Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI) was founded in 2011 by Scott Rashid. Through the foundation, its members both study the ecology of birds in and around the Estes valley and Rocky Mountain National Park and rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds.

Scott works locally with Law Enforcement, Animal Control as well as the Division of Wildlife in the recovery, rehabilitation and release of injured birds. Although raptors are his specialty no injured bird species goes unassisted. The majority of rehabilitation takes place on Scott’s property. A recent edition to the foundation is the outside flight cage that the bird’s exercise in before they are released. Many birds are brought to the CARRI foundation each year. Some are found on the ground and assumed to be orphaned. Others have injuries ranging from minor scrapes to major trauma. Individuals remain can remain at the foundation for just a few days while others can remain for many weeks or even months before they are released.

In 1994 Scott, the Director of CARRI, launched his bird banding program at The YMCA of the Rockies south of Estes Park and is one of the most popular programs there. It runs from May to October. Everyone is welcome to learn and see birds up close. The yearly total of birds captured can be on found the ‘Bird Banding’ page, which is updated regularly during the banding months. The program consists of trapping and banding birds in a specific location on the YMCA grounds. For more information you can contact YMCA at (970) 586-3341, x1104, or you can contact Scott directly.

NOTE:  You do not need to be staying at the YMCA to participate; it is free of charge and open to all that want to attend.

In 2006, Scott had begun the Northern Saw-whet Owl research project outside of Estes Park. This project consists of trapping and banding in the fall. Trapping runs annually from September 15 to November 15. Banding totals can be found under “Owl Banding”. In 2011, Scott began the only Boreal Owl banding project in Colorado. This takes place inside Rocky Mountain National Park during September and October, weather permitting. Contact Scott for more details.