Experience the dramatic wonder of over 500,000 Sandhill Cranes converging on the Platte River Valley in Central Nebraska on this private trip in 2026 led by Master Birder Curt Frankenfeld and a guide from the Headwaters Corporation. The small group will visit private blinds on Saturday, March 21st, for a few hours at sunset and again on Sunday, March 22nd, for sunrise and a few hours after. This trip has a fixed price of $135 per person with only 10 spots available.

National Geographic named this annual migration event of one of North America's greatest natural wildlife phenomena, drawing people from across the world. Rumor has it that Jane Goodall, who comes to Nebraska every year for the cranes, has compared it to the great wildebeest migration through the Masai Mara in Kenya. Don't miss your opportunity to be up close and immersed in this amazing pilgrimage of both birds and birders. You may even be rewarded with a sighting of endangered Whooping Cranes nearby.

Headwaters Corporation provides the independent Executive Director and staff for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP or Program), a major national species recovery program focused on three bird species (least tern, piping plover, whooping crane) and one fish species (pallid sturgeon). Their 3 blinds are not publicly available and are generally only used by members of the Platte River Recovery Implementation program and limited educational and research opportunities.

Please note that travel to Nebraska and meals are not included. Carpooling from nearby Kearney, Nebraska hotels is encouraged (and we'll help you coordinate!)

March 21-22, 2026 (Expect to leave Kearney around 6pm on Saturday evening and 6am on Sunday morning).

Journey into the beautiful scenery of Ralston Buttes for a private guided tour Jefferson County Open Space staff ornithologist Michelle Desrosiers. This private trip on Friday, August 1, 2025 takes you through Colorado's last riparian corridor in the state without a public road running through it.

Each spot on this 12 person trip is fixed at $125 per person.

Enjoy the many birds, wildflowers, and cliff-nesting raptors that call the area home. Learn about early life here from the ruins of homestead settlers.

Keep an eye on the sky and rock ledges for golden eagles, peregrine falcons, canyon and rock wrens, and many more feathered friends. Because the area has been relatively isolated, it boasts some of the highest overall biodiversity and species richness in the county.

This 700-acre area is set aside as a sensitive management unit, restricting access for only scientific and educational purposes. Don't miss your opportunity to explore it with expert guides.

Ralston Buttes is located just north of White Ranch Open Space between Boulder and Golden, Colorado.

Join expert birders Hugh and Urling Kingery (THE authorities on Colorado birding) on Saturday May 31, 2025 for a 2-3 hour morning birding walk in Castlewood Canyon State Park followed by lunch at the Kingery's' bird feeders.

Each spot on this 12 person trip is fixed at $125 per person. If you're newer to birding or fawn over local celebrities, this is the experience for you!

Travel along moderately easy trails to visit scrub oak, ponderosa pine, and grassland habitats while your guides enthusiastically point out and identify the diverse and exciting species that migrate through or call the canyon home.

The walk will be followed by lunch at the Kingery's home, overlooking amazingly active feeders. William Porter of the Denver Post once described the Kingery home near Franktown as "a bird-watching haven."

Local legends in the birding community at Denver Audubon and beyond, Hugh and Urling have one of the most impressive birding resumes. Highlights include: Hugh served as President of Denver Audubon, Denver Field Ornithologists, and The Colorado Mountain Club; he contributed countless hours to the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas over several additions; he wrote the 2008 Falcon guide, "Birding Colorado", with Urling's invaluable help. Urling has been a dedicated chair to several Denver Audubon committees through the years, teaching 'beginning birding,' and providing vision and knowledge.

Join us as we visit another spot not normally open to the public, the Rueter-Hess Reservoir for a 4 Hour Mourning Tour on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Your guide, Tim Ryan, was Denver Audubon's 2019 Big Year challenge winner for Douglas County. As you tour the reservoir, he can share tips on accomplishing a Big Year, utilizing rare bird alerts, and getting the most out of birding when you only have 30 minutes or so. Each spot on this 8 person trip is fixed at $100 per person.

Tim will take you around the reservoir in a van making stops along the shore and on the dam. 213 different species have been documented on eBird at this site. Expect a variety of raptors, waterfowl, and hopefully some local & migrating land birds!

This pristine spot, void of the normal hikers, bikers, and tourist, is managed by many by the Parker Water & Sanitation District. Bring your binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. This trip will end before lunch so feel free to bring snacks & drinks.

Join Tom Halverstadt on a journey beyond the public areas of the DuPont Open Space in Louviers, Colorado. This private trip on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 will travel along Plumb Creek, around the pond, and into the area managed by the Douglas Land Conservancy.

Each spot on this 12-person trip is fixed at $100 per person.

Tom is an expert on the area and will share his knowledge of the plants, birds, and the interesting history of the land. The mix of open water, cottonwood groves, and marshy areas makes this area an excellent stopover for migrating birds. eBird boasts 200 species in the area. Last year's DuPont Open Space spring bird count included Wild Turkeys, Western Bluebirds, Red Tail Hawk and Great Horned Owl nests, Lazuli Buntings, Bullock's Oriole, several Flycatchers, and Indigo Buntings. And because of an outbreak of Tent Worms some wonderful rarities stopped in to feed - Yellow Billed Cuckoo and Baltimore Orioles!! There is also a pond with many Wood ducks and other waterfowl.

With scenic river views and abundant wildlife, DuPont Open Space is a fantastic destination for birdwatching, photography, and quiet nature walks. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, this hidden gem offers a rich and ever-changing birding experience in a beautiful natural setting. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Louviers beyond the usual boundaries!

Marigold Travel Vest -

Size Medium to Large

This travel vest is a versatile garment equipped with multiple pockets and compartments, designed to help you carry and organize essential items like passports, phones, wallets, travel documents , or guide books securely and conveniently. It offers the advantage of hands-free mobility and quick access to belongings, making it ideal for use on outdoor adventures, multi-stop bus tours, city exploring, or busy airports and other travel terminals . The vest distributes weight evenly across the torso, providing comfort over long periods and reducing the need for extra bags.

Features:
-2 Inside pockets, 2 exterior side-pockets, and large zippered pocket on the back (perfect for accommodating everything you need in the field)
- Padded shoulders prevent bruising from long hours carrying a scope
- Wind and Water repellent fabric
- Embroidered leaf accent on the back shoulder
- Fun bird fabric accents on interior trim and pockets
-2 Way zipper
-Handcrafted with pride and care by fellow birder and traveler, Kate Frost

Approx 26.5in shoulder to base and 22in across at base of armpit.

This item can be shipped provided winner pays additional shipping charges.