Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival 2025: A Celebration of “Prairie to Peak” Birdwatching
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – As the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival takes flight into 2025, bird enthusiasts from near and far can gear up for another exceptional experience showcasing the rich diversity of bird species along Colorado’s Front Range.
The festival’s motto, “Prairie to Peak,” perfectly captures its unique focus on the incredible habitats that span from the short-grass prairie to the forested foothills of the majestic Pikes Peak region.
The festival weekend coincides with spring migration, a time of surprises and peak birding opportunities. With the Front Range’s blend of short-grass prairies, forested canyons, and lush riparian habitats, the region provides an ideal backdrop for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. These diverse ecosystems support countless bird species, insects, and other wildlife, making the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival a must-attend event.
Over the past eight festivals, participants have seen, heard, and identified an impressive 268 bird species during field trips. This accounts for 51% of the 520 species recorded in Colorado year-round. In 2024 alone, attendees recorded 200 species, representing 74.6% of the festival’s cumulative total. The 2024 festival also welcomed four exciting additions to its checklist: Marbled Godwit, Snow Goose, Clark’s Nutcracker, and Chihuahuan Raven. To date, the festival has recorded 31 warbler species, delighting birders of all experience levels.
The festival has also been host to rarities, including White Ibis, Summer Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Flammulated Owl, Canada Jay, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Field Sparrow. While these species may not appear every year, the possibility of encountering such rare birds makes each festival a thrilling adventure.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or just beginning your journey into birdwatching, the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival offers something special for everyone. Mark your calendars for May 2025 and join your fellow Colorado birders!
For more information, visit www.pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org.
Karl Bruns-Kyler is the owner of The Big 65, an insurance company that provides Medicare insurance services to Colorado. The Big 65 is based in Highlands Ranch, right outside of Denver, where Karl lives with his family. Karl’s role as a health insurance broker is to match Medicare beneficiaries with the ideal Medicare plan at the lowest price. For more information, visit The Big 65 Colorado.