Trip Leaders: Bryan Guarente and Dave Sutherland
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.
Dave Sutherland is an award-winning interpretive naturalist, recently retired from the City of Boulder’s Open Space program. He has a Bachelor’s in biology from Pomona College, and a Master’s in nature interpretation from the University of Idaho. Besides nearly 30 years of work in the Boulder area, Dave has led outdoor education programs in California, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. Dave is a self-professed natural science geek who uses games and activities to inspire others with his love of nature. He has been training for his job since the age of 4, when he began collecting rocks and butterflies and drawing his own bird books with crayons.