Exploring USAFA - Members-only Outing *FULL*
2026-02-02 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
Join Aiken Audubon for a special day on the United States Air Force Academy Base! We’ll join USFWS Biologist Johnny Ochs for birding at his recommended locations around the base. In the afternoon we’ll head into the Planetarium for a show indoors. Finally, we’ll be given a tour of the falconry mews.
This outing is limited to 20 Aiken Members and is FULL. If you have donated any amount to Aiken Audubon on the past calendar year, you’re a member! To join the waitlist, just send an email to aikenaudubon@gmail.com. We’ll let you know you’re on the list and will be in communication as we near our trip.
Plan to dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Bring binoculars, or request to borrow a set when you sign up. Bring a packed lunch for an a la fresca break!
Tentative Schedule:
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Birding on base (picnic lunch)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Planetarium
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. USAFA Falconry Mews Tour

Red Rock Canyon Open Space with Pat Paternostro
2026-02-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Red Rock Canyon Open Space, 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding walk at Red Rock Canyon Open Space! We will hopefully find several species of raptors along with many of our wintering species such as Sparrows, Towhees, Nuthatch, Woodpeckers and Finches. The walk will include some inclines and uneven terrain and may be snowy or muddy.
We will meet at the open space parking lot which is located at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs (off of Hwy 24).
You can RSVP to Pat @ broncos30@hotmail.com

Rosy-finch Ramble with DFO - Park & Jefferson Counties
2026-02-20 07:00 - 15:30
Rosy-finch Ramble with DFO: Park & Jefferson Counties
Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Leader: David Suddjian
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Let’s go on an adventure to the mountains to find Rosy-Finches and other mountain birds. We may find the three species of Rosy-Finch, and other “mountain finches” that are around, including Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch and others. We might also see Canada Jay and Clark’s Nutcracker, Rough-legged Hawk and other winter montane species. The trip will focus on locations in Jefferson and Park counties. We will carpool from the meeting spot. For those coming from El Paso County, we will begin birding in Jefferson Co, so plan to gather at the advertised meeting place in Aspen Park. Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. We will cover a fair amount of ground by car, but there will be minimal walking. But expect snowy and icy conditions, cold temperatures and maybe windy conditions when we are out of the cars. We will plan to enter two residences along the way.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 1/30/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22298. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
Photo: Brown-capped Rosy-Finch / Gene Putney / Audubon Photography Awards

Park County with Aiken Audubon
2026-02-21 07:30 - 15:30
Park County with Aiken Audubon
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Leaders: Deb Strike & Melissa Wetzig
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Join Aiken Audubon volunteers Deb & Melissa for a special trip to Deb’s cabin in Fairplay, CO! Deb will open her home and fill her feeders, allowing us to see great birds from a comfy spot. Expect to see Pine Grosbeaks, Brown-capped Rosy Finches, Steller’s Jays, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, lots of Mountain Chickadees, Hairy Woodpeckers, and sometimes Clark’s Nutcrackers or Canada Jays. We may also see Gray-crowned and Black Rosy Finches and Red Crossbills. On the way back we will stop in Lake George for additional birding in hope of American Dippers.
We will carpool from a meeting spot along Hwy24 on the west side of Colorado Springs. Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. Our destination is two hours away and there will be minimal walking. Dress for the Fairplay, CO and Lake George, CO weather forecasts, but prepare for snowy and icy ground, cold temperatures, and maybe windy conditions when we are out of the cars.
This trip is limited to 8 birders – sign up by emailing fieldtrips@aikenaudubon.com
Photo: Evening Grosbeak / Mark Hainen / Audubon Photography Awards

*FULL* Birds & Brews - Ute Valley Park & 105 West Brewing
2026-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Ute Valley Park, 5465 7 Oaks Dr,, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 , CO, 80919, United States
We’ll enjoy cool rock formations and great views as we search the woodlands and meadows of Ute Valley Park for birds like Cassin’s Finches, Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaires, and Nuthatches. Afterwards we’ll head over to NEW 105 West Brewing, the new occupants of what used to be Trinity Brewing, about 7 minutes away.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk three or so miles over uneven, hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. Depending on weather conditions the week before, the trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let mention it when you RSVP.
– This trip is full, but you may join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Bruce Dunbar
2026-02-28 06:45 - 11:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Bruce Dunbar for a walk around Aiken Canyon Preserve, a quiet retreat down Hwy 115. We’ll hike about 4 miles through oak meadows and evergreen woodlands that wind through the rocky outcrops. This is a moderately difficult hike, but we’ll be going at a slow birder’s pace. Along the way we should see and hear a number of winter residents like Cassin’s Finches, Western Bluebirds, and Juniper Titmice, and hopefully discover some special mountain species that have come down in elevation for the winter.
Due to the narrow trail, this trip is limited to 10 birders. RSVP by emailing Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.
Photo: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bruce Dunbar, Aiken Canyon

*WAITLIST ONLY* Birds & Brews - Seven Bridges Trail & Bristol Brewing
2026-03-08 09:00 - 11:00
We’ll bird a bit of a higher elevation in hopes of Hairy Woodpeckers, Steller’s Jays, Canada Jays, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and more along the Seven Bridges Trail in Cheyenne Canyon. Afterwards we’ll head down to Ivywild School to have a beer at Bristol Brewing.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk two or so miles over uneven, hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. Depending on weather conditions the week before, the trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, mention it when you RSVP.
– This trip is full; join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Photo: Golden-crowned Kinglet / Esther Sumner / Audubon Photography Awards

Clear Spring Ranch with Pat Paternostro
2026-03-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Aiken Audubon and trip leader Pat Paternostro for a birding walk at Clear Spring Ranch. We will walk the trails and look for resident birds, lingering winter species and hopefully find some early migrants. This is one of the best birding hotspots in the County – with Cottonwood forests, meadows, and agricultural fields along Fountain Creek.

We will meet at the CSR parking lot at 8am. While this trail is typically dry, be prepared for possible muddy conditions along the mostly flat terrain. There is a restroom at the trailhead.

You can RSVP for the trip by reaching out to Pat – broncos30@hotmail.com.

Photo: Lincoln’s Sparrow / Mike Timmons / Audubon Photography Awards

Birds & Brews - Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
2026-04-12 07:30 - 14:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
Sunday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We’ll meet to carpool/caravan down to Pueblo for a morning full of birding! Where we go will depend on recent bird reports, but expect to spend most of our time at the Valco Ponds and Pueblo Reservoir in search of a large variety of birds, including waterfowl, birds of prey, migrants, and quail. In 2025, this trip yielded 67 species!

– Restrooms will be available regularly
– Difficulty: moderate. Walking will be easy along mostly flat trails, but it will be a long morning and into the afternoon.
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP. If you have a scope, bring it!
– Plan to bring water, snacks, and an easy-to-eat-on-the-go lunch. Reservoir Brewing has food, but we’ll be too busy birding to get there by the time we’re hungry!
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com as space is limited.

Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch - Aiken Members Only
2026-04-19 08:00 - 16:00
Visit the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch in Morrison, CO! This site is a recipient of a Foothills & Prairie Grant in both 2025 & 2026. We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs before heading up to Morrison to visit the hawk watchers and see their work in action – counting migrating birds of prey! We’ll stop on the way back to bird South Platte Park a little, since we’ll be passing right by.
“Named for its world-renowned fossil beds, Dinosaur Ridge is also a window into the seasonal movement of birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, falcons and more, over Colorado’s Front Range. These raptors migrate in the spring along the eastern mountainous edge of the Rockies in part because mountain updrafts enable them to soar and conserve energy during their long journeys north to their breeding grounds.”
We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs at 8am. We will be back at 4pm at the latest. Plan to bring lunch and drinks. Don’t forget your binoculars, but if you need to borrow some, mention it with your RSVP.
This trip is limited to 13 Aiken members. Any household that has donated any amount to Aiken Audubon Society in the past one year is considered a member. Thank you for supporting Aiken Audubon and our avian conservation and education efforts! To register, email trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Bear Creek East Field Trip
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding trip at Bear Creek Park East (El Paso). We will walk along the creek and surrounding areas in search of resident species and returning migrants such as Chipping Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Eastern Phoebe. The walk will take place on relatively flat ground with minimal elevation change. We will meet at the parking lot adjacent to the community garden, 2002 Creek Crossing St. If you would like to attend, please RSVP Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com.

Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists
2026-04-27 06:00 - 14:00
Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
Monday, April 27, 2026, 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: Jessica Miller
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
This trip will explore the three sites at Chico Basin Ranch currently open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, the Headquarters Pond, and Rose’s Pond. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Portable toilets will be nearby half of the time. Bring a sack lunch and drinks/water. We may walk up to three miles at a birder’s pace on mostly flat, but sometimes uneven terrain. Long pants are recommended.
Birders coming from the Denver region will meet at Castle Rock Lowe’s parking lot at 5:00 am. Those coming from the El Paso County region will join the Denver crew and the leader at the Loves Gas Station at Exit 132 at 6:00a.m. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch roads. We will bird the ranch 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person.
This trip is limited to 11 participants and registration will open at noon on April 6 on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/UpcomingTrips.aspx. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create Account” and follow the prompts.

Pueblo Area with Denver Field Ornithologists
2026-05-03 07:00 - 15:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Area with Jessica Miller – Joint Aiken & Denver Field Ornithologists Trip!

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Let’s head down to Pueblo to peruse Runyon Lake, Pueblo City Park, Valco Ponds, and Pueblo Reservoir. It will be fun to see what migrants are coming through, and what rarities might appear! We will aim for 70+ species. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, your binoculars, a scope if you have one, and a camera if you like. If you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars, let the trip leader know. Bathrooms will be available regularly. Wear good walking shoes, our trip will be over relatively flat, easy, unpaved terrain. Carpool and caravan options from Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo areas will be provided. The trip time listed on DFO is longer than here because they have to drive more!
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 4/12/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
Photo: American Avocet, Karen Blackwood/Audubon Photography Awards

Birds & Brews - Paint Mines, Ramah, & Ascent Brewing
2026-05-10 08:00 - 13:30 | Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO, 80808, United States
Sunday, May 10, 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

We will head for the northeastern corner of El Paso County to explore the Paint Mines Interpretive Park and Ramah State Wildlife Area. We’ll hope to find a variety of species – birds of prey, prairie lovers, migrant songbirds, shorebirds, who knows! Afterwards we’ll celebrate with a beer or NA refresher at Ascent Brewery in Falcon, CO.
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Anticipated Itinerary –
8:00am – OPTIONAL Meet to carpool/caravan at the Loaf & Jug on Space Village Rd (6857 Space Village Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80915)
8:45am – Arrive at the Paint Mines to bird the prairie and rock formations (29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808)
10:45am – Leave the Paint Mines and continue up Hwy24 to Ramah SWA to bird a riparian oasis in the middle of nowhere. (39.088400, -104.216600)
12:00pm – Leave Ramah SWA and head for the brewery.
12:30pm – Arrive at Ascent Brewery (6630 Chief Rd, Peyton, CO 80831)
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– A restroom should be available at both birding destinations.
– Difficulty: easy/moderate. Walking will be easy along mostly flat trails, but our sites are exposed. We may walk about 3.5 miles. Plan for sun protection!
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP. If you have a scope, it could come in handy at Ramah SWA.
– Plan to bring water and some snacks to get you through the morning!
– Note about visiting Ramah SWA: A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older to visit most SWAs. Purchasing an SWA pass or a hunting/fishing license is easy and can be done online, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, or at any of Colorado Parks and Wildlife sales locations. This is different than a State Parks Pass. The price ranges from $10/day to $$42/year.
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com as space is limited.
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Common Nighthawk at Paint Mines, Red-headed Woodpecker at Ramah SWA, Rock Wren at Paint Mines, Common Nighthawk at Ramah SWA. Photos by Jessica Miller

Paint Mines Interpretive Park & More with DFO
2026-05-20 05:00 - 14:00
Paint Mines Interpretive Park —Including El Paso County Hotspots
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leaders: Linda Purcell & Judy McKeon
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Paint Mines is arguably one of the most visually compelling places in Colorado! With evidence of human life at this site dating back 9000 years – it has a remarkable history, even in the ancient Southwest! We will go directly to Paint Mines, in an effort to get the best light for photos during our early morning birding. After we leave Paint Mines, there will be another El Paso County stop at Fountain Creek Regional Park and Nature Center. On this trip we hope to see some spring migrants, as well as numerous other species. Dress appropriately, bring water, a snack, lunch. Rated moderate for the trip length and hilly conditions at Paint Mines. Bring binoculars, a camera (!), and a scope if you wish. A place and time will be announced for participants living in El Paso County to meet up with those coming from Denver. Plan to walk 3 -4 miles total. There are restrooms at Paint Mines and Fountain Creek, and we will plan to make other stops as well.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 4/29/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22352. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
