RMBO was founded in 1988 to address a bird conservation and related public education need in the western United States. Our mission is to conserve birds of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Intermountain West and the habitats on which they depend through research, monitoring, education, and outreach. We accomplish our mission through numerous research and public education programs which have dual goals: to conserve birds and bird habitat, and to increase people's understanding of birds--how they interact with humans, what habitats they use, and what factors threaten their survival.

RMBO is headquartered at Barr Lake State Park just east of Brighton, Colorado, and approximately 15 miles northeast of Denver. Barr Lake State Park is a nationally important stopover point for birds migrating along North America's Central Flyway and a favorite spot for birders locally and throughout the region. The Park's importance to birds makes it an ideal location for a bird observatory's offices. The Observatory's programs are supported by grants from foundations, federal agencies, state agencies, other non-profits, the Denver metro area's Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Adams County Cultural Council, Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, and dues and contributions from RMBO members.