The Western Field Ornithologists’ conference will be held as a joint event with Colorado Field Ornithologists, July 19–23, 2023, at the Copper Mountain Convention Center in Summit County, Colorado. Copper Mountain is located along Interstate 70 near the town of Frisco. This venue will provide opportunities to see many of the state’s mountain birds, among them such specialties as Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, White-tailed Ptarmigan, and American Three-toed Woodpecker.
American Three-toed Woodpecker. Photo: Ed Harper
Our 47th annual conference will have many familiar events, including two afternoons of science sessions; photo ID and sound ID challenge sessions hosted by Ed Harper and Nathan Pieplow, respectively; and a keynote talk by Jessie Barry, director of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s Merlin program. Our CFO friends are spearheading the organization of a great set of field trips in the area. Youth programs will feature special field trips, a pre-conference camping-birding trip, and a Bioblitz during the conference.
Here’s a taste of the conference events.
- Can you find the ptarmigan?
- Is that a Red Crossbill or a Cassia Crossbill?
- The American Three-toed Woodpecker hunt
- Accessibility for all
- Whitewater rafting and birds
- Birds at the top of Copper Mountain via chairlift
- All the hummingbirds
Copper Mountain Resort is located about 100 miles west of Denver. It has traditional hotel rooms as well as condominium rentals suitable for families and small groups. A variety of summer activities of interest to non-birding family and friends are available at the Copper Mountain venue and surroundings. In addition, WFO will reserve campsites in the area. Look for more information on hotel reservations and the conference program soon. Join us for mountain birding in 2023!
Do we have a date yet for lifetime member conference registration? Thx!
Hi Kyri–No date has been set yet for the start of member registration of all levels. Additional details about the program beyond those in the eNews are still being worked out. You will see more in the Spring eNews. If info is available before then, we’ll send out a separate email. Glad you are excited about going.–Judith, eNews editor
I’m looking forward to this year’s conference!
Thanks for the early announcement. We’ll be attending.
This looks great. I’m going!!!
I hope so, as the conference wouldn’t be happening without your contributions!
Hope to sign up. Interesting to note that camping will be available.
Write up and mountain birds sound fun with new species and a visit to a beautiful area. Thank you for the notice and your expertise.