Event Details

The expansive forest of red fir, lodgepole, and Jeffrey pine surrounding Deadman Creek and Summit is the destination for this field trip. We will learn about how these conifers, and, more importantly, their cones and seeds, provide critical feeding habitat for many finches, woodpeckers, warblers, and other birds. Uncommon species, such as Williamson’s Sapsucker, as well as White-headed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, may be found here. Depending on the seed crop, Red Crossbills can be moderately common in the pines. Cassin’s Finch and Pine Siskin are the most common breeding finches, but uncommon conifer specialists occasionally make an appearance. The diversity in the area is further enriched by aspen groves and streamside willow stands. The field trip will consist of several short walks, during which we will focus on identifying and observing a wide variety of birds, as well as exploring the ecology of the surrounding trees.