Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Palmer Park (9am) followed by Deuces Wild Brewery (12pm)
2023-10-22 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Palmer park, 3344-3376 Paseo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
Sunday, October 22
Palmer Park (9am) followed by Deuces Wild Brewery (12pm)
– We’ll explore meadows and pine-oak scrub habitats while enjoying great views of Pikes Peak and the park’s own great rock formations. We’ll look for mostly year-round residents while hoping for a late migrant or two.
– This hike will be moderate, going 3 miles over uneven terrain with some incline.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
– RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Lake Pueblo State Park with Kip Miller - Changed to November 11th!
2023-11-11 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, November 11th, 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 (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.

Weekend Waterbirds at Prospect Lake – Saturday, November 18, 9:00 a.m.
2023-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Prospect Lake, South Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Weekend Waterbirds at Prospect Lake – Saturday, November 18, 9:00 a.m.

Despite its urban location, Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs’ Memorial Park is a well-known waterbird magnet during migration and in early winter when open water remains available. With this in mind, we will meet here this morning to check the lake for ducks, geese, grebes, gulls and more – as well as the occasional raptor attracted by these birds.
Walking distance around the lake is approximately 1.25 miles. We will start from the main parking lot on the lake’s east side, off of South Union Boulevard (adjacent to the Peace Officers Memorial). Remember to bring along warm layers in the event of chilling fall breezes.

Kip Miller will lead this outing. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

At Capacity - Full! Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Stratton Open Space (12pm) followed by Happy Taps (3pm)
2023-11-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Stratton Open Space
We’re at capacity for Sunday’s trip! If you’d like to be waitlisted, please reach out to Jessica at the address below!

Sunday, November 19
Stratton Open Space (12pm) followed by Happy Taps (3pm)
– Explore the foothills meadows and pine oak forests in search of resident west-side birds.
– This hike will be moderate, going 3 miles over uneven terrain with some incline.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
– RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Blackbird Friday Field Trip | Big Johnson Reservoir & Fountain Creek Nature Center
2023-11-26 08:00 - 12:30 | Big Johnson Reservoir and Bluestem Prairie Open Space, 6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado springs, 80911, United States
**Notice: Rescheduled to Sunday, Nov 26 due to weather.** Big Johnson is the best reservoir in the Colorado Springs area, and during migration and winter is teeming with ducks of many species, gulls, and sometimes loons and grebes. We’ll scan the lake for waterfowl and raptors, and then take a short walk to look and listen for longspurs and scaled quail in the Bluestem Prairie Open Space. Afterwards we’ll head a few miles down the road to Fountain Creek Nature Center and get closer looks at waterfowl, American Dippers, various sparrows and any other recent arrivals that might be around. Total field trip time will be approximately 4-5 hours. There are no restrooms at Big Johnson, but restrooms are available at Fountain Creek Nature Center.
This is a joint trip with Denver Field Ornithologists.
FREE REGISTRATION HERE

Join Joe LaFleur at Manitou Lake - December 2nd!
2023-12-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Manitou Lake Bird Walk
Saturday, Dec. 2- 9:00-10:00 AM. North of Woodland Park on Highway 67, meet at entrance, $10 access fee per vehicle.
Beat cabin fever with a bird walk around Manitou Lake led by Joe LaFleur, author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. In the event of a blizzard the walk will be cancelled, otherwise dress warmly for cold and snowy conditions.For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com

Photo credit to Amanda Borges

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Bear Creek East followed by Cerberus!
2023-12-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Sunday, December 10
Bear Creek East (9am) & Cerberus Brewing (11am)
– 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 Cerberus Brewing to warm up with a beer and brunch!
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather. 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

Bear Creek East has 546 acres with foothill views and 10 miles of trails. Hope that you’ll join us!

Pueblo Area with Jessica Miller - Joint Aiken & Denver Field Ornithologists Trip!
2023-12-17 08:00 - 14:00 | Pueblo Area
This trip is offered cooperatively by the Aiken Audubon Society and the Denver Field Ornithologists.
Pueblo area
12/17/2023 8:00 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

Directions
See trip description for meeting instructions
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. Whatever interesting gulls, waterfowl, or wintering migrants may be lurking about, we’re sure to find them! 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.

Stratton Open Space with Mary Rudolph - January 4, 2024!
2024-01-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Aiken and Mary Rudolph on January 4, 2024 at 930a! Plan to meet at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center (2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906) and we’ll walk the Stratton Open Space. Difficulty is easy to medium, mostly flat terrain with some hilly sections.
Bring your binoculars and dress for the forecast! If you would like to borrow a set of binoculars, please send an email to mhelton016@gmail.com to reserve in advance.
No registration is necessary! We just hope to see you and a bunch of birds!
Get to know your leader:
Mary Rudolph graduated from Colorado College in 2023 with a major in organismal biology (emphasis in ornithology) and a minor in Arabic. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, she is an avid long-distance trail runner who loves doing just about anything outside. She first started working with Audubon after attending the Audubon Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2019. She now serves on the Audubon Rockies board of directors and the Audubon Council of Colorado. Mary also founded Tiger Audubon, the Colorado College Audubon campus chapter.

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Prospect Lake followed by Mash Mechanix
2024-01-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Prospect Lake, South Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Sunday, January 7
Prospect Lake (2pm) & Mash Mechanix (4pm)

– Prospect Lake is an urban recreational site, but this large body of water is a magnet for waterfowl and gulls in the winter. Who knows what may pop up here! Afterwards we’ll pop over to Mash Mechanix.
– 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.
– Meet at the Swing High Playground parking lot on the south west side of the lake; a house across the street has the address 812 Prospect Lake Dr.

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

Ducks & Donuts with Tally Kerr & DFO | January 28
2024-01-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Pueblo Area
Join us for the second of four, in a new series of winter bird walks focusing on winter waterfowl.
This series focuses on helping developing birders learn how to identify winter waterfowl, but all levels of expertise are welcome. If you’re a developing birder, please join us. This will be a great opportunity to learn together.
This is a special joint trip with Denver Field Ornithologists to the Pueblo area!
The day will start with donuts at Daylight Donuts in Pueblo. We will then enjoy birding along the Arkansas River between The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center and Lake Pueblo. Ducks are at the top of our list for the day, and we will also be looking for a variety of sparrows, phoebes, wrens, woodpeckers, hawks and more. This is a good area to discover something unusual along the river and in the nearby thickets. If time allows, we will stop by Pueblo City Park to conclude the trip.
The day will include approximately 5 miles of walking with possible areas of mud and ice.
Plan for Colorado weather and dress accordingly for cold and changing weather.
Pack your binoculars or let Tally know if you need to borrow a pair.
Scopes will be available to share, but feel free to bring your own if you’d like.
Be sure to pack snacks, lunch, water and sunscreen.
Restrooms will be available at several spots.
Carpooling meeting spots will be announced for those in Denver Metro area and for those in the Pikes Peak region.
Registration is required through the Denver Field Ornithologists website.
Click on Field Trips, and scroll down to select this trip. If you don’t see the trip listed, please check back often.

Manitou Lake Bird Walk led by Joe LaFleur - February 10
2024-02-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
A note from Joe (2/8/24):

Forecast is showing light snow from Friday thru Sat. AM, about 4 inches total, also cold, in the 20s, however one good thing it won’t be windy. I will be there regardless!

Manitou Lake Bird Walk
Saturday, February 10
9:00-10:00 AM
Guided Bird Walk at Manitou Lake north of Woodland Park on Highway 67, meet at entrance. Manitou Lake is the best birding area in Teller County because it features a diversity of habitats, including wetlands that are not a common habitat type in the county. A bonus boardwalk provides easy access through the wetland. In addition, the moving water below the spillway provides open water that attracts birds in winter.
$10 vehicle access, binoculars suggested. In the event of a blizzard, the walk will be cancelled, otherwise dress warmly and be prepared for snowy conditions.
Walk led by local birding expert and author Joe LaFleur.
More info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

Birds & Brew with Jessica Miller - Pueblo Reservoir and Valco Ponds!
2024-02-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Pueblo Area
Sunday, February 18
Pueblo Reservoir and Valco Ponds (9am) & Reservoir Brewing (1pm)
– Let’s peruse the ponds along the Arkansas River and Pueblo Reservoir for a variety of waterfowl, gulls, and resident birds. Afterwards we’ll head to Reservoir Brewing to toast our excellent bird list!
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Pueblo forecast. Bring a scope if you have one. Let Jessica know if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars.
– We will coordinate a carpool/caravan from Colorado Springs. After we arrive we will drive between 4 or 5 birding locations, all within Lake Pueblo State Park. It’s recommended that cars have a Colorado State Park Pass, otherwise, be prepared to purchase a daily pass ($10) per vehicle.
– Difficulty: Easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain and will walk about 2 miles throughout the morning.
– Bring a snack to get you through the morning, but the Brewery has lunch items!
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Photo taken by Jerlene Haywood

Rosy-Finch Trip with Debbie Barnes - Changed to Feb 25, 7a meet
2024-02-25 07:00 - 13:00 | Safeway 3275 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Rosy-Finch Trip
We will drive up into the mountains to look for wandering flocks of Rosy-finches along with other wintering/resident mountain birds at feeders around Goldfield and Victor, possibly Cripple Creek if needed.
Feb 25th 7am-1pm
Meet at Safeway 3275 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 back of parking lot against HWY24 see red circle.

Bring warm clothing, water and food.
Trip may have to be cancelled or postponed due to weather but decision will be made ahead of time.
No registration is necessary, although check website for possible cancelation due to weather.
Any questions, please contact Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com)

Birds & Brews- Ute Valley Park followed by Trinity Brewing
2024-03-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Ute Valley Park, 5465 7 Oaks Dr,, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 , CO, 80919, United States
Sunday, March 17
Ute Valley Park (9am) & Trinity Brewing (12pm)
– We’ll enjoy cool rock formations and great views as we search the woodlands and meadows of Ute Valley Park for birds like Cassin’s Finches, Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaires, and Nuthatches.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk three or so miles over uneven, hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. Depending on weather conditions the week before, the trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head over to Trinity Brewing, about 7 minutes away.

Please rsvp to Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com! Specific details will be sent with your confirmation closer to the walk date.

Aiken Canyon with Collin Hildreth - Sunday - March 24, 2024 at 8a
2024-03-24 08:00 - 12:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Aiken and Collin Hildreth at Aiken Canyon for an approximately 3-4 hour walk on Sunday, March 24th. Meet in the parking lot, map below.

Named after ornithologist, Dr. Charles Aiken, this is a great destination for birders. Over 100 species have been seen here. Located 16 miles south of Colorado Springs, these 1,621-acres are where Aiken raised his herd of sheep. Aiken Canyon is one of the last high-quality examples of the southern Front Range foothills ecosystem. The preserve is composed of a mosaic of habitat types, including shrub lands, tall grass prairie meadows, pinyon juniper woodlands and mixed coniferous woodlands. Make sure you bring sturdy boots for hiking and plenty of water.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult.
Meet at Aiken Canyon (map) at 8 am.
Dress for Colorado weather.

If you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars, please email mhelton016@gmail.com as soon as possible so that we can have a loaner pair for you on the day of the hike.

Manitou Lake Bird Walk with Joe LaFleur!
2024-03-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Saturday, March 30
9:00-10:00 AM- Manitou Lake Bird Walk. Meet at park entrance, $10 per vehicle.
Manitou Lake is one of the best birding spots in Teller County. The park features a boardwalk through the wetlands on the south side of the lake. Walk led by Joe LaFleur, author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com.

Joint Trip with DFO - Clear Spring Ranch April 6th - go to DFOBirds.org to register!
2024-04-06 07:00 - 14:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Registration opens 3/16 at 12p!
Clear Spring Ranch Regional Park (El Paso County)
4/6/2024 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Megan Miller megan.k.miller2473@gmail.com or 7207759710
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
Clear Spring Ranch is located at exit 123 on I-25. Go west and follow a dirt road across train tracks and turn left in a large dirt road area. Continue forward and turn right through the green gate. Follow the road until it terminates at a parking lot with a picnic area.
VIEW MEETING PLACE ON GOOGLE MAPS
This trip is limited to the first 15 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Riparian
All-day moderate trip with first half at Clear Springs 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. We should find a nice variety of species and will be looking for early migrants as well as residents. Bring lunch, snacks, lots of water, bug spray, and sun screen. Expect 4-5 miles of mainly flat land walking. Done by 2:00 p.m.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 14 spaces left.

Manitou Lake Bird Walk with Joe LaFleur!
2024-04-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Saturday, April 13
9:00-10:00 AM- Manitou Lake Bird Walk
Join wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur for a bird walk at Manitou Lake, one of the best birding spots in Teller County. The park features a boardwalk through the wetlands on the south side of the lake. Access fee is $10 per vehicle.
​For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com, www.betterbirdwatching.com

Joint Trip with DFO – Clear Spring Ranch April 20th – go to DFOBirds.org to register!
2024-04-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Joint Trip with DFO – Clear Spring Ranch April 20th – go to DFOBirds.org to register!

April 20 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

Clear Spring Ranch Regional Park (El Paso County)
4/20/2024 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Megan Miller megan.k.miller2473@gmail.com or 7207759710
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
Clear Spring Ranch is located at exit 123 on I-25. Go west and follow a dirt road across train tracks and turn left in a large dirt road area. Continue forward and turn right through the green gate. Follow the road until it terminates at a parking lot with a picnic area.
VIEW MEETING PLACE ON GOOGLE MAPS
This trip is limited to the first 15 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Riparian
All-day moderate trip with first half at Clear Springs 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. We should find a nice variety of species and will be looking for early migrants as well as residents. Bring lunch, snacks, lots of water, bug spray, and sun screen. Expect 4-5 miles of mainly flat land walking. Done by 2:00 p.m.

Birds & Brews - Rock Ledge Ranch followed by Red Leg Brewing NOW FULL
2024-04-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
This trip is now full! Sunday, April 21
Rock Ledge Ranch (9am) & Red Leg Brewing (12pm)

– We’ll peruse the orchard, meadows, woodlands, and rock formations in search of a variety of migrants and resident birds. If time permits, we’ll walk into Garden of the Gods for birds like White-throated Swifts, Prairie Falcons, and Canyon Wren.
– This will be an easy/moderate hike – We’ll be on relatively flat terrain and may go three miles at a birder’s pace. One short area of trail is somewhat steep.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head over to Red Leg Brewing, about 4 minutes away.

Please rsvp to Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com! Specific details will be sent with your confirmation closer to the walk date.

CANCELED DUE TO RAIN! Starsmore / Cheyenne Canyon with Cinnamon Bergeron! April 27 at 8a
2024-04-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Aiken and Cinnamon Bergeron on Saturday, April 27th 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.

Join Joe LaFleur at Rock Ledge Ranch - April 27
2024-04-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
This trip is FULL.
Saturday, April 27, Garden of the Gods
8:30-10:00 AM- Bird Walk to Rock Ledge Ranch.
Meet at flagpole at Visitor Center.
Rock Ledge Ranch is the best birding area at Garden of the Gods, with its varied landscaping of trees and shrubs and water sources available.
Binoculars suggested.
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

Join Joe LaFleur at Mueller State Park - May 4th
2024-05-04 08:30 - 10:30 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
May 4, 2024 – Saturday
Mueller State Park, Divide, 8:30 AM
Hike: Bird Walk and Brief Discussion on Bird Identification. Meet at Elk Meadows TH
Migrating birds are returning, while some have overwintered at Mueller, still others are passing through to summer breeding grounds further north. Come see and hear these along with a general nature hike. 1.5 mile slow-paced walk. Led by volunteer naturalist Michael along with Special Guest Joe LaFleur (local birding expert). You will be provided with some additional hints on bird identification.

This Trip is FULL - Birds & Brews - Kane Ranch Open Space followed by Peaks & Pines Brewery
2024-05-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Kane Ranch Open Space
This Trip is Full! You can still email Jessica if you’d like to waitlist. Sunday, May 5

Kane Ranch Open Space (9am) & Peaks & Pines (12pm)
– We’ll search the dried cottonwood creek bottom and prairie for a variety of migrating songbirds, birds of prey, burrowing owls, curve-billed thrashers, and ladder-backed woodpeckers.
– This will be an easy-moderate hike. We’ll be on relatively flat terrain and may go three miles at a birder’s pace. There will be little shade.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Fountain forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head into Fountain for beers at Peaks & Pines and keep our eyes on the sky for Mississippi Kites while we’re there!
Please rsvp to Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com! Specific details will be sent with your confirmation closer to the walk date.

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for a day at Chico Basin!
2024-05-06 05:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Please note that you’ll need to register 7 days in advance of the walk by accessing:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/aikenaudubon/1234885

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.

Target birds for the day: Too many to name!! Here’s a list of all birds reported across the ranch in April, May, and Jun for the past 20 years. You’ll see many unique residents and some wonderful possible rarities.

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. Check the weather forecast for Fountain and Pueblo to get an idea of how to dress appropriately. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby most of the time. We will eat lunch at picnic tables in the shade at the banding station. 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 may be uneven but mostly quite flat. Long pants are recommended.

MEETING OPTIONS:
5:30am – meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center to carpool/caravan and to stop along Hanover Road to look for Burrowing Owls & Mountain Plovers (Porta-potty at FCNC)
6:30 a.m. – Meet at the Hanover Fire Station on South Peyton Highway. We will bird here while we wait for any late comers to arrive. We can leave a few cars here to carpool/caravan the rest of our time in the ranch. (NO bathroom here)
6:55 a.m. – Ok sleepy heads, this is our last meeting time 🙂 This is when we’re leaving the Hanover Fire Station.

This trip is limited to the first 11 birders who register with Aiken Audubon’s ticketing site – The trip cost is $15 per person. A few days before the trip, Jessica will email everyone to coordinate meeting and driving plans.

Join Aiken & Kelly Liddell for a special morning of birdwatching
2024-05-10 08:00 - 10:00 | CO
Kelly Liddell will be sharing her own 5 acres of birding paradise to 10 lucky individuals!
Join us on Friday, May 10th, from 8-10a to see Kelly’s private landscape. On a normal day, she can see 12-20 species and has recorded 70 species on her property! Lewis’s Woodpecker, Western Bluebird, 3 Jay species and 3 nuthatch species are just a few that Kelly mentioned.
Her Woodmen address will be provided after the 10 people have registered. I will be sending out the details as soon as the group is known!
Please rsvp to mhelton016@gmail.com . Please include your phone number, too.

Hike Aiken Canyon Preserve with Author Norm Lewis | May 23 - Walk is Full!
2024-05-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Walk is now full! Thank you for your interest!
Author Norm Lewis (“Best Front Range Birds Hikes”) will be leading a trip to Aiken Canyon Preserve on Thursday, May 23rd.
If you are interested in participating, please email Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com) to register.
Named after ornithologist, Dr. Charles Aiken, this is a great destination for birders. Over 100 species have been seen here. Located 16 miles south of Colorado Springs, these 1,621-acres are where Aiken raised his herd of sheep. Aiken Canyon is one of the last high-quality examples of the southern Front Range foothills ecosystem. The preserve is composed of a mosaic of habitat types, including shrub lands, tall grass prairie meadows, pinyon juniper woodlands and mixed coniferous woodlands. Make sure you bring sturdy boots for hiking and plenty of water.

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for a day at Chico Basin
2024-05-27 05:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Please note that you’ll need to register 7 days in advance of the walk by accessing:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/aikenaudubon/1234890

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.

Target birds for the day: Too many to name!! Here’s a list of all birds reported across the ranch in April, May, and Jun for the past 20 years. You’ll see many unique residents and some wonderful possible rarities.

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. Check the weather forecast for Fountain and Pueblo to get an idea of how to dress appropriately. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby most of the time. We will eat lunch at picnic tables in the shade at the banding station. 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 may be uneven but mostly quite flat. Long pants are recommended.

MEETING OPTIONS:
5:30am – meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center to carpool/caravan and to stop along Hanover Road to look for Burrowing Owls & Mountain Plovers (Porta-potty at FCNC)
6:30 a.m. – Meet at the Hanover Fire Station on South Peyton Highway. We will bird here while we wait for any late comers to arrive. We can leave a few cars here to carpool/caravan the rest of our time in the ranch. (NO bathroom here)
6:55 a.m. – Ok sleepy heads, this is our last meeting time 🙂 This is when we’re leaving the Hanover Fire Station.

This trip is limited to the first 11 birders who register with Aiken Audubon’s ticketing site – The trip cost is $15 per person. A few days before the trip, Jessica will email everyone to coordinate meeting and driving plans.

Little Grouse Mountain with Diana Beatty on June 1st!
2024-06-01 08:00 - 14:00 | Little Grouse Mountain, CO-67, Colorado 80813
Join Diana Beatty and Aiken for a walk to Little Grouse Mountain on June 1st.
Plan to meet at the Safeway parking lot on W Colorado and 31st at 8am and we’ll go up to Little Grouse Mountain outside of Victor. We’ll visit the troll Rita the Rock Planter and bird some of the trail there. Pack your own snacks/lunch, and we’ll aim to be back at the Safeway around 1:30- 2 pm.
Carpooling is heavily encouraged due to parking limitations. Leashed good boy/girl dogs will be allowed.
No registration is needed. Trails are rocky and a bit uneven. Dress for Colorado high altitude weather!
