May. A most magical month for spring migration in Colorado. And with our 2026 "Peaks to Prairie" Convention, you'll get to experience much of what our state has to offer. With our field trip options you could see a high-altitude bird like an American Three-toed Woodpecker on one day, and a grassland specialty like the Chestnut-collared Longspur the next day. Combine our extensive field trip offerings with a robust science session, a lively Exhibit Hall, and opportunities to connect with fellow birders, and you'll experience a memorable birding event you won't soon forget. Join us!
Banner image: Photo by Charlie Lee
Registration Packet
Please read before you register!
The registration packet will include meal options, unique convention shirts, all field trip descriptions, and more. Please review this information before you start the registration process. We expect some trips to fill very quickly once registration opens, knowing what you want when you start registration will help you get the trips you want.
Want to ensure you and someone else are on the same field trips? We recommend that you plan out trips you want to be on before registration opens. Then log into your separate CFO accounts from different computers or mobile devices and register for trips at the same time.
The Registration Packet will be available closer to registration opening in early March.
Schedule
The schedule is subject to change. Check the schedule on the website or the convention app for any changes prior to the convention. All activities are at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Conference Center except as noted.
Thursday May 28, 2026
7:00 am - 4:00 pm Arrival field trips
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Welcome picnic w/ packet pick up - Centennial Park, Loveland (Catering starts at 6 pm)
Friday May 29, 2026
4:30 am - 9:00 am Breakfast Buffet (hotel guests only) - Cafe
5:00 am - 7:00 am Lunch pick up - Lake Loveland
5:00 am - 6:50 am Info Table w/ packet pick up - High Meadows area
5:15 am - 4:00 pm Field trips (full & half day trips) - High Meadows area
2:00 pm - 7:30 pm Exhibit Hall pen - Snowberry/Goldenglow
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm Info Table w/ packet pick up - High Meadows area
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm Silent Auction - Snowberry/Goldenglow
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Social - High Meadows area
Saturday May 30, 2026
4:30 am - 10:30 am Breakfast Buffet (hotel guests only) - Cafe
5:00 am - 7:00 am Lunch pick up - Lake Loveland
5:00 am - 6:50 am Info Table w/ packet pick up - High Meadows area
5:15 am - 4:00 pm Field trips (full & half day trips) - High Meadows area
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Exhibits/Vendors open - Snowberry/Goldenglow
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Silent Auction (last chance!) - Snowberry/Goldenglow
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Info Table - High Meadows area
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Science Session - Riverbirch
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Banquet & CFO Annual Meeting - Riverbirch
8:00 pm - 8:30 pm Silent Auction Payment/Pickup - Snowberry/Goldenglow
Sunday May 31, 2026
4:30 am - 10:30 am Breakfast Buffet (hotel guests only) - Cafe
5:00 am - 7:00 am Lunch pick up - Lake Loveland
5:00 am - 6:50 am Info Table w/ packet pick up - High Meadows area
5:00 am - 6:15 am Silent Auction Payment/Pickup - Snowberry/Goldenglow
5:15 am - 4:00 pm Field trips (full & half day trips) - High Meadows area
Monday June 1, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm State Forest/Arapaho NWR Trip - Walden, CO
Student Events
Travel Awards
In addition to the discounted student rates (anyone enrolled in K-12 or a college/university), CFO offers student travel scholarships to attend the CFO conventions. Find more details on how to apply.
Science Session
The Science Session offers an opportunity to present research and conservation project results in a low-pressure environment. Many of the presenters each year present work they completed while being a student. This is also a great way for those not yet involved in research to learn about it and meet people they can ask questions regarding how to get involved, choose an undergraduate or graduate program, or how to turn an interest in birds into a career.
The deadline for the Science Session abstract submission is March 5, 2026. See the Science Session tab in the Logistics table for more details.



