October 8, 2025

BCNA Social on October 1: Birds, Data, and Discovery

40+ Years in the Indian Peaks

At BCNA’s Fall Social, longtime volunteer and naturalist Dave Hallock shared highlights from more than four decades of bird surveys in the Indian Peaks, a remarkable example of citizen science at work. What began with a few local volunteers following a Christmas Bird Count–style protocol evolved into a systematic look at yearly breeding season bird populations, providing one of the only long-term datasets on avian trends in the higher Front Range elevations. Any studies lasting over 40 years are quite rare.

The data collected indicates many changes in the bird populations over the time of this study (link to details of this longterm research and the data collected) but cause and effect are to a large extent still unknown. Are the changes due to climate change? Are fire mitigation efforts impacting species dependent on understory vegetation? Do mountain pine and spruce beetle outbreaks impact bird populations? Are moose browsing on willow carrs driving Wilson's Warbler numbers down? Are changing plant communities having an impact? Is some combination of many factors important? The surveys were not developed with a study design that would allow us to tease out causation, but we can look for correlations which inspire theories and questions for future research.

Today, Dave is collaborating with Scott Taylor’s lab at CU Boulder to apply modern analytical tools to this extensive dataset, searching for significant trends in relative abundance. His reflections on which species are “increasers” and which are “decreasers” have already sparked intriguing hypotheses—fertile ground for future graduate research and conservation insights.

In short, Dave’s talk reminded us that long-term dedication pays off and that volunteers can help augment understanding of our local ecosystems. The Indian Peaks Bird Survey stands as both a tribute to volunteer science and a foundation for the next generation of ecological discovery.



BCNA + BCAS Conservation Advocacy Workshop Series

Do you wish you had more tools to stand up for the plants, animals, and ecosystems you love? Boulder County Nature Association (BCNA) and Boulder County Audubon Society (BCAS) invite you to a free, three-part Conservation Advocacy Workshop Series designed to help you become a more effective advocate for local natural ecosystems.

Over three interactive Saturday sessions, you’ll:

• Explore ecological, moral, and legal aspects of conservation advocacy
• Learn how to work effectively with local, state, and federal agencies
• Practice persuasive communication and public comment skills
• Gain confidence through real-world exercises and shared learning

The series will be led by an experienced team of local conservation leaders: Gerry Kelly, Steve Jones, Karen Hollweg, Cathern Smith, Linda Andes-Georges, and Bev Baker—and we may bring in additional guest experts in later sessions.

When & Where

Saturdays: October 25, November 15, and December 6, 2025

9:00–11:30 AM

Register now on Eventbrite

(One registration covers all three sessions.)

Avalon Ballroom at 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder

Because each session builds on the previous session, please register only if you can commit to attending all three workshops.

Remembering Mary Stuber

Mary Stuber, who passed away on October 1, cared deeply about the natural world and dedicated herself to understanding and sharing its wonders. As a BCNA Board member from 2014 to 2020, she poured her energy into creating an outstanding education program, writing thoughtful articles for the newsletter, and generously offering her time wherever it was needed. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and curiosity inspired everyone who worked with her.

In her own words upon stepping down from the Board, Mary wrote that “perhaps nothing else I have done has meant as much to me as working on coming up with these fun classes for you.” She described her simple approach as “listening to what you want, and paying attention to what sounded fun to me,” and she emphasized gratitude—to the teachers, participants, and all who shared in BCNA’s mission.

Mary’s passion for learning, teaching, and connecting people with nature lives on in the community she helped build. She will be remembered with deep appreciation and affection.

A big thank you to all who currently support BCNA!

Please consider renewing today if you have not already done so.

New members are always welcome!