Aiken Audubon Society

Join Joe LaFleur at Mueller State Park - May 3rd
2025-05-03 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Saturday, May 3, Mueller State Park
8:30-10:00 AM– Bird Walk. Meet at the Elk Meadows Trailhead. Learn how to identify local birds by sight and sound, while also learning about the plants and trees where birds live.
10:00-11:00 AM– Bird Program. Meet at Visitor Center. Learn to identify common breeding birds of the park in this audiovisual program.
Parks Pass required.

Bird walks and programs by local author and wildlife biologist Joe LaFleur
More info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

Join Michael Stewart and Starsmore every Saturday in May at 9a.
2025-05-03 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-10 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Michael Stewart and Starsmore every Saturday in May at 9a.
Saturday morning bird and general nature hikes at 0900 at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. Easy, 1 to 2 miles, wear appropriate walking attire – it may be muddy. For reservations call (719) 385-6086. Led by Michael Stewart, new participant in Audubon.

Michael Stewart
Bird and Nature Hike
0900 Saturday mornings (throughout February)
NCCP Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center
2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd.

*FULL* Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for May 11 Birds & Brews at Aiken Canyon Preserve & Urban Animal
2025-05-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Aiken Canyon Preserve & Urban Animal
Sunday, May 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This hidden gem southwest of Colorado Springs is a quiet retreat into the juniper-pinyon foothills. Spring migration will be in full swing so we can expect many species to be singing and moving through. Our target bird for this location is the Juniper Titmouse.
– Restrooms available at the trailhead only
– Difficulty: moderate. We will walk up to 4 miles along a trail with some steps and incline.
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP.
– This trip is full. You can email Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com to join the waitlist.

Join Kayleen Garrels for a Garden of The Gods Birding Walk! Offered every Thursday May through July!
2025-05-15 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-05-22 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-05-29 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-05 09:30 - 10:30 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
Join Kayleen Garrels for a Garden of The Gods Birding Walk! Offered every Thursday May through July!
The Garden of the Gods is launching a new registration system that lets you choose your price level—typically $5, $10, or $20—to sign up for a program. Aiken Audubon Society members can attend for free! This program will be offered weekly from May through July.
Garden of the Gods Park is a part of the Colorado Birding Trail meaning it is home to a variety of birds largely due it being a crossroads of six different ecosystems. Come explore several of our ecosystems on this guided birding walk geared towards beginners and intermediates to see and learn more about our local birds. The walk locations will vary month to month to include portions of the following trails: Gateway Trail, Foothills Trail, Dakota Trail, Bretag Trail, Ute Trail, Rock Ledge Ranch trails, and the Niobrara Trail. Optics recommended and binoculars available. Binoculars encouraged but not required, we will explore birding by sound as well. Questions? Call 719-219-0108.
Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Please register at their site: https://gardenofgods.com/

Joint DFO & Aiken trip with Jessica Miller @Chico Basin, May 19th 6a
2025-05-19 06:00 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Join DFO & Aiken for a joint Chico Basin Trip with Jessica Miller – registration opens on 4/28 at 12n via dfobirds.org
May 19, 2025 @ 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
This trip is offered cooperatively by the Aiken Audubon Society and the Denver Field Ornithologists.
Chico Basin Ranch
5/19/2025 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Jessica Miller jessicaisbirding@gmail.com or 706-288-8112
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Please sign up via DFO, at https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/UpcomingTrips.aspx
This trip is limited to the first 11 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Grassland, Wetland
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. 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. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 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. 5:30am – Denver-area participants will meet in Castle Rock to carpool down. 6:30 a.m. – everyone will meet in Fountain, CO before heading east to Chico. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants registered through DFO to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. We will need a few drivers to volunteer to drive as carpooling is greatly preferred.

Join Michael Stewart and Aiken to Mueller State Park May 23!
2025-05-23 08:00 - 13:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
May 23, (Friday) 2025 Aiken Audubon Bird Walk and Grouse Mountain Hike (both rather short hikes)
9:00 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadows Trailhead (Mueller State Park)
Carpool – meet at 8: a.m., at Safeway Parking Lot, Manitou Springs, 3275 W Colorado Ave, Manitou Springs, far end of parking lot (near “creek”), look for red tesla
Limited to 15 participants, email me at stewartpms@gmail.com
Migrating birds are passing through Mueller for the annual flight north. Come see what birds are here along with a general nature hike. 1-mile slow-paced walk. Afterwards, those that want can go to the end of the road and hike up to Grouse Mountain Overlook. A beautiful overlook and highest point in the park. Led by Aiken member and Mueller volunteer naturalist Michael Stewart.
Dress for Colorado weather; bring water and snacks!

Join Joe LaFleur at Green Mountain Falls - May 24
2025-05-24 08:30 - 09:30 | Green Mountain Falls
Saturday, May 24, Bird Walk, Green Mountain Falls, 8:30-9:30 AM
Meet at the Painted Bear Store for a FREE guided bird walk around Gazebo Lake and along Fountain Creek. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the trees and plants where birds live.

Bird walks and programs by local author and wildlife biologist Joe LaFleur
More info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

Joint DFO & Aiken trip with Jessica Miller to Chico Basin, May 26 at 6a
2025-05-26 06:00 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Join DFO & Aiken for a joint Chico Basin Trip with Jessica Miller – registration opens on 5/5 at 12n via dfobirds.org
May 26, 2025 @ 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
This trip is offered cooperatively by the Aiken Audubon Society and the Denver Field Ornithologists.
Chico Basin Ranch
5/26/2025 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Jessica Miller jessicaisbirding@gmail.com or 706-288-8112
Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Please sign up via DFO, at https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/UpcomingTrips.aspx
This trip is limited to the first 11 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Grassland, Wetland
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. 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. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 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. 5:30am – Denver-area participants will meet in Castle Rock to carpool down. 6:30 a.m. – everyone will meet in Fountain, CO before heading east to Chico. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants registered through DFO to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. We will need a few drivers to volunteer to drive as carpooling is greatly preferred.
Registration opens on May 5, 2025 at 12n via dfobirds.org

Join Aiken and Melissa Wetzig at Stephanie's Trail, Thursday May 29th at 8a!
2025-05-29 08:00 - 10:30 | Stephanie’s Trail, 38.8213596, -104.8900446
Join Aiken and Melissa Wetzig for a great hike at Stephanie’s Trail, May 29th!

Meet on Bear Creek Rd near the water storage tank which is just south of Bear Creek Nature Center. There are several pull off parking spots near there.

(38.8213596, -104.8900446)
Registration is limited 10. Please rsvp to Melanie at mhelton016@gmail.com to reserve your spot!

8 am to 10:30 am

Approximately 2.5 miles making a round trip loop on portions of the Stephanie’s Trail, the Cub Trails, and Bear Creek Road in Bear Creak Canyon.

Single track trail, nice tree coverage, easy incline, approximately 200 feet elevation gain.

Possible birds- flycatchers, warblers, western tanagers, oven birds, wrens, nuthatches, swallows, hummingbirds and vireos, and possibly their nests.

Dress for CO weather! No bathroom facilities are available.

Join Joe LaFleur at Wilkerson Pass on May 31st
2025-05-31 08:30 - 10:30 | Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center, 26696 US-24, Lake George, CO 80827
Saturday, May 31, Bird Walks at Wilkerson Pass
8:30-9:30 AM & 9:30-10:30 AM
FREE bird walks along the one mile Puma Point trail. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the trees and plants where birds live. Meet at the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center.

Bird walks and programs by local author and wildlife biologist Joe LaFleur
More info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

Join Aiken & Mary Rudolph at Starsmore/Cheyenne Canyon - June 26 at 8a
2025-06-26 08:00 - 10:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Aiken and Mary Rudolph on Thursday, June 26th at 8a. Meet in the Starsmore Visitor Center parking at 8a.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk two or so miles over uneven, slightly hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. The trails may be wet; consider your footwear.
– There is a bathroom at our trailhead.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com) know.
— No registration is required.

*FULL* Birds & Brews - Mueller State Park & Paradox Brewing June 29
2025-06-29 08:00 - 12:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Birds & Brews – Mueller State Park & Paradox Brewing
Sunday, June 29, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mueller State Park (8am) & Paradox Brewing (12pm)

– We will hike through the montane forest and meadows and past a couple ponds to find a variety of birds. This is a lovely time to visit, with nesting birds singing and wildflowers blooming! Afterwards we’ll relax in the shade at Paradox Brewing!
– This will be a moderate-difficult hike. Our route will take us 4 miles over moderate terrain at a birder’s pace.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. Dress for the Divide, CO forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Free park entry if you have a Colorado State Parks pass. Or, a $10 vehicle charge will apply at the entrance.

– This trip is full, but you can join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Full for walk & waitlist! Join Professor Brian Linkhart for a Flammulated Owl Event - Friday, July 11th
2025-07-11 18:30 - 21:30 | To Be Determined
This trip is full and so is our waitlist! We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 11th 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 offering to our membership first from June 1 through June 15! 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. After June 15th, the offering will be open to the general public if there are slots remaining….so register early!

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-in with the twelve confirmed individuals a few days beforehand to confirm. Please list your best contact information within the registration request (email and phone number) for each individual. I will work a waitlist to ensure that we have a full group!

Thank you for being a member of Aiken!

Birds & Brews - Rainbow Gulch Trail & BierWerks July 20
2025-07-20 08:00 - 12:00 | Rainbow Gulch
Birds & Brews – Rainbow Gulch Trail & BierWerks
Sunday, July 20, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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, and 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.
– Few spots remain! RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Clear Spring Ranch with Collin Hildreth
2025-08-09 07:30 - 11:30 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Collin Hildreth for a morning exploring this county-managed, 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 three 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 by 7:30 a.m. Don’t forget your binoculars and anything else you like to bring birding, like a camera. There are vault toilets at the trailhead.

*FULL* Birds & Brews - Manitou Lake & 110 Reserve August 10
2025-08-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Birds & Brews – Manitou Lake & 110 Reserve
Sunday, August 10, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Manitou Lake (9am) followed by 110 Reserve (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 by 110 Reserve in Woodland Park to enjoy their beer garden, maybe a cocktail, and snacks!
– Difficulty: Easy. This 2 mile hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast.
– 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 7:15am.
– This trip is at capacity, but you may join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Park County Reservoirs with Denver Field Ornithologists
2025-08-25 06:30 - 15:30 | Antero Reservoir, Antero Reservoir, Colorado 80449, Hartsel, Colorado, 80449, United States
Park County Reservoirs with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
Monday, August 25, 2025, 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Leaders: Joseph Tuttle & David Suddjian
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
This trip will focus on birding Antero Reservoir in lovely South Park. Late summer is a good time for shorebirds there, and a variety of other species may be seen. Antero has a history of rare birds, and we might get lucky. Depending on time, we may visit another location, too. We will walk up to a couple of miles on mostly level but uneven ground. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of liquids, a snack and lunch. We will carpool from our meeting and rendezvous spots, and a rendezvous location in Park County will be announced in advance. Restrooms will be available at Antero Reservoir.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 8/4/2025 on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22137. 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.

*FULL* Chico Basin Ranch
2025-09-08 06:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
This trip is full at 11 participants. You may join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.
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.
We will meet in Fountain, CO by 6:30 a.m. to carpool/caravan east to Chico. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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.

*FULL* Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
2025-09-09 05:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Kip Miller
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Habitats to bird: Grassland, Riparian, Scrub, Wetland
We’ve added a second fall opportunity to visit this popular El Paso County birding location. (The Sept 15 outing filled quickly….) 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 5:30 am, as indicated. Those coming from the El Paso County region and the leader will meet at Kirk Hanna Park (just north of the Chico Basin Ranch entrance) at 7 a.m. and then we will enter the ranch together. We are required to exit the ranch by 1:00 p.m., so the outing will conclude by that time at the latest. Closer to the trip, Kip 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 12 participants and registration is now open 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.

*FULL* Sondermann Park with Jo Anne and Patty
2025-09-11 08:00 - 10:30 | Sondermann Park, 740 W Carmamillo St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
September 11, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am

Join Jo Anne Peterson and Patty Lovekin on September 11th, 8:00-10:30 a.m. at Sondermann Park, a 97-acre natural park where you can find many species in the large trees and along the creek. Easy walk across flat terrain with small hills.
Parking is tight, so you may want to carpool or park on the roadway across from the park’s entrance. The park is located at 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907

This trip is full at 15 birders. Join the waitlist by emailing fieldtrips@aikenaudubon.com

Hope to see you there!

Fall Bird Count at Fountain Creek Nature Center
2025-09-13 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
This event is being hosted by Fountain Creek Nature Center. 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 - Bear Creek East & Westfax Brewing
2025-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Bear Creek Regional Park East (10am) & Westfax Brewing Co (12pm)

We’ll explore Bear Creek, the beaver ponds along it, the meadows, and scrub oak habitat within Bear Creek Regional Park East. Afterwards we’ll head to Westfax Brewing for a beer!
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Let Jessica know ahead of time if you need to borrow binoculars.
– Difficulty: Moderate. We will be on relatively flat terrain with some incline and will walk about 2 miles.
– Just a couple spots left! RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

*FULL* Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists
2025-09-15 06:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
Monday, September 15, 2025, 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Jessica Miller
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. 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. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 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. Denver-area participants will meet in Castle Rock to carpool down at 5:30 a.m. Everyone will meet in Fountain, CO at 6:30 a.m. before heading east to Chico.
This trip is limited to 11 participants and registration will open at noon on 9/1/2025 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. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants registered through DFO to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. We will need a few drivers to volunteer to drive as carpooling is greatly preferred.
