Optional Excursions:

Over the last couple of years, we have had many people ask for other opportunities for bird watching in Yuma County. This year we have two optional excursions for you to take, following your Saturday or Sunday morning tour.

When you register, please let us know if you are interested in either or both of the optional excursions. Excursion #1 is a guided tour and requires a minimum of 10 people. If we do not meet that minimum number, this excursion will be cancelled and we will attempt to notify you as far enough in advance as possible. Excursion #2 is a self-guided tour and does not require a minimum. You will be able to do both excursions if you’d like, but you will have to do #1 first as that will be a scheduled guided tour and #2 is not.

Excursion #1 – Beecher Island Tour:

21 miles south of Wray is a little town called Beecher Island. The Battle of Beecher Island was a war fought between the United States Army and the Plains Native American tribes in September 1868. Beecher Island is situated on the Arikaree River, then known as part of the North Fork of the Republican River.  Beecher Island was named after Lieutenant Fredrick H. Beecher, an army officer killed during the battle. Because of the area in which this battleground sits, it is a great place for bird watching. Following your morning tour, a representative from the Beecher Island Battleground Association or the Wray Museum will meet you and give you a guided tour of the grounds. This tour will take 1 to 1 ½ hours and then you will be free to roam around the grounds.

Excursion #2 – Smith Land Self-Guided Tour: 

Approximately 10 miles west of Wray is a piece of private land that sits on the Republican River. This is another great place to see many different species of birds. The landowner has agreed to allow any GPCT attendees to come take a self-guided tour on their property. At orientation, you will be given a map to the property and all pertinent information regarding this self-guided tour.

PLEASE NOTE: 

Although we are not charging you for these tours, we are asking that you consider giving a donation to the parties responsible for organizing these excursions for you.