Art of Zen Birding

The Art of Zen Birding is a weekend spiritual retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, that pairs birdwatching with Zen-inspired mindfulness. It is led by Ryan Dibala, Ph.D., a birding guide and certified master naturalist. It suits beginners and experienced birders alike, and no prior meditation or birding experience is needed. Birds here are not items on a checklist. They are anchors that draw you back to the present moment.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for a weekend, with two nights on the property. Guests arrive on the first afternoon between 2:00 and 5:00 PM and check in at the Guest Services Cabin. An introductory gathering and orientation follow, and in the evening there is an optional Zen-related film or time for quiet reflection.

The second day begins with an early morning bird walk and meditation. Later come guided instruction in identifying birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat, a midday meditation and journaling session, and an afternoon nature walk with observation practice. There is also a visit to the Stupa, and the day closes with evening discussion and reflection.

The final morning starts with a dawn bird walk and silent observation. Breakfast, a closing meditation, and a last group discussion follow, and departure is by 12:30 PM.

Across the weekend you will practice staying with a single bird, listening to the dawn chorus, and letting nature reveal itself on its own terms. The work combines guided walks, silent hikes, meditation, breathing practices, journaling, and conversation, with time for solitude.

About Ryan Dibala

Ryan Dibala, Ph.D. is a certified master naturalist, birding guide, and author of several peer-reviewed articles on ecology. In 2022 he founded Birding Man Adventures, a nature tourism operator based in Arvada, Colorado, where he currently guides. He began birding sixteen years ago while working as a wildlife researcher restoring Bald Eagles. Past participants describe him as knowledgeable, kind, patient, and inclusive, and as a guide who is as comfortable teaching mindfulness as he is teaching birds.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits in the mountain landscape near Red Feather Lakes. The walks move through the forests and meadows around the property. Meals and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Lodging is chosen at checkout:

- Tents: single or double platform tents with two twin beds, in campgrounds with a shared bathhouse. Some campgrounds were affected by a recent wildfire, and the effects may still be visible, though they are safe to use.
- Dormitories: gender-segregated rooms for up to 7 or 8 people, with a shared bathroom down the hall.
- Monk Rooms: private indoor rooms with a desk and a large window, using a shared bathroom.
- Single and Double Rooms: private rooms with an attached bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.
- Junior Suite: a queen-size bed, sitting area, and private bath with a tub.

Extra nights can be added at a reduced rate.

Before You Go

The retreat is taught in English. Expect moderate walking on uneven trails, up to about 3 miles per outing, with frequent pauses for observation, meditation, and reflection. The Zen influence centers on mindfulness and compassion, and people of all beliefs are welcome.

Included are two nights of lodging, all meals and beverages, guided meditation and breathing practices, and all bird walks and instruction. Not included are transportation and, for tents, bedding. Tent guests should bring twin sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow, and towels.

Also bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a journal, pens and pencils, and colored pencils if you like. Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited number are available to borrow.