Aiken Audubon Society

Join Mary Wilson & Aiken at Bear Creek Nature Center, March 13th at 830a
2025-03-13 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Denver) | 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

Join Michael Stewart and Starsmore every Saturday in April and May at 9a.
2025-04-19 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-26 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 April and 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.

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for April 20 Birds & Brews at Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
2025-04-20 08:00 - 12:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
Sunday, April 20, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
We’ll meet to carpool/caravan down to Pueblo for a morning full of birding! Where we go will depend on recent bird reports, but expect to spend most of our time at the Valco Ponds and Pueblo Reservoir in search of a large variety of birds, including waterfowl, birds of prey, migrants, and quail.

– Restrooms will be available regularly
– Difficulty: moderate. Walking will be easy along mostly flat trails, but it will be a long morning and into the afternoon.
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP. If you have a scope, you’ll like having it here.
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com as space is limited.

Join Aiken and Collin Hildreth at Austin Bluffs Open Space on Saturday, April 26th!
2025-04-26 08:00 - 11:00 | Austin Bluffs Open Space (38.909919, -104.789987)
Join Aiken and Collin Hildreth at Austin Bluffs Open Space on Saturday, April 26th!
Austin Bluffs Open Space (8am)

– Please RSVP to Melanie Helton if you’d like to join. mhelton016@gmail.com

– 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.
– Difficulty: Moderate. We will hike ~3-4 miles over uneven trails. Depending on weather conditions leading up to the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. You might like to bring a snack and water. Don’t have binoculars? Let Melanie know you would like to borrow a pair.
– No public restroom on site.
– We will meet on the east side at the intersection of Rockhurst Blvd. and University Park Blvd, 38.909919, -104.789987. Park along Rockhurst Blvd and meet at the traffic circle.
Click here for map

You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the walk.

Joint DFO & Aiken trip with Jessica Miller to Pueblo area, April 27 @ 7a!
2025-04-27 07:00 - 14:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Area with Jessica Miller – Joint Aiken & Denver Field Ornithologists Trip!
April 27, 2025 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
This trip is offered cooperatively by the Aiken Audubon Society and the Denver Field Ornithologists.
Pueblo area
04/27/2025 7:00 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 15 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Developed, Reservoir, Riparian, Wetland
Let’s head down to Pueblo to peruse Runyon Lake, Pueblo City Park, Valco Ponds, and Pueblo Reservoir. It will be fun to see what migrants are coming through, and what rarities might appear! Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, your binoculars, a scope if you have one, and a camera if you like. If you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars, let the trip leader know. Bathrooms will be available regularly. Wear good walking shoes, our trip will be over relatively flat, easy, unpaved terrain. Carpool and caravan options from Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo areas will be provided.

Join Aiken and Kelly Liddell at Kettle Lakes!
2025-05-03 07:00 - 11:00 | Kettle Lakes, Airfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80920
Join Aiken and Kelly Liddell for a trip to Kettle Lakes on Saturday, May 3rd at 7a!
Kettle Lakes, 3 lakes, are located on United States Air Force Academy property. With wide gravel trails, this walk will predominantly follow an old railroad right of way. We will go off trail so closed-toe shoes and long pants are recommended.
Possible bird species seen include Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Belted Kingfisher, sparrows, Cliff Swallows and hopefully different warblers.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at the Kettle Creek Lakes parking lot. No good Google map available—from I-25 take exit 150 (North Academy) and go west. Drive towards the south Academy entrance and take the first right. There is no street sign but you turn right at the Pass & Registration building and go to the end of the road. If you reach the south gate of the Academy, you missed the turn.
Limited to 12 participants. Email Melanie at mhelton016@gmail.com to reserve your spot!

Join Joe LaFleur at Mueller State Park - May 3rd
2025-05-03 08:30 - 11:00 | 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
