Denver Field Ornithologists

A nonprofit organization

$65 raised by 3 donors

7% complete

$1,000 Goal

Denver Field Ornithologists was formed in 1935 to promote the study of birds in the Denver metro area. Since that time the organization has expanded its mission to include avian research and conservation. Today DFO manages Hawk Watch at Dinosaur Ridge, funds research projects, and conducts hundreds of field trips each year that are free and open to all. By bringing birders of all experience levels together along the Front Range and beyond, DFO seeks to forge deeper connections between people and the natural world. In partnership with other birding organizations, DFO supports conservation efforts to document bird populations, preserve habitats, and educate the public.  

Testimonials 

"We could not have completed our initial work on House Wrens without the generous financial support of Denver Field Ornithologists." - Grant Recipient 

"The leaders of the field trips have been so knowledgeable and willing to share their expertise. I’ve always learned a lot from the field trips I have attended from the leader and other birders. I also appreciate discovering new birding spots. The sign up system on the DFO website is easy to use" - DFO field trip attendee 

"DFO welcomes people of all levels, thank you! I am relatively experienced, but my family is not, so being able to go on a DFO trip with all skill sets welcomed is HUGE huge. Beyond words!" - DFO field trip attendee

"The Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch is a vital contributor to the North American migration monitoring database and we're grateful to DFO for managing its operation. The only active hawk watch in Colorado, the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch has been collecting spring migration data since 1990, maintains consistent coverage, follows a standardized counting protocol and utilizes a professionally trained staff." - Raptor Migration and Programs Director, Hawk Watch Migration Association of North America 

Giving Activity

Mission

DFO promotes the study and preservation of birds and their habitats.

Background Statement

Denver Field Ornithologists is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership. DFO committees are made up of volunteers who organize field trips that are open to everyone, train field trip leaders, conduct the annual spring Hawk Watch at Dinosaur Ridge to monitor migrating raptors, produce an educational newsletter, and present free educational programs.

DFO's annual fundraising effort enables the organization to maintain a robust website (www.dfobirds.org) and present free webinars via Zoom. The Hawk Watch Fund allows for DFO to provide employment opportunities to early career avian researchers to collect migration data and train community science volunteers during the spring Hawk Watch at Dinosaur Ridge. Funds raised specifically for the Research, Education and Conservation Grant Fund are distributed by a volunteer committee that reviews proposals each year. The communication committee oversees the publication of the newsletter and maintains a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, extending DFO's reach throughout Colorado and beyond.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Denver Field Ornithologists

Year Established

1935

Tax id (EIN)

23-7019669

Category

Animal-Related, Education, Environment, Science & Technology

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

351 E CALEY AVE
CENTENNIAL, CO 80121

Service areas

Denver, CO, US

Arapahoe County, CO, US

Jefferson County, CO, US

Adams County, CO, US

Douglas County, CO, US

other

303-562-8993

Social Media