Colorado’s Birds of Prey Full-Day with Lunch

If you’re into birds, nature, or just looking for a different way to spend a day in Denver, the Colorado’s Birds of Prey Full-Day with Lunch tour might catch your eye. This experience promises a deep dive into the world of raptors, led by a knowledgeable ecologist, with chances to see some of the state’s most impressive birds of prey in their natural habitat. We haven’t personally been on this tour, but based on reviews and info, it looks like a well-rounded day for bird enthusiasts or anyone curious about these fascinating predators.

What stands out immediately is how focused the tour is on nesting raptors, even in the cold of winter—an important time for observing nesting behavior—and the promise of expert guidance from Dr. Ryan Dibala. Two things we really like: first, the personalized, private experience (only your group), which means plenty of room for questions and a flexible schedule; and second, the combination of learning and scenic outdoor exploration, with the chance to practice identification and photography.

A possible consideration is the moderate physical fitness requirement—you’ll be walking and standing in outdoor reserves, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re less mobile or unsteady on your feet. Also, since the tour involves outdoor nature reserves, weather can impact the experience, but you’re protected by the tour’s flexible refund policy if canceled due to poor weather.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone interested in learning about raptors in a relaxed, educational setting. It’s particularly suited if you’re comfortable with a full day outdoors and want a personalized, expert-led experience that offers both learning and the chance to see some iconic birds.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with only your group
• Led by an expert ecologist providing in-depth knowledge
• Sightings of eagles, hawks, owls, and more possible in winter
• Includes a picnic lunch and snacks for a comfortable day
• Moderate physical activity required, good footwear recommended
• Weather-dependent; flexible refunds if canceled

What to Expect from the Tour

The full-day birding tour kicks off early, at 7:00 am, giving you a good head start to catch the morning activity of birds. Your guide, Dr. Ryan Dibala, will pick you up from Arvada and take you around several natural areas near Denver. Throughout the nine hours, you’ll visit multiple nature reserves, each offering different birding opportunities and landscapes.

The focus is on nesting raptors, even in winter, which might seem counterintuitive—most think bird watching is a warm-weather activity. But winter is actually crucial for observing nesting behaviors, and the tour emphasizes understanding their biology and ecology. You might see Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Prairie Falcons, and American Kestrels. Plus, there’s a chance to learn about owls, which adds an extra layer of interest.

The guide is not just about spotting birds — he’ll be sharing valuable identification techniques to help you recognize different species, which is perfect if you’re trying to sharpen your birding skills. You’ll also get a chance to practice photography, making this a well-rounded experience for both amateurs and more experienced birders.

The Itinerary: What’s Included?

Start at Denver: The tour begins at a convenient meeting point in Arvada, where your guide will greet you and start the day. From there, the focus is on finding and identifying birds of prey across different natural sites.

Birding in multiple reserves: Visiting several reserves means you’ll get varied scenery — from open plains to wooded areas, each offering diverse bird sightings. The guides will point out different species and behaviors, helping you learn what makes each bird unique.

Learning about nesting and ecology: This is a big part of the experience. Since winter is nesting season, you’ll get insights into nesting biology and behavior, which adds context to the sightings.

Photography and identification practice: The guide encourages you to test your skills in the field, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos of these majestic raptors, which is great for your travel memories or birding portfolio.

Lunch and Snacks: A picnic lunch with a sandwich, chips, and water is provided, so you won’t be caught hungry. The tour also includes bottled water and snacks, making it a comfortable experience even if you’re out in the elements for hours.

End of the Tour: You’ll be returned to the original meeting point by the end of the day, having hopefully seen a good variety of birds and learned a lot.

The Experience and Benefits

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guidance of Dr. Ryan Dibala ensures you’re learning from someone passionate and knowledgeable. According to reviews, Ryan is both professional and fun, creating a relaxed atmosphere where questions are encouraged. One reviewer remarked, “Ryan was professional and fun! He is enthusiastic about birding and shared a lot of interesting information.”

Second, the personalized nature of this private tour means your group can set the pace, ask questions, and focus on what interests you most. This isn’t a rushed group activity; it’s a tailored experience.

Another highlight is the scenic variety of locations—the tour doesn’t just stick to one spot but explores several areas around Denver. This variety increases your chances of seeing different bird species and experiencing different habitats.

Price-wise, at $475 for up to four people, the tour offers good value considering the expertise, private transportation, and the chance to see elusive birds in their natural environment. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic lunch makes it a convenient all-day outing.

One downside to keep in mind is weather dependence. Since the tour occurs outdoors, poor weather can affect sightings or even cause cancellations. But the flexible refund policy provides some reassurance, and you might find winter birding in Colorado uniquely rewarding despite the cold.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts eager to learn more about raptors and deepen their birding skills. If you’re comfortable outdoors for roughly nine hours, enjoy scenic drives, and have an interest in ecology, it’s a good fit. The tour’s private format makes it appealing if you prefer a more personalized, interactive experience rather than a large group setting.

It’s also a fantastic choice for families with older children, birding groups, or even solo travelers who want focused attention from a knowledgeable guide. Keep in mind the moderate physical activity involved, so it’s less ideal for those with mobility issues or very young kids.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, expert-led birding day in Colorado, this tour hits many marks. The guiding, the scenery, and the sights you might see — especially bald and golden eagles — all make it a memorable way to connect with Colorado’s wildlife. The fact that it’s a private experience means you get undivided attention and a flexible pace, which many travelers appreciate.

While it’s not the cheapest birding tour around, the inclusion of transportation, lunch, and expert guidance add significant value, especially for those serious about birding or nature education. If your main goal is to see and learn about raptors in the winter landscape, this tour promises an immersive, insightful day.

In the end, it’s best for those who appreciate a leisurely, educational outdoor adventure with a dash of wildlife magic. If that sounds like your idea of a perfect day, then this tour could be a highlight of your Denver visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not specifically designed as a family tour, but older children or teenagers interested in birds and nature would likely enjoy it. The moderate physical activity and outdoor setting mean younger kids might find it less engaging.

What should I wear? Since it takes place outdoors, dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking in reserves.

Are meals included? Yes, a picnic lunch with a sandwich, chips, and water is included, along with snacks and bottled water.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What species of birds can I expect to see? Possible sightings include Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Prairie Falcons, and American Kestrels, among others.

How long is the tour? It lasts about 9 hours, starting at 7:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Is transportation provided? Yes, private transportation is included throughout the day.

What’s the group size? The price covers up to four people, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Do I need any prior birding knowledge? No prior experience is necessary. The guide will teach identification techniques and help you develop your skills.

How do I book? You can reserve your spot through Viator, and the tour is often booked roughly two months in advance.

If you’re after a thoughtfully curated day that combines learning, scenery, and bird sightings, this tour offers a solid, well-reviewed option that’s worth considering.