). In Illinois in grad school, the connection between weather and migrants became exceptionally clear. Thousands of thrushes flocked overhead, warblers zipped by, Dickcissels and Indigo Buntings called overhead in nocturnal migration. Something clicked. There has to be a relationship that is stronger than the community has found so far. So Bryan has been digging to find the answer ever since. Let’s discuss what we know and what is left to figure out.
Megan Jones Patterson has a lifelong interest in the intersections of science, outdoors, and education, often with birds being the focal point. She has a doctorate in animal behavior, researching the display behaviors of manakins in Costa Rica. Education and work have allowed Megan to enjoy birding around the globe; she loves living here in Colorado, where there is great avian diversity. Megan's current contributions to field ornithology include volunteer bird banding, raptor monitoring, and submissions to eBird. Megan has volunteered with BCAS in various capacities for nearly a decade.