The Journal

The 2017 Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival offers novices and experienced photographers an opportunity to learn from an expert at 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 12 at the Cortez Cultural Center.

Biologist Charles Haspels, who has photographed birds on several continents, will lead a session on cameras and lens settings, digital terminology, photo processing and other techniques, followed by a van tour for a late afternoon photography session at a nearby Great Blue Heron rookery.

Participants may bring their own camera equipment, and try Haspel’s camera setup.

Full registration for the annual birding festival includes all lectures and the Saturday evening banquet. The keynote presentation by naturalist and historian Kevin Cook, “200 Miles of Birding in 200 Years,” is open to the general public with a nominal fee, as are other birding festival lectures. Tour depart by van from the Cortez Cultural Center. Details and registration: www.utemountainmesaverdebirdingfestival.com or call the Cortez Cultural Center, (970) 565-1151.