Aiken Canyon Preserve with Pat Paternostro
2026-07-11 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a summer field trip to Aiken Canyon. We will walk the trails and look for nesting species such as Virginia’s Warbler, Plumbeous Vireo and hopefully an Ovenbird or two.
The walk is about 4 miles and does involve some elevation changes. This hike is considered moderate/difficult. Appropriate for all skill levels of birders. You can RSVP by emailing Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com
We will meet at Aiken Canyon Preserve’s parking lot (map) at 7:00 am. Please bring lots of water and sun protection.
Photo: Black-headed Grosbeak / Evan Barrientos / Audubon

*Waitlist Only* Birds & Brews – Rainbow Gulch Trail & BierWerks - July 26
2026-07-26 08:00 - 13:00 | Rainbow Gulch
Rainbow Gulch (8am) followed by BierWerks (12pm)
This easy/moderate 3.5 mile round trip will take us through the montane forests and briefly along the Rampart Reservoir. Along the way we will look for a great variety of summer birds like Williamson’s & Red-naped Sapsuckers, American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Red Crossbills, Evening Grosbeaks, and more. We’ll make sure to look low, too, for beautiful blooming wildflowers like Rocky Mountain Columbine and Fireweed! Afterwards we’ll kick up our feet and rehydrate at BierWerks down in Woodland Park.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. This 3.5 out-and-back has less than 300 feet elevation gain.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. (Need to borrow binocs? just ask when you RSVP!)

This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Clear Spring Ranch with Collin Hildreth
2026-08-08 06:30 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Collin Hildreth for a morning exploring this 970-acre park along Fountain Creek for late-summer breeding 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 four miles, but at an easy birding pace and on level trails and gravel roads.
No RSVP required. Just meet the group at the Clear Springs Ranch parking lot at 6:30 a.m. Don’t forget your binoculars and anything else you like to bring birding, like a camera. You might like to bring water and a snack. There are vault toilets at the trailhead.
Photo: Yellow-breasted Chat / Megumi Aita / Audubon Photography Awards

*Waitlist Only* Birds & Brews – Manitou Lake & Mad Hatter Saloon - August 16
2026-08-16 08:30 - 12:00 | CO
Manitou Lake (8:30am) followed by Mad Hatter Saloon (11am)
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. On our way home we’ll stop outside Cascade to get a refreshment at Mad Hatter Saloon!
– Difficulty: Easy. This 2 mile hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. (Need binocs? Request to borrow some when you RSVP!)
– At the entrance, a $11 fee per vehicle is charged (or $5/car with valid NP pass). Option to carpool/caravan from Old Colorado City area at 7:50am.

This trip is full. Join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Mt Herman Trail to Monument Rock with Pat Paternostro
2026-08-22 07:00 - 11:00 | CO
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a bird walk on the Mt Herman trail in Monument. We will look for resident and migratory species including Green-tailed Towhee, Cassin’s Finch, and Lazuli Bunting.
The walk is mostly on flat ground with a few slight inclines and is roughly 3 miles.
We will meet at 7am at the Mt Herman trail parking lot, located at the corner of Mt Herman Rd and Nursery Rd (Google Maps link).
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by emailing Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com.

Photo: Cassin’s Finch, Bruce Dunbar

Full Moon Walk at Clear Spring Ranch
2026-08-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Aiken Audubon & Pat Paternostro for a Full Moon Hike on Thursday, August 27th at Clear Spring Ranch! We will look for birds wrapping up their days, critters getting ready for the evening, and hopefully an owl or two.
The walk will be about 2 miles and will be on mostly flat ground. Water, bug spray and durable walking shoes are recommended. There are vault toilets at the parking lot.
We will meet at the Clear Spring Ranch parking lot at 7pm.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP Pat Paternostro, broncos30@hotmail.com
Photo: Osprey, Pat Paternostro

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Bruce Dunbar
2026-08-29 06:30 - 10:30 | 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 species – targets include Cassin’s Finches, Canyon Wrens, Juniper Titmice, and early migration surprises.
Due to the narrow trail, this trip is limited to 10 birders. RSVP by emailing Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.

Fountain Creek Regional Park & Nature Center with DFO
2026-09-11 05:30 - 12:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fountain Creek Regional Park & Nature Center with Denver Field Ornithologists
Friday, September 11, 2026, 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Later start and earlier finish for COS-area birders)
Leaders: Linda Purcell & Judy McKeon
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
A half-day trip during peak Fall migration! FCRP has some of the most diverse and extensive bird habitat in El Paso County. We will search for fall migrants and residents including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Participants from the Denver region meet at Castle Rock at 5:30, and participants from the Colorado Springs area can meet at 6:45 at the Nature Center. This trip is rated moderate for duration, however we’ll be mostly on improved trails. Wear layers and comfortable shoes or boots, hat, sunscreen and whatever else keeps you comfortable. Bring water and snacks for the day. Leaders will have a scope, bring your binoculars and a camera if you wish. Plan to walk 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 miles. Restrooms available enroute and at the park.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 8/21/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22551. 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.
This trip is at the same time and place as another outing, the Fountain Creek Bird Count. Consider that opportunity if you don’t make it onto this one!

Austin Bluffs Open Space with Collin Hildreth
2026-09-12 06:30 - 11:00 | Austin Bluffs Open Space (38.909919, -104.789987)
Austin Bluffs is a relatively under-birded site on the north side of the city. We will hike along some interesting geography through foothills meadows and pine oak forests. Besides year-round residents and summer breeding birds, fall migrants may give us some surprises!
Difficulty: Moderate. We will hike ~3-4 miles over uneven trails.
Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. You might like to bring a snack and water.
No public restroom on site.
We will meet at UCCS Parking Lot 580, located at 5331 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (across the street from Trader Joe’s)

Photo: Lazuli Bunting / Melissa James / Audubon Photography Awards

Fountain Creek Regional Park Fall Bird Count
2026-09-12 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
This event is being hosted by Fountain Creek Nature Center. This event is free; any donations benefit the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers.
Join the annual tradition and help record the number of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during fall migration. After morning snacks, quick socializing, and group assignments, we’ll split up across the Regional Park to identify and count all the birds. All levels of birders are welcome, and binoculars can be borrowed for free from the Nature Center. This is a citizen science project and children under 7 years old may not enjoy the activity.
Spots are limited; sign up by emailing Jessica Miller, Nature Center Supervisor, at jessicamiller@elpasoco.com

Birds & Brews: Black Forest Section 16 & Black Forest Brewing
2026-09-13 08:00 - 12:00 | CO
Birds & Brews
Sunday, September 13, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Black Forest Section 16 (8am) followed by Black Forest Brewing (12pm)

This is a relatively under-birded trail through Ponderosa pines. Let’s visit in fall migration to add to eBird data and see if we can find any surprises! Afterwards we’ll head just up the road the Black Forest Brewing.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. This 4 mile loop-trail hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Monument forecast.
– Space is limited. RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Chico Basin Ranch - Group Birding Trip with Bruce Dunbar
2026-09-19 05:30 - 13:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
This trip is ideal for those that have never visited Chico Basin Ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. Together we will explore the three sites open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, The Headquarters pond, and Rose’s Pond. During our trip we will venture across county lines to scour vast prairie, woodlands, open water, wetlands, and riparian areas for a very wide variety of birds, including wonderful migrants. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby half of the time. Of course, bring your favorite birding gear like binoculars and a camera. (Don’t have binoculars? No problem – the trip leader can bring you some!) Wear comfortable walking shoes – we may walk 3 miles at a very slow birder’s pace. Our terrain can be uneven but mostly flat. Long pants are recommended. You’ll want to pack yourself drinks, snacks, and lunch.
We will meet in Fountain, CO by 5:30 a.m. to carpool/caravan east to Chico. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s a big morning, but worth it!
This trip is limited to 11 participants. Two weeks before the trip, the trip leader will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. RSVP by emailing trip leader Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.

Chico Basin Ranch - Group Birding Trip with Jessica Miller
2026-09-21 05:30 - 13:30 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
This trip is ideal for those that have never visited Chico Basin Ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. Together we will explore the three sites open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, The Headquarters pond, and Rose’s Pond. During our trip we will venture across county lines to scour vast prairie, woodlands, open water, wetlands, and riparian areas for a very wide variety of birds, including wonderful migrants. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby half of the time. Of course, bring your favorite birding gear like binoculars and a camera. (Don’t have binoculars? No problem – the trip leader can bring you some!) Wear comfortable walking shoes – we may walk 3 miles at a very slow birder’s pace. Our terrain can be uneven but mostly flat. Long pants are recommended. You’ll want to pack yourself drinks, snacks, and lunch.
We will meet in Fountain, CO by 5:30 a.m. to carpool/caravan east to Chico. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s a big morning, but worth it!
This trip is limited to 11 participants. Two weeks before the trip, the trip leader will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

CMZoo EdVenture Excursion - San Luis Valley - October 5-9
2026-10-05 - 2026-10-09 | CO
This opportunity is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but we think you might be interested!
Registration closes September 1, 2026
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Colorado, from the vast San Luis Valley to waterfalls, prairies, and high-desert habitats. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to spot native wildlife, including songbirds, mule deer, and other species unique to the region. This adventure combines scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and some of Colorado’s most spectacular dark skies.

Monday, October 5 – Friday, October 9, 2026
$1500 per person
Transportation and Lodging included in cost
Sandhill Crane viewing at Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge
Easy and adventurous hike at Zapata falls
Blanca Wetlands exploration and ranger talk
Daytime exploration and stargazing at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Registration closes September 1, 2026

For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/custom-animal-experiences/bring-the-zoo-to-you/edventure-excursions/
Photo: Sandhill Crane, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado / Paul Sment / Audubon Photography Awards
