Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Colorado Field Ornithologists Convention May 5-9

Colorado Field Ornithologists, a statewide birding organization, will meet for its 54th annual convention May 5–9, 2016 at the Rodeway Inn–Cow Palace Inn in Lamar.

More than 225 birders, a new CFO record, have registered for the convention. Most conventioneers are from Colorado, but visitors from other states will be in attendance too. CFO is proud to welcome various VIPs from Lamar, including Mayor Roger Stagner, who will address all the convention attendees at a Welcome Picnic in Willow Creek Park on Thursday, May 5.

In addition to the Welcome Picnic, events include field trips led daily by well-known experts, educational workshops and a popular quiz ("Jeop-birdy"), a science session (Saturday) featuring presentations on the latest bird research in Colorado, and a Saturday evening banquet highlighted by keynote speaker Dr. Garth Spellman of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Field trips will fan out all over southeastern Colorado. "Must-visit" destinations like Two Buttes State Wildlife Area and John Martin Reservoir will be visited, but so will various private sites not ordinarily accessible to birders. Convention planners expect that upwards of 250 bird species will be recorded during the convention. Highlights, including photos, from the convention will be promoted via online social media with #CFOConvention.

Colorado Field Ornithologists is a nonprofit, volunteer organization with more than 500 members, devoted to the study, conservation and enjoyment of Colorado's birds. CFO is open to anyone interested in birds, including recreational birders and professional ornithologists. For more information, visit http://cobirds.org/.