Burrowing Owls - Sunday Afternoon Program

Join us Sunday afternoon, May 22, at 3 p.m. to learn more about Burrowing Owls.  Andrea Orabona, Nongame Bird Biologist from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Lander office, will describe an ongoing study radio tracking Wyoming's Burrowing Owl migration and wintering areas.  Andrea collaborates with Courtney Conway (University of Idaho) and other research partners in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  The burrowing owl is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Wyoming.  Andrea will discuss the need for this project, its objective, methods, and results.  Masks are encouraged at this event.

Location:  Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center auditorium (Room 138).  This building is located on the University of Wyoming campus at 10th and Lewis Streets. Due to ongoing construction in the area, there is no longer a parking lot across the street from the building - parking is available on surrounding streets. 

Photo:  Courtesy of LAS President L. Armstrong.

Saturday, June 4th - Dawn Chorus Birdsong Trip

Join us early Saturday morning (June 4th) as we wander through the riparian and forested habitats near the Happy Jack sledding hill listening to the dawn chorus of singing birds.  This trip will focus on identifying breeding species by the songs they use to defend territories and attract mates.  Last year's trip covered appoximately 1.5 miles on a gravel road.  However, the group may elect to walk on the area's trails (with some small hills and uneven footing) depending on attendee interests and needs.  We will meet at 5:30 a.m. in the Happy Jack trailhead parking lot.  

Directions:  From Laramie, take Interstate 80 east 9.5 miles to WY 210 (Exit 323).  Go left at the stop sign at the top of the exit ramp, left at the inersection with WY 210/Happy Jack Road, and then proceed approximately one mile to the Happy Jack Recreation Area sign on the right.  Travel down the gravel road to the parking lot on the right at the bottom of the hill.    

Wyoming Hereford Ranch

Saturday morning we will meet at 8 a.m. at the Wyoming Hereford Ranch headquarters in Cheyenne (directions below).  Based on recent eBird reports, the one-hour drive from Laramie is likely to be worthwhile!  Recent sightings include a Black-throated Gray Warbler, American and Lesser Goldfinches, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a variety of sparrows and towhees!  Depending on the interests of participants, we will either spend all of our time at the Ranch headquarters area or leave time to visit one of the nearby reservoirs.

Note that we'll meet at the ranch at 8 a.m., which means participants should plan to depart Laramie around 7 a.m. The forecast for Saturday in Cheyenne looks balmy, so remember to bring water and sun protection in addition to the standard warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and birding supplies.  

Directions: From I-80, take Exit 367 (Campstool Road) and travel south approximately 1 mile to the entrance, which will be on the left.  Follow the driveway for approximately 0.25 miles and park opposite the red barn.