The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies was first founded in 1988 as Colorado Bird Observatory later changed to Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory with goals to address bird conservation needs in the Western United States. It’s headquarters are located in Barr Lake State Park, just east of Brighton, Colorado. In 2015 the organization changed its name to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in order to more accurately reflect the regions of their work, which radiates from Colorado to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond.
The observatory's programs are supported by grants from foundations, federal and state agencies, the Denver metro area's Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Adams County Cultural Council, Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, and contributions from RMBO members.