Field Ornithology

Summer 2026,  June 29th - July 13th

A red-breasted nuthatch sits on a branch with an insect in its beak.

A red-breasted nuthatch in the Columbine Springs Reserve

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of field ornithology, including avian evolution, functional morphology, physiology, ecology and behavior of birds. Field and lab-based study will emphasize morphology, ecology and behavior, taxonomy, field identification of local birds by sight and sound, and field methods (e.g., point counts, mist netting, bird banding).

Each day will involve time in the field, and a combination of lab and lecture time. The latter part of the course will be devoted to group projects that use field methods students learn during the first week.

Instructor: William Anderson, University of Colorado Boulder
Location: Mountain Research Station (Nederland, CO) and surrounding areas
Dates & Times: June 29th - July 13th
Credit: 3 credit hours in biology (EBIO 4100)
Tuition: $2500 USD (Includes room in a 2-person rustic cabin and all meals at the Mountain Research Station on days when class is in session)

Prerequisite: One year course work in general biology.

Prerequisite:  All students will be required to take "Animal Care and Use Training" before the first day of class.  Training is on-line and takes 2-3 hours.  Training is required to do any animal handling.  Additional required training, Health and Occupational Safety training will be provided on the first day of class.  Instructions on accessing on-line training will be e-mailed several weeks before class.

For more information:

Questions about staying at the Mountain Research Station during your course?

Registration begins March 10th.

How to register for this course
 

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A group of students gather around an alpine tundra wetland, with mountains and blue skies behind them
A red-breasted nuthatch sits on a branch with an insect in its beak.
Closeup of a small alpine plant with yellow flowers
An American pika forages avens on Niwot Ridge. Photo by Craig Stevenson.
A scientist sits at the edge of a high alpine lake while collecting water samples
Windy winter weather scene in the subalpine of Colorado. Drifting snowbanks lie at the foot of krumholtz crippled trees with snowy mountains in the background (Photo: Bill Bowman)