Aiken Audubon Society

Fountain Creek Regional Park - Migration Walks
2022-04-24 07:30 - 10:30 (America/Denver) | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Julie Frost, Education Chair of Aiken Audubon Chapter, for a leisurely hike through Fountain Creek Regional Park to see and hear the many birds that migrate through and breed in our area.
– Sunday, April 24, 2022 – 730-1030a; meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center parking lot
Our goal is to identify the songs and field marks of the many species that call this area home, in addition to some hopeful spring migrants. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, binoculars, any guidebooks you have and an inquisitive mind! Migration Walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow. No previous experience or registration required. Great for the whole family!

Migration Walks - Fountain Creek Regional Park
2022-05-01 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Tyler Stuart, Secretary of Aiken Audubon Chapter, for a leisurely hike through Fountain Creek Regional Park to see and hear the many birds that migrate through and breed in our area.
– Sunday, May 1, 2022 – 730-1030a; meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center parking lot
Our goal is to identify the songs and field marks of the many species that call this area home, in addition to some hopeful spring migrants. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, binoculars, any guidebooks you have and an inquisitive mind! Migration Walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow. No previous experience or registration required. Great for the whole family!

Fountain Creek Regional Park - Migration Walks
2022-05-06 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Ronan Brown and Aiken Audubon for a leisurely hike through Fountain Creek Regional Park to see and hear the many birds that migrate through and breed in our area.
Ronan has been a bird geek since 1972 and has added 286 North American birds to his life list! We’re excited to have him lead this migration walk on Friday, May 6th, Fountain Creek Nature Center – 730-1030a. We’ll meet at the Nature Center parking lot.
Our goal is to identify the songs and field marks of the many species that call this area home, in addition to some hopeful spring migrants. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, binoculars, any guidebooks you have and an inquisitive mind! Migration Walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow and Ronan will have a spotting scope and tripod for extra viewing. No previous experience or registration required. Great for the whole family!

Birds & Brew Monthly Bird Walks - Times have been changed!!
2022-05-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Birds & Brew Monthly Bird Walks –
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Fountain Creek Nature Center (320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain, CO 80817) on Sunday, May 8th, 9a-12n. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at followed by Peaks N Pines (212 W Illinois Ave, Fountain, CO 80817) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Falcon and Friends Birdwatch - Garden of the Gods Sponsored
2022-05-23 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-05-30 09:00 - 10:30 | Garden of the Gods Parking Lot #2 (North Main Parking Lot), 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Falcon and Friends
Monday Mornings – 9:00-10:30 – Observation Deck above restrooms at P2
Free Program (No preregistration required)
Park Volunteer and Interpreter Michele McMurray will have spotting scopes and binoculars out to view our local prairie falcons along with other feathered friends and wildlife of the park. Stop by the observation deck located on top of the restrooms at parking lot #2 (North Main Parking Lot).

RESCHEDULED!! Crows & Coffee
2022-06-01 07:30 - 10:30 | Prospect Lake 715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs, 715 Prospect Lake Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910, United States
Crows & Coffee Monthly Bird Walks –
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus for a bird walk at Prospect Lake (715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs), followed by Evergreen Cemetery. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at for a favorite coffee and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Adams Open Space Bird Walk
2022-06-03 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Library, 230 S. Main St, Fountain, CO, 80817
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Ruben Rodriguez for a bird walk at Adams Open Space, followed by Clear Spring Ranch if desired. We’ll meet at Fountain Library (230 S Main St. Fountain, CO 80817) at 730a.
Ruben Rodriguez is a retired Army 1SG. 25 years in the Infantry. He recently started birding and is hooked! Ruben would love to share his passion with you this upcoming Friday.
Adams Open Space is a lightly trafficked 2 mile out and back. There are 2 bridge crossings. Walking will be at a slow pace. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
No need to register to join. Hope to see you 730a on Friday, June 3rd.

Valco Ponds with the Gravel Pit - Bird Walk
2022-06-10 07:00 - 11:30 | Fountain Library, 230 S. Main St, Fountain, CO, 80817
Join Ruben Rodriguez for a bird walk at Valco Ponds with the Gravel Pit on Friday, June 10th.
Valco Ponds is a 1.97 mile walk of flat ground with groomed trails.
Parking fee is 9 to 11 dollars.
https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/ParksPassInfo.aspx
If you want to meet at Valco Ponds, meet-up time is 8 a.m. If you’d like to carpool, meet at the Fountain Library (230 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817) at 7 a.m., leaving at 715 a.m. Ruben can take 3 people in his car. The drive is about 35 minutes from the library.
Any birder level is welcome! Bring binoculars and a bird guide for the best experience.
Lake Pueblo State Park
5585-5587 W State Hwy 96
Pueblo, CO 81005

Crows & Coffee - Rock Ledge Ranch
2022-06-24 07:00 - 10:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Melissa Wetzig and PJ Markus for a bird walk at Rock Ledge Ranch on June 24th at 7a. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
We will meet at the corner of Chambers Way and Pike Drive.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at local coffee shop for some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks. - CANCELED DUE TO CONTINUED RAIN
2022-06-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Bear Creek Nature Center (245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906) on Sunday, June 26, 8:30-10:30 am. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at OCC Brewing (2316 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Crows & Coffee Bear Creek East
2022-07-08 07:00 - 10:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus and Melissa Wetzig for a bird walk at Bear Creek East on July 8th at 7a. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
We will meet east of the community gardens.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at local coffee shop for some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Flammulated Owls!
2022-07-08 18:30 - 22:30
We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 8th at 630p – Flammulated Owls!
Professor Brian Linkhart will lead this fantastic tour on behalf of Aiken. This is often good timing for being able to see owlets and maybe even see them access their nests!
Because of the popularity of this walk, we’re going to make it available for registration on June 1st at 8a. We will need to cap it at 12 people, so if you’re interested – mark your calendar for June 1st at 8a and email Melanie Helton at MHELTON016@gmail.com. Melanie will register the first 12 people that respond. Each person (email) may only register for 2 people.
We will meet at the Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF) and the hike details will be provided to you once you’ve been confirmed. Please note that we will be hiking in the dark through some rugged terrain and angled slope without headlamps or flashlights. If this doesn’t excite you, please don’t register!
We kindly request a $25 donation per person, cash or check made payable to Aiken; 100% supports Dr. Linkhart’s ongoing research. If you are in need of partial scholarship to cover this donation, please let me know.
I will be checking with the twelve confirmed individuals two days beforehand to confirm. Please list your best contact information within the registration request. I will work a waitlist to ensure that we have a full group!

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks - Carpool Options
2022-07-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Mueller State Park (21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814) on Saturday, July 16, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Walking will be at a slow pace on small hills and about 4 miles long. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Paradox Brewing (10 Buffalo Ct, Divide, CO 80814) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!
Details on specific meeting location will be provided soon!

For a carpool or caravan option, we will meet at the Old Colorado City Safeway, 3275 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, at 7am. We will leave by 7:15am from there. Folks are also welcome to meet us at 8:00 a.m. at the Mueller State Park Visitor Center.

Birding at Clear Spring Ranch
2022-08-20 07:30 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Ruben Rodriguez this Saturday – August 20, 2022 at 730a – Clear Springs Ranch! Please plan to meet at the Ranch located at Loren Lane, Fountain, CO 80817.
Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Fountain Starbucks for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up!
Driving Directions:
Clear Spring Ranch Open Space can be reached from Interstate 25, Exit 123; proceed to east side of Interstate, cross the railroad tracks, and enter the property. Parking lot is on the north side of the entrance road.

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks
2022-08-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Stratton Open Space
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Stratton Open Space (1504 Ridgeway Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906) on Sunday, August 21, 8:00-11:00 am. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Bristol Brewing (1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Crows & Coffee - Starsmore Discovery Center
2022-08-27 07:00 - 10:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus and Melissa Wetzig for a bird walk at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center (2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 in the parking area). Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us for coffee and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Bird Outing at Chico Basin Ranch, Thursday, Sept 8th, 7 a.m. to noon
2022-09-08 07:00 - 13:00 | Chico Basin – Hanover Fire Station, 175505 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
See what birds visit Chico in the fall, and spend some time with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies’ bird bander and her captures.
We’ll meet at the Tejon St Park-n-Ride at 7:00 a.m. You may also join us at Hanover Fire Station at 8:00. We’ll carpool from there. High clearance vehicles are a plus. The trip is limited to 10 participants. Cost is $10 per person unless you have a season pass. Please contact Linda Hodges at hikerhodges@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
More information will be provided once your spot is reserved!

Let Linda know if you don’t have binoculars and she’ll try to secure some for you.

Fall Bird Count - Fountain Creek Regional Park
2022-09-10 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fall Bird Count
Saturday, September 10, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Join the annual tradition and help record the number of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during fall migration. $5/person donation.

Crows & Coffee - Austin Bluffs and Pike's Perk!
2022-09-17 07:30 - 10:30 | UCCS Parking Lot 580 (600 N Campus Heights), 600 N Campus Heights, Colorado Springs
“Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Collin Hildreth for a bird walk at Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Rock Open Space. We will meet at UCCS Parking Lot 580 (600 N Campus Heights). We will then proceed past the Heller Center and into the open space from there. Meet up time is 730a on Saturday, September 17th. Walking will be at a slow pace on hilly, rock and dirt trails. Consider bringing sturdy shoes, binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us for coffee and some friendly chat at Pike’s Perk on North Academy Blvd (5965 N Academy Blvd).
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!”
Meet Collin!
Hello! My name is Collin Hildreth and I am a new field trip leader for Aiken Audubon.
I am a long-time birder and avid hiker here in Colorado Springs. I have lived in Colorado Springs for the past seven years and I have spent that time exploring many of Colorado’s unique trails while watching some incredible birds along the way! I began bird watching about 8 years ago while attending high school in New Hampshire.
I certainly cannot pick one single bird as my favorite. However, Common Yellowthroats do hold a very special place in my heart! I also enjoy nature photography, so while I am out I usually have my camera in tow.
I personally find bird watching incredible because there are just so many birds to see and identify wherever I am in the world. Whether I am on a mountaintop or downtown there are always birds around. It truly is a hobby for everyone!
I also love to learn! Therefore, I aim to promote an atmosphere of knowledge sharing on the trips that I lead. That way, we all can learn the most from each other and enjoy our hobby to the fullest. Myself included!

Birds & Brews - Manitou Lake & BierWerks
2022-09-25 07:15 - 13:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Manitou Lake (CO-67, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) on Sunday, September 25, 8:00-11:00 am.

Manitou Lake is surrounded by evergreen forests, meadows, and wetlands formed by beaver dams. The diverse habitat, flat walking, and lovely scenery make this a great birding destination, especially during migration! On our way home we’ll stop by BierWerks Brewery in Woodland Park to enjoy German ales and lagers.

– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. Lederhosen not necessary!
– Option to carpool/caravan from OCC Safeway (3275 W Colorado Ave) at 7:15am. At the entrance, a $8 cash fee per vehicle is charged; $4 for seniors with Senior’s National Park Pass.

No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Rock Ledge Ranch with Kip Miller
2022-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Rock Ledge Ranch Weekday Birding: Wednesday, October 5, 9:00 a.m.
Located adjacent to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Rock Ledge Ranch can be a surprisingly good location for observing migrant songbirds during spring and fall migrations. Today we’ll spend a few hours slowly working around the grounds checking the wooded areas, as well as the farm and open areas for birds pausing to rest and refuel on their way south. We may walk a mile or so, but slowly and on easy terrain.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the south end of the Garden of the Gods overflow parking area. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size will be limited to 12 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Lake Pueblo State Park with Kip Miller
2022-10-15 08:30 - 15:00 | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, October 15, 8:30 am – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for this Aiken Audubon fall outing to Lake Pueblo State Park. Waterbirds will certainly be a major focus – we’ll scan for loons, ducks, grebes, gulls and more from the lake’s best vantage points – but we’ll also be alert for raptors and land birds in the park’s desert habitats and in wooded areas below the dam. Our actual itinerary will be flexible based on recent reports, weather conditions and time – but it should be a fun day of easy birding (no long hikes planned). We’ll spend the morning and a few hours of the afternoon in or near the park, so pack a lunch, water and such and remember to bring along warm layers in the event of chilling fall breezes.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. We will meet at the Lake Pueblo State Park Office and Visitor Center. (Please note an $10/vehicle daily fee or Colorado State Parks annual pass is required for entry to Lake Pueblo State Park.) Group size will be limited to 12 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Birds & Brews - Bear Creek Nature Center & OCC Brewing
2022-10-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Sunday, October 16
Bear Creek Nature Center (8am) followed by OCC Brewing (10:30am)
– Explore the riparian creek bottom, scrub oak woodlands, and open meadows of Bear Creek Nature Center’s Nature Trail. We’ll also see who’s coming to the bird feeders. Afterwards we’ll head over to OCC Brewing for a variety of libations (Peregrine Pale Ale, anyone?) and a great brunch menu.
– The Nature Center will be closed, so no bathrooms on site.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. There are some steps along the trail. Dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

Clear Springs Ranch with Kip Miller
2022-10-25 08:30 - 11:30 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Clear Spring Ranch Birding: Tuesday, October 25, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for a late October morning exploring this county-managed, 970-acre park along Fountain Creek for both migrant and wintering birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be found. Total walking distance may be up to three miles, but at an easy birding pace and on level trails and gravel roads.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the Clear Springs Ranch parking lot. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size limited to 12. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Lake Pueblo State Park with Kip Miller
2022-11-12 08:30 - 15:00 | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, November 12, 8:30 am – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for this Aiken Audubon fall outing to Lake Pueblo State Park. Waterbirds will certainly be a major focus – we’ll scan for loons, ducks, grebes, gulls and more from the lake’s best vantage points – but we’ll also be alert for raptors and land birds in the park’s desert habitats and in wooded areas below the dam. Our actual itinerary will be flexible based on recent reports, weather conditions and time – but it should be a fun day of easy birding (no long hikes planned). We’ll spend the morning and a few hours of the afternoon in or near the park, so pack a lunch, water and such and remember to bring along warm layers in the event of chilling fall breezes.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. We will meet at the Lake Pueblo State Park Office and Visitor Center. (Please note an $10/vehicle daily fee or Colorado State Parks annual pass is required for entry to Lake Pueblo State Park.) Group size will be limited to 12 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Birds & Brews - Sondermann Park and Cerberus Brewing Company
2022-11-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Sondermann Park, 740 W Carmamillo St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
Sunday, November 20
Sondermann Park (9am) followed by Cerberus Brewing Company (11am)

– We’ll wind through creek-side trails and check out the scrub-oak meadows of this small-but-mighty west-side park.The walking here is relatively flat and easy. Afterwards we’ll head down to Cerberus Brewing Co. to enjoy drinks and snacks in the heated outdoor tent.
– Meet at 740 W Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. If the parking lot happens to be full or closed, there is plenty of street parking nearby.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

Fountain Creek Christmas Bird Count - December 14, 2022 - Now FULL!
2022-12-14 08:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fountain Creek Christmas Bird Count on 12/14! Diana Beatty is coordinating the bird count and will need a few participants to assist. Reach out to Diana (otowi33.33@gmail.com) toward the end of November / start of December to work out area assignments. There are a lot of private land count areas that will be coordinated.

Birds & Brews - Quail Lake & Urban Animal!
2022-12-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Quail Lake Park, Corner of E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd and Quail Lake Rd.
Sunday, December 18
Quail Lake (10am) followed by Urban Animal (12pm)
– Quail Lake is a 22 acre reservoir on the southwest side of town used primarily for recreation like fishing and paddle boarding, but anywhere with this much water should be birded. We’ll look for the usual winter suspects plus gulls and waterfowl. We may peruse some social trails in an adjacent greenspace. Afterwards we’ll stop by Urban Animal Beer Co just a couple miles away.
– Difficulty: Easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain and will walk no more than 2 miles.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Bring a scope if you have one.
– No public restroom on site
– Meet at Quail Lake Park Parking at the Corner of E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd and Quail Lake Rd.

Christmas Eve Nature Walk - Fountain Creek
2022-12-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Diana Beatty and Aiken Audubon for a Christmas Eve Nature Walk – December 24, 2022, 9a-12n!
Fountain Creek Nature Center offers a look into the marsh wildlife area with a variety of discovery experiences. Easy walking trails are throughout, binoculars are available with advanced notice. No reservations required. Please arrive at the Fountain Creek Nature Center by 9a.

320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817
From I-25 Exit 132A, go east on CO 16 to US Highway, then south one-half mile. Turn west on Cattail Marsh Road to parking area.
