A winter study on Colorado’s alpine finch.

There exists a large data gap regarding the winter ecology of the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, making it extremely difficult to understand, monitor, and preserve this endangered finch. The Rosy-Finch Winter Project works to combat this data gap and preserve Colorado's elusive alpine finch.

Initiated in 2024 by Grant Brandberg, a 16 year-old avid birder and avian scientist based in Colorado, the Rosy-Finch Winter Project is designed to bring intentional, tangible impacts to Brown-capped Rosy-Finch conservation. By analyzing community-science observations alongside habitat, elevation, and snow data, the project aims to better understand where Brown-capped Rosy-Finches spend the winter, how their movements change throughout the season, and what environmental factors may influence those movements.

Since then, Grant has identified key habitats where future surveys should prioritize efforts, as well as crucial time frames when data is lacking. He has presented his research to professors, conservation organizations, birders, and researchers from across the globe.