The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a lineup of game and grouse gurus during the 11th BBQ for the Birds fundraiser Oct. 5 at Barr Lake in Brighton.
One of the guests of honor is Greg Miller, a birder who was portrayed by actor Jack Black in the movie “The Big Year.” A big year is a competition for birding enthusiasts to see or hear the largest number of bird species at one place, in one year.
Miller will lead a bird walk at 7 a.m. during the BBQ for the Birds, said Teddy Parker-Renga, spokesman for The Rocky Mountain Observatory. He said there will be back-up biologists to take people on more bird walks in case Miller’s group is too full.
“Our staff is excited because he’s a really entertaining speaker,” Parker-Renga said. “He’s really full of life and gives a great presentation.”
After the bird walk, Miller will host a workshop on , a national cataloguing system for birders everywhere.
Noppadol Paothong, a professional bird photographer, will also hold a workshop for aspiring wildlife photographers.
Paothong is presenting the stories behind his new book, “Save the Last Dance: A Story of North American Grassland Grouse,” at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Oct. 3.
“He’s a pro’s pro,” Parker-Renga said. “We’re very luck to have him this time.”
This year, the BBQ for the Birds event is in the middle of migration season, and there are several bird banding stations that will be open for visitors in the park during the fundraiser.
“That’s going to be great for guests to see the work the biologists and naturalists have been working on,” Parker-Renga said.
Admission for the event is $11 for RMBO members, $13 for nonmembers and $6 for kids ages 5-12.
BQQ for the Birds is from 7 a.m. -2 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Old Stone House at Barr Lake State Park. Anyone who wants to attend can RSVP to Parker-Renga at 970-482-1707 ext. 30 by Oct. 3.
Megan Mitchell: 303-954-2650, or mmitchell@denverpost.com
