BCAS Teen Naturalists Inventory Raptors, Conduct Breeding Bird Surveys, and Photograph Wildlife
Last fall and through the early winter, Boulder County Audubon teen naturalists inventoried raptors along the Rabbit Mountain Survey Route, counting a total of 56 eagles, hawks, and falcons during a single morning; toured the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Foundation flight cages in Broomfield; photographed courting ducks at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt; and contributed enthusiastically to the Boulder Christmas Bird Count. Outings typically had between 12 and 17 teen naturalists participating.
In addition to their work with BCAS, many of our teen naturalists contribute to other conservation programs, including bird banding at Sombrero Marsh, ecosystem stewardship, leading field trips for various organizations, and conducting pika surveys. All are enthusiastic birdwatchers, photographers, or artists who share a deep love of nature.
Future outings will include a nature photography workshop with Bill Schmoker in April; a comprehensive breeding bird survey at the Macintosh School wetland on South Boulder Road in May and June; and a possible camping trip to the Nebraska Sandhills to photograph dancing prairie chickens in May.
To find out more about upcoming outings and see more gorgeous photos, please visit the BCAS Teen Naturalists webpage. All our events are open to middle school students, high school students, and recent graduates and are always free.
And don't miss our bi-annual PowerPoint presentation at the May 22 Boulder County Audubon annual meeting, followed by a stunning program on Birds of Central America and Colombia by Teen Naturalist Program co-founder Joel Such.
2017-18 Teen Naturalists program participants include Grace Apodaca, Jasey Chanders, Aidan Coohill, Eva Getman, Katie Hartrick, Topi and Xochi Martinez, Holden and Eliza Maxfield, Luke Pheneger, Anyll Markevich, Pablo Quezada, Owen Robertson, Joel Such, and Claire and Natalie Vantol.