Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Rock Ledge Ranch: Thursday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
2024-09-19 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Denver) | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Rock Ledge Ranch Weekday Birding: Thursday, September 19, 8:00 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 by the Rock Ledge Ranch entrance kiosk. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size will be limited to 8 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at kipGmiller@gmail.com .

Birds & Brews - Manitou Lake followed by BierWerks with Jessica Miller
2024-09-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Sunday, September 22
Manitou Lake (9am) followed by BierWerks (12pm)
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.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. This 2 mile hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails. There’s a lot to see and explore so we’ll be on our feet the whole time.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. Lederhosen not necessary.
– At the entrance, a $10 fee per vehicle is charged. Option to carpool/caravan from Old Colorado City area at 7:15am.
– RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Join DFO & Aiken for a joint Chico Basin Trip with Jessica Miller - registration opens on 9/2 at 12n via dfobirds.org
2024-09-23 06:00 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Chico Basin Ranch
9/23/2024 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Jessica Miller jessicaisbirding@gmail.com or 706-288-8112
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
See trip description for meeting instructions
This trip is limited to the first 12 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 September 2, 2024 at 12n via dfobirds.org

Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Clear Spring Ranch: Thursday, September 26, 8:30 a.m.
2024-09-26 08:30 - 11:30 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Clear Spring Ranch Weekday Birding: Thursday, September 26, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for a late September morning exploring this county-managed, 970-acre park along Fountain Creek for both migrant and early 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 10. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at kipGmiller@gmail.com.

Join Aiken & David Tonnessen at Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space - September 28
2024-09-28 06:45 - 10:00 | Big Johnson Reservoir and Bluestem Prairie Open Space, 6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado springs, 80911, United States
Join Aiken and David Tonnessen at Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space (Sep 28) for a lovely morning enjoying bird migration and whatever bugs and plants catch our interest at this iconic prairie open space. We’ll meet at the dirt parking lot at 6:45 am to scope the reservoir and watch waterbirds and whatever shorebirds we can find from this good vantage point, before taking a pleasant hike through the open space trails to get to the other side of the reservoir looking for land birds. We’ll walk 1-1.5 miles, so bring a sun hat, water, snacks, and optics. This is a great location and time of year to find migrants, both on land and in water!

Saturday September 28 at Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space at 6:45 – 10:00 am!
6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911

Contact David at davidtonnessenx@gmail.com to sign up. Trip is capped at 8 participants.

Join Aiken and Diane Luck on a trip to Lake George, October 12th!
2024-10-12 08:00 - 12:00 | Lake George, Hwy 24, 80827
Join Aiken and Diane Luck on October 12th for a visit to Lake George!
The ducks should have arrived by then and there are usually eagles around, too!
Meet at the Walmart in Woodland Park to carpool at 8am. We’ll gather in the northwest corner of the parking lot to leave at 8a.

Limit: 10 people (the public access at the lake viewing areas is very limited). Please secure your spot by emailing mhelton016@gmail.com

Diane is a certified bird bander and former Aiken board of directors member (program).

Birds & Brews - Quail Lake followed by Urban Animal with Jessica Miller
2024-10-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Quail Lake Park, Corner of E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd and Quail Lake Rd.
Sunday, October 13
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 a variety of migrants. 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.
– No public restroom on site (there may be a porta potty)

Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, October 26, 8:00 am – 3:00 p.m
2024-10-26 08:00 - 15:00 | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, October 26, 8:00 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. 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 within the state park at the parking lot located at the end of West Fishing Road. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Note a $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. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at kipGmiller@gmail.com.

Join Joe LaFleur at Garden of the Gods on October 26th!
2024-10-26 08:30 - 11:30 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
Saturday, October 26, Garden of the Gods
8:30-10:00 AM– FREE Bird Walk to Rock Ledge Ranch. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the trees and plants where birds live. Meet at flagpole in front of Visitor Center. Binoculars suggested.
10:30-11:30 AM– FREE Program. Learn to identify common local birds by sight and sound. Meet at Red Rocks Room in Visitor Center.
Bird walk and program led by local wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur.
Space limited, register at:
gardenofgods.com/events/calendar/bird-walk-program
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801.

Join Joe LaFleur at Wild Birds Unlimited on November 2nd!
2024-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Wild Birds Unlimited, 2450 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs
Saturday, November 2, Wild Birds Unlimited, 2450 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs

9:00-10:30 AM– Guided bird walk for about one mile at Austin Bluffs Open Space. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the trees and plants where birds live. Meet at the store. Binoculars suggested.
11:00 AM-12:00 Noon– FREE Program. Learn to identify common fall and winter yard birds by sight and sound. Meet at the store.
Bird walk and program led by local wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur.
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801.

*TRIP FULL* Birds & Brew - Red Rock Canyon followed by Fossil Craft Brewing with Jessica Miller
2024-11-03 10:00 - 13:00 | CO
Sunday, November 3

Red Rock Canyon Open Space (10am) & Fossil Craft Brewing (12pm)
We’ll hike the valleys and hogbacks enjoying the scenery and birds – while we expect mostly wintering and resident birds, perhaps we’ll find a late migrant or two. Afterwards we’ll pop into Fossil Craft Beer Company for a beer or two.
– Difficulty: Moderate. We will walk about 2 miles over mostly level terrain with one steep section.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
– Porta potties are typically on site.
This trip is at capacity at 25 birders. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Join Aiken and Diana Beatty at The Glen - November 16 at 11a
2024-11-16 11:00 - 13:00 | The Glen, 38°43'37.8"N 104°39'56.1"W
Join Diana Beatty at The Glen (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L16237686) on November 16th at 11a.
Depending on the weather and birdiness, the walk will go between 2-3 hours.

Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Let Melanie know ahead of time if you need to borrow binoculars.

– Difficulty: easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain
– Please RSVP by emailing Melanie at mhelton016@gmail.com
— Walk is limited to the first 12 responders

The parking is only street parking in a neighborhood, carpooling would be a good idea. For those who can carpool, Diana would like to meet at Mesa Ridge Dental at 10:45 a.m. 6980 Mesa Ridge Parkway. For anyone who can’t carpool, we’ll meet up as close to 11 as possible at the trailhead across from 7006 Dutch Loop.

Take I-25 S to Fountain

Continue on Mesa Ridge Pkwy. Drive to Waterville Way in Security-Widefield

3 min (1.3 mi)

Join DFO, Aiken and David Suddjian on November 29th - Pueblo area!
2024-11-29 06:30 - 17:00 | Pueblo Area
Registration opens at 12n on 11/8/24. You must register on DFObirds.org
Pueblo area
11/29/2024 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Leader: David Suddjian dsuddjian@gmail.com or 831-713-8659
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
Meet at Lowe’s in Castle Rock near the outlet stores. I-25 south, exit at Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St, Castle Rock, CO 80108
View Meeting Place on Google Maps
This trip is limited to the first 12 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Developed, Grassland, Reservoir, Riparian, Scrub, Wetland
Let’s head down to Pueblo to peruse likely hotspots at a great time for rare and uncommon migrants. We might see loons, scoters, grebes and fun gulls at Lake Pueblo State Park. Other locations such as Pueblo City Park, and Valco Ponds will add some variety. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, your binoculars, a scope if you have one. 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. Rendezvous options for Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas will be provided. We will begin at Lake Pueblo at 8 am.

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for Birds & Brews - Bear Creek Regional Park East & South Park Brewing!
2024-12-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
December 15
Bear Creek Regional Park East (10am) & South Park Brewing (12pm)

– We’ll explore Bear Creek, the beaver ponds along it, and the meadows and scrub oak habitat within Bear Creek Regional Park East. Afterwards we’ll head to South Park Brewing to warm up with a beer and brunch!
– 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.
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

*FULL* Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for Birds & Brews - Monument Valley Park & Phantom Canyon
2025-01-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Monument Valley Park
This program is FULL at 25 birders. You may still email Jessica to join the waitlist.
January 26
Monument Valley Park (10am) & Phantom Canyon (12pm)

– Monument Valley Park offers ponds, gardens, and woodlands all along Monument Creek. Give this urban gem a chance as it can offer a nice variety of birds!

– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Let Jessica know ahead of time if you need to borrow binoculars.
– Difficulty: Easy. We will walk on relatively flat terrain for about 2 miles.
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Join Aiken, Jessica Miller, and Michael Stewart at Fountain Creek Nature Center - January 27, 2025!
2025-01-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Aiken, Jessica Miller, and Michael Stewart at Fountain Creek Nature Center – January 27, 2025!

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The woodlands, meadows, wetlands, creek, and ponds of Fountain Creek Regional Park make this one of the best places to observe a wide variety of birds in the region. Many species are possible on this guided walk, but we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for Great-horned Owls, American Dipper, Marsh Wren, and any rarities hanging out at “the spa”.

Restrooms: available at the Nature Center where we’ll begin and end our walk, but not on the trails.

Difficulty: easy/moderate. 2.5 miles over mostly flat trails. Depending on the weather a few days before, the trail could have patches of snow, ice, or mud.

Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com as space is limited. Binoculars are available for borrowing.

DATE CHANGE!! Join Aiken and Mary Wilson at Rock Ledge Ranch - January 30, 2025!
2025-01-30 09:30 - 11:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Due to the cold weather, we’ve rescheduled to January 30th!
Rock Ledge Ranch : Thursday, January 30, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
Located adjacent to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Rock Ledge Ranch is a great way to enjoy nature and observe a few flickers, scrub jays, bushtits, ravens and who knows! 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. We may walk a mile or so, but slowly and on easy terrain.
We will meet at the visitor hut in the Rock Ledge Parking Lot, south-end at 930a. Dress for Colorado weather! If you need to borrow binoculars, please let Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com) know in advance.

FULL - waitlist only! Join Aiken and Jenyva Fox for a trip to Rocky Mountain Aresenal National Wildlife Refuge on January 31, 2025!
2025-01-31 07:30 - 16:30 | Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, 6550 Gateway Road - HQ CO 80022, Commerce City, CO, 80022
This trip is full; waitlist only.
Join Aiken and Jenyva Fox for a trip to Rocky Mountain Aresenal National Wildlife Refuge on January 31, 2025!

* We will meet at a central location in the Springs and carpool to Rocky Mountain Arsenal as it is 1.5 hour drive.
* We will bird at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR from 9am-noon. https://ebird.org/hotspot/L167924
* Target birds will be raptors and waterfowl, viewing from cars along the Wildlife Drive and from boardwalk viewing areas of ponds.
* We will also walk a few short trails to look for winter passerines.
* We will eat lunch at the NWR or the Visitor Center and then head to the National Eagle Repository which is right next door to the NWR.
* Our tour of the repository will be from 1pm-2pm. https://www.fws.gov/program/national-eagle-repository
* We will learn about the repository’s role in developing and providing educational programs regarding wildlife trade, wildlife laws and the Native American eagle feather program.
* Head back to the Springs after the tour. (Optional- We can also visit the RMA NWR Visitor Center as there are some really interesting history and ecology displays in the center.)

The trip is limited to the first 11 responders, 12 including our leader!

Please RSVP to Jenyva directly at jenyvat@gmail.com. Deadline to RSVP is 1/27 and Jenyva will send all instructions prior.

Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center - Saturday mornings in February
2025-02-01 09:00 - 10:30 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Michael Stewart and Starsmore every Saturday in February at 9a.
Saturday morning bird and general nature hikes at 0900 at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. This will continue from this Saturday, February 1 to the end of February. Easy, 1 to 2 miles, can be icy so bring appropriate gear ( I wear cleats). 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.

Rock Ledge Ranch with Mary Wilson, February 6 at 930a
2025-02-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Third time is a charm! Weather hasn’t been cooperating, yet we’re trying again!
Join Aiken and Mary Wilson at Rock Ledge Ranch : Thursday, February 6, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
Located adjacent to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Rock Ledge Ranch is a great way to enjoy nature and observe a few flickers, scrub jays, bushtits, ravens and who knows! 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. We may walk a mile or so, but slowly and on easy terrain.
We will meet at the visitor hut in the Rock Ledge Parking Lot, south-end at 930a. Dress for Colorado weather! If you need to borrow binoculars, please let Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com) know in advance.

Join Aiken and Cinnamon Bergeron at Clear Spring Ranch, February 8th at 8a
2025-02-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Aiken and Cinnamon Bergeron at Clear Spring Ranch, a 930-acre linear park situated along Fountain Creek south the city of Fountain. This open space features active farming, grasslands and foothills ecosystems. The walking distance may be up to three miles, but at an easy birding pace and on level trails and gravel roads.
Cinnamon Bergeron will lead this outing. Meet at the Clear Springs Ranch parking lot. Group size limited to 15. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Melanie at mhelton016@gmail.com
If you’d like to reserve a pair of binoculars, please let Melanie know when reserving your space.
Dress for Colorado winter! Bathrooms are located at the trail head.

Starsmore Bird & Nature Hike every Saturday in February
2025-02-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-15 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-22 09:00 - 10:30 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for Birds & Brews - Prospect Lake & Pikes Peak Brewing Company
2025-02-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Prospect Lake 715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs, 715 Prospect Lake Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910, United States
February 9
Prospect Lake (10am) & Pikes Peak Brewing Company (S. Tejon) (12pm)

– Prospect Lake is an urban recreational site, but this large body of water is a magnet for waterfowl and gulls in the winter. Afterwards we’ll pop over to Pikes Peak Brewing .
– Difficulty: Easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain and will walk about 1.25 miles.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Bring a scope if you have one. Let Jessica know if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars.

– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Join Mary Wilson & Aiken at Bear Creek Nature Center, March 13th at 830a
2025-03-13 08:30 - 10:30 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Join Mary Wilson and Aiken at Bear Creek Nature Center, March 13th at 830a!
No registration required and hope that you can join us!

– 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.
– This will be an easy-moderate hike up to 3 miles. There are some steps along the trail.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. Dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Melanie know in advance.

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER - Join Aiken & Deb Strike for a trip to Fairplay on March 14th! Come join us!
2025-03-14 08:15 | CO
Canceled due to weather!
Aiken and Deb Strike are inviting 7 others to visit Deb’s home in Fairplay, which is notorious for great mountain birding! To register, email Melanie at mhelton016@gmail.com. Know that the commute is 2 hours each way. We will be carpooling from Rock Ledge Ranch parking lot, meeting at 815a on Friday, March 14th. Depending on the weather, 4 wheel drive and snow tires are preferred for the 2 vehicles used in carpooling.
When you register, please let Melanie know if you can drive and whether you have 4 wheel drive. Four passengers in each of the 2 cars is needed.
Bring your lunch! Also the birds can be seen from a comfortable and warm cabin. Big advantage!
Possible birds:
Rosy finches
Mountain chickadee
Canada Jays
Clark’s Nutcracker
Pine Grosbeak
Red Crossbills
White breasted Nuthatch
Red Breasted Nuthatch
Stellar’s jay
Hairy woodpecker
Pine Siskin
Rough legged hawks can be seen from the road around Hartsel sometimes. Moose have been seen also.

*WAITLIST* Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for March 16 Birds & Brews - Fountain Creek Nature Center & Peaks & Pines Brewing
2025-03-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fountain Creek Nature Center & Peaks & Pines Brewing

Sunday, March 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The woodlands, meadows, wetlands, creek, and ponds of Fountain Creek Regional Park make this one of the best places to observe a wide variety of birds in the region. Many species are possible on this guided walk, but we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for Great-horned Owls, Marsh Wren, and any rarities hanging out at “the spa”.
– Restrooms will be available at the Nature Center
– Difficulty: easy/moderate. This will be a 2.5 mile walk along mostly flat trails at a slow, birder’s pace.
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP.
– This trip is full at 25 participants, but you may still join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Join Joe LaFleur at Manitou Lake Bird Walk & Birding 101- Sparrows, Warblers and Tanagers
2025-03-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Manitou Lake Bird Walk & Birding 101- Sparrows, Warblers and Tanagers
Saturday, March 22
9:00-10:00 AM– Bird Walk at Manitou Lake north of Woodland Park. Meet at park entrance, $10 per vehicle
11:00 AM-12:00 Noon– FREE Program, Ute Pass Historical Society, 231 E. Henrietta Ave., Woodland Park
Learn to identify common local birds by sight and sound. This session includes birds like Sparrows, Warblers and Tanagers.
Program by Joe LaFleur, local birding expert and author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County.
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

Joint DFO & Aiken trip with Megan Miller
2025-04-12 07:00 - 13:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join DFO, Aiken and Megan Miller on April 12th, 7a-1p
Half-day moderate trip with first half at Clear Spring Ranch Regional Park (east side of I-25 at Exit 123). Then we will drive north to Fountain Creek Regional Park for lunch and walking the park. Look for early migrants and residents. Bring lunch, snacks, lots of water, bug spray, and sun screen. Expect 4-5 miles of mainly flat walking. Trails are a mix of paved and gravel. Be prepared for mud! Done by 1pm at the latest.
The trip is limited to 12 people. Register today via DFO’s site at:
https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=21993
