The Plains and Canyons of Southeast Colorado offer visitors unique historical, cultural, and natural wonders. A region of far-ranging contrasts with a rich heritage, this is one of the least changed areas of the state. Much of the terrain looks as it did centuries ago and wildlife are plentiful here, especially during migration.

This trip is timed to maximize opportunities to observe a diversity of Southern Great Plains icons including Burrowing Owl, the 2022 ABA** Bird of the Year, black-tailed prairie dogs, swift fox, and pronghorn, as well as the famed ‘tarantula migration’. In addition to a variety of wildlife hotspots, we’ll also visit rock art sites and points along the historic Santa Fe Trail.

Join Reefs to Rockies for this unforgettable weekend getaway highlighting what makes Southeast Colorado so special.

 Chip Clouse is a long-time bird tour leader and Reefs to Rockies’ Lead Naturalist Guide. He’s also ProStaff for Opticron Optics and Former Manager of Front Range Birding Company.

Originally enamored with tooth and claw predators, his fascination with birds started by volunteering with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor Peregrine Falcon nest sites. His fascination and love for birds was cemented once he saw his first Western Tanager while working for the Peregrine Fund in Oregon. Chip’s experience includes 20 years of bird research and project management experience in nine states and the Caribbean nation of Grenada, a Masters in Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, five years with the American Birding Association, two years as a rep with Novagrade Digiscoping adapters and stints guiding at 15+ different US birding festivals. Chip is excited to share his love of Colorado’s natural history in this trip.