For The Journal

Several tours offered during the annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival focus on various habitats within the Dolores and Summit Ridge areas.

Records indicate that the Dolores River Canyon tour (Friday, May 13) and the Bradfield Bridge tour (Sunday, May 15) provide outstanding opportunities for spotting raptors, owls, herons, waders, and waterfowl plus many spring migrants. The Bradfield tour usually garners the highest species tally during the festival.

Last year brought a Colorado record for Four Corners birds with confirmation of a Harris’ Sparrow. A free family outing tour on Saturday, May 14, visits the Butler Bluebird Trail.

Tours are filled on a first-come pre-registration basis. Information and on-line registration are available at www.utemountainmesverdebirdingfestival.com and the Cortez Cultural Center, 970-565-1151.