The Journal
The annual Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival will take place May 8-12 at the Cortez Cultural Center.
Early registration is highly recommended and is open now at www.cortezculturalcenter.org/events/birding-festival.
Hosted by the Cortez Cultural Center, the UMMV Birding Festival draws upon the expertise of regional wildlife specialists who volunteer as tour guides and guest lecturers.
Each year, new tours and repeat favorites, explore an array of birding hotspots that attract avian species from loons and grebes to sparrows, grosbeaks, and finches. Overnight tours within easy driving distance offer different environs and the prospect of encountering species not found within the Cortez area.
The UMMV Birding Festival designs activities and tours to fit a gamut of abilities, ages and interests. Early evening lectures, social hours, a bird-themed art show, and banquet add to the festival’s five days of enjoyment — learning, socializing, and most importantly birding.
Full registration is $65 and daily registration is $15, waived for teens. A $35 banquet fee is included in full registration or can be purchased separately.
For more information or questions, call 565-1151, ext 14 or email diane.cherbak@gmail.com. The full schedule is available at www.cortezculturalcenter.org/events/birding-festival.