Mindful Birding: Rocky Mountain Forests

Looking for a new way to connect with nature? Curious about the benefits of mindfulness practices? Intrigued by the diverse avian species found in Rocky Moutain National Park?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then this workshop is for you!

Mindful birding is a powerful practice that combines the joys of birdwatching with the benefits of mindfulness. Exposure to nature is linked to a host of benefits and by cultivating non-judgmental awareness and deep listening, we can learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and find greater peace and well-being in our daily lives while enjoying the beauty of our birds and learning about their lives in the forests of Rocky Mountain National Park.

We will spend time both indoors and outdoors during the course, so please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and a snack.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up. This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day, primarily on level terrain.

When: Tuesday, August 20, from 8:00am to 12:00pm,

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. Required park fees and permits are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses,
• Binoculars,
• Your favorite birding field guide (optional).

About Your Instructor: Barbara Patterson has over thirty years of experience teaching forestry, wildlife, and ornithology at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colorado. She enjoys sharing her passion for mindful birding, especially at Rocky Mountain National Park. She weaves together Indigenous knowledge and Western science by teaching sit spots, bird language, tracking, and wilderness awareness. Barb is also a part-time educator for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the volunteer coordinator for the Fort Collins Audubon Society.

Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here:

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-586-3262.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team