Colorado Field Ornithologists


CFO Awards

to members and the community

Ron Ryder Award

2018  -  Lynn Wickersham   
2014  -  Catherine P. Ortega   
2013  -  Stephen R. Jones   
2012  -  Dr. Brian Linkhart   
2011  -  Larry Semo   
2010  -  Alexander Cruz   
2009  -  Dave Leatherman   
2008  -  Tony Leukering   
2005  -  Rich Levad   
2004  -  Richard Beidleman   
2003  -  Stephen Martin   
2000  -  Bob Righter   
1999  -  Hugh Kingery   
1998  -  Harold Holt   
1995  -  Ron Ryder   (for whom the award was subsequently named)

Lifetime Achievment Award

2019  -  Coen Dexter and Brenda Wright   
2018  -  Ann Bonnell   
2014  -  Dick Schottler   
2012  -  Lynn Willcockson   
2011  -  Suzi Plooster   
2009  -  Warren Finch   
2008  -  Bob Spencer   
2007  -  Joe Himmel   

Directors Award

2016  -  Duane Nelson   Long-term commitment to the conservation of endangered Piping Plovers and Least Terns
2013  -  Maggie Boswell   Distinguished Service Award
2010  -  Peter Gent   Special Achievement Award
2009  -  Raymond Davis   Distinguished Service Award
2005  -  Sue Hirshman   Stewardship Award (Black Swifts)
2004  -  Jerry Craig   Appreciation for Work with Raptors

The Ronald A. Ryder Award for Distinguished Service to Colorado Field Ornithology


Selection Criteria



  • For distinguished service to the Colorado Field Ornithologists' organization and its goals.

  • For scholarly contributions to the Colorado Field Ornithologists and to Colorado field ornithology.

  • For sharing knowledge of Colorado field ornithology with the people of the state of Colorado.

Nomination & Selection Process



  • Only living persons may be nominated.

  • Nominations may be made by the membership at large.

  • The Board selects and approves an awardee for announcement at the Annual Colorado Field Ornithologists' Convention during the year a recipient is chosen.

  • The Award will be a plaque designed to match the original plaque given to Dr. Ryder.

  • Nominations should be submitted in writing to the Award Committee Chairperson on or before January 15 to be considered by the Colorado Field Ornithologists' Board of Directors.




Special Awards


CFO members fund the "Special Awards" program entirely with voluntary contributions. Plaques of appreciation are given to businesses, landowners and other individuals who allow access to private property in order to view rare or unusual birds.


Submit nominations to the CFO Awards Committee Chair.