Get ready for some thrilling, trilling family fun, and start practicing your best bird call!
In anticipation of the 15th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival,, the Yampa River Botanic Park, in collaboration with the Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition, is excited to host the first-ever Yampa Valley Bird Calling Contest. Join us for a fun-filled celebration of birds, nature, and community as participants of all ages showcase their best call, from realistic imitations to creative interpretations.
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, meet on The Green of the Yampa River Botanic Park and voice your best bird call. Help our community celebrate the incredible birds of Northwest Colorado and beyond. Bring your picnic dinner, beverages, blanket, chairs, etc. and get ready to caw, chirp, coo, and screech.
The contest is open to most all, with categories being Youth (ages 4-17) and Adults (18+). Costumes are encouraged, but no electronic devices please, as we want to hear only your bird voice.
Contestant registration is required and will begin at 4:30 p.m. prior to the contest starting time at 5:15 p.m. Judges will be excited to hear and judge your calls. Of course, audience participation is very important, so those gathered will have an opportunity to guess which bird you are imitating.
Guidelines
- Contestant registration is required, which begins at 4:30 p.m. on the Park Green.
- Contest begins at approximately 5:15 p.m.
- Adults and youth are to give their best authentic call or… youth can give a fun-loving attempt.
- Audience will try to guess the type of bird call.
- Simple costumes are welcome
- Birds native to Northwest Colorado are encouraged (especially Sandhill Cranes).
Awards
- Best Authentic Youth Call – determined by judges
- Best Authentic Adult Call – determined by judges
- Best Youth Fun-loving Attempt Call -determined by judges
- Best Costume – determined by judges based on audience applause
- Crowd Favorite – determined by judges based on audience applause
Start practicing, bird callers (and wanna be bird callers!). September 2nd at the Yampa River Botanic Park will be your time to strut your stuff and soar.
