About CFO

Our Mission
Colorado Field Ornithologists exists to: promote the field study, conservation, and enjoyment of Colorado birds; review sightings of rare birds through the Colorado Bird Records Committee; maintain the authoritative list of Colorado birds; publish Colorado Birds: The Colorado Field Ornithologists' Quarterly; conduct field trips, workshops, and hold annual conventions.

Who We Are
CFO is devoted to the study, conservation, and enjoyment of Colorado's birds, and we are looking for bird enthusiasts just like you. CFO is a non-profit statewide organization open to anyone interested in birds, including recreational birders and professional ornithologists. The diversity of our members' interests creates a dynamic organization and offers learning opportunities for all. CFO provides many activities and benefits for its members.

Field Trips
Field trips to natural areas and birding hotspots are led by some of the state's most knowledgeable birders. Some trips are designed specifically for the beginner and the younger birder. » Read More

Colorado Birds: The Colorado Field Ornithologists' Quarterly
Members receive Colorado Birds: The Colorado Field Ornithologists' Quarterly. Colorado Birds covers identification, distribution, behavior, ecology, and conservation of the state's avifauna. Published quarterly, each issue includes the latest information about notable bird occurrences in Colorado plus all CFO activities. Colorado Birds features papers of scientific and general interest from both professional and amateur field ornithologists. » Read More

Colorado Bird Records Committee
The CBRC (a standing committee of CFO) is a group of bird experts that keeps a repository of information regarding the records of rare or unusual birds within the state of Colorado. In order to perform this function, the CBRC solicits, collects, assembles, reviews, renders opinions on, and permanently archives in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, these records. Through these efforts, the CBRC maintains the authoritative bird list for the state of Colorado. The Committee also publishes a periodic report in Colorado Birds describing its activities and opinions. » Read More

Annual Convention
The annual convention is the birding event of the year for Colorado birders! Meeting sites are selected throughout the state. Members can see new birds and habitats each year with field trips led by local experts. Events include presentations of research papers, workshops, and an evening banquet with a special guest speaker. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, renew old friendships, and learn about birds in an informal atmosphere. » Read More

Workshops and Seminars
Workshops and seminars are conducted in cooperation with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and provide participants with an in-depth study of a single group of birds, such as raptors, shorebirds, gulls, or neotropical migrants.

Support and Funding
CFO provides support and funding to other organizations and individuals focusing on education, research, field study, and conservation benefiting Colorado's birds.

Awards
The Ronald A. Ryder Award:
The Ronald A. Ryder Award for Distinguished Service to Colorado Field Ornithology is usually given every other year during the convention. Recipients are chosen for distinguished service to the organization and its goals, and for scholarly contributions to Colorado field ornithology. » Read More

Special Awards:
CFO members fund the "Special Awards" program entirely with voluntary contributions. Plaques of appreciation are given to businesses, landowners, and other individuals who allow access to private property in order to view rare or unusual birds.

COBirds
COBirds is an e-mail list for the discussion of Colorado birds. COBirds is owned and managed by CFO. Over 600 subscribers talk about bird ID, the location of rare birds, and other subjects related to Colorado's bird. » Read More

Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for volunteers to help serve Colorado's birding community through our organization. Board and committee positions, and contributing to Colorado Birds: The Colorado Field Ornithologists' Quarterly are just a few ways to get involved.

Join Today
Interested in Colorado birds? Join CFO! For more than 30 years we have distinguished ourselves with a tradition of promoting strong working relationships among all who observe and study birds. CFO is committed to encouraging new birders and we provide a unique opportunity for members to contribute to the conservation and knowledge of Colorado birds. » Read More