The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Birds of the Mountains and Prairies with David Sibley 2

June1, 2013 - June 07, 2013

Pine Butte Guest Ranch, Montana

Ruby Crowned Kinglet illustration by David Sibley. © David Sibley

SORRY, WORKSHOP FULL - wait list only

A rare opportunity to spend time in the field with one of the world’s preeminent ornithologists, in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural places. You'll have three full days in the company of noted ornithologist and artist David Sibley and a small group of dedicated birders. David's expert colleague, Keith Hansen, will join us for the entire week, picking up the lead after David's departure. All in all, it promises to be a tremendous week of exploration and discovery!

The Nature Conservancy's Pine Butte Swamp Preserve and the surrounding wild lands are in a dramatic transition zone. It's here that where the Great Plains abruptly give way to reefs of the Rocky Mountain Front. The result is an extraordinary diversity of habitats that is a bonanza for birds and wildlife. In short: A birders' paradise!

During the week, we’ll traverse native short grass prairie, mountain foothills, a large fen wetland, rich riparian corridors, and vast coniferous forests. As with each of our natural history workshops, there will be plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and simply taking in the beauty and solitude of this very special place.

Field trips entail van travel along with daily walking and hiking over varying terrain. Our hikes are conducted at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops for natural history observation and discussion. The length of these hikes will vary from 2–5 miles round-trip, at elevations ranging from 3,500–6,500 feet.

Instructors

David Allen Sibley. David has set a new standard in birding guides with his talent and dedication as both ornithologist and painter. It would be difficult to overstate his contribution to the birding community, and our good fortune in having him instruct a Pine Butte natural history workshop. He has generously contributed leadership for outings through The Nature Conservancy’s Migratory Bird Program. Birding with David is a truly rare opportunity, and combining his instruction and company with the intimate setting of the Pine Butte Guest Ranch and Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front will create a once in a lifetime experience.

Keith Hansen will be co-leading this workshop. He is a wildlife artist who specializes primarily in the imaginative and accurate illustration of birds. Currently Keith is putting the final touches on a Field Guide to the Birds of the Sierra Nevada. Keith has illustrated numerous books on birds, including one for the Conservancy entitled "A Guide to the Nature Conservancy Preserves of California.” In addition, Keith has created innumerable illustrations for organizations such as, The Audubon Society, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, and various Bird Tour Organizations.

Accommodations:

You’ll stay at the historic Pine Butte Guest Ranch, set in a spectacular mountain valley surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness. It’s the perfect place to "get away from it all" and enjoy outstanding food and cozy lodging.

 Enrollment and Cost: 

Cost is $2500. Price includes lodging, meals, airport shuttle, and all activities. For more information contact us.
 

Learn more:

• What to bring