Aiken Audubon Society

Joint Trip with DFO - Clear Spring Ranch April 6th - go to DFOBirds.org to register!
2024-04-06 07:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | 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
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!

Join Joe LaFleur at Florissant Fossil Beds, June 8th
2024-06-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds, 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO, 80816, United States
June 8, Saturday, Florissant Fossil Beds Natl. Monument, Florissant, CO
9:00-10:00 AM– Guided bird walk for about one mile on trails through a variety of habitats like Ponderosa Pine woodland, shrubland and grassland. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:00-11:00 AM– Audiovisual Program. Learn to identify common birds by sight and sound. Meet at the Visitor Center.
$10 per person access fee, ages 15 and under admitted free.

Walk led by Joe LaFleur, author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com

Join Joe LaFleur for a Cripple Creek Bird Walk! June 15th, 9-1030a
2024-06-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Pony Gulch Homestead
FREE guided bird walk to Pony Gulch, about two miles on fairly steep terrain, down to a small creek and pond.
Meet at the Information Train Car in Cripple Creek.

Location: Cripple Creek, CO
Length: 2.1 miles out and back

Pony Gulch Homestead is a moderately difficult out-and-back trail that passes by a number of historic sites. The trail is used by hikers, backpackers, and folks on nature trips. Elevation gain is just over 760 feet. The best time to hike Pony Gulch Homestead is from April until November. Note that this trail is not marked well, especially at the beginning of the hike. Look for cairns, and follow them.

Dress for CO weather and bring your water and snacks!

More questions? Contact Better Birdwatching – 719 301 8801 or joe@betterbirdwatching.com

Join Aiken and Joyce Michael on a trip to Smith Creek Ponds! June 18th 8-10a!
2024-06-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Smith Creek Natural Area
Date: Tuesday, June 18th, 8 am-10 am.

Trip Description:

This 2 mile trail is an easy hike through Smith Creek Natural Area, encompassing a pond, riparian and coniferous habitats. The elevation is 7000 ft. Possible species are Sora, Belted Kingfisher, swallows, American and Lesser Goldfinch, Great Blue Heron, Ring-necked duck, Vesper, Chipping and Song Sparrows, nesting Bullock’s Orioles, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Black-Headed Grosbeak, flycatchers, chickadees, nuthatches, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Spotted Towhee and many more.

Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant, a hat, and binoculars.

This trip is limited to 12 since the trail is single file. If you’d like to reserve a spot, please email mhelton016@gmail.com. At that time, please advise if you would need a pair of binoculars!
The meeting information will be provided once you reserve your spot!

A little about Joyce:
I have been interested in birds since I was young and have sporadically done backyard birding and on vacations during my career. When I retired almost 7 years ago, I began birding in earnest. By participating in guided bird hikes, I have gone from a novice to a more knowledgeable (by no means expert) birder. I appreciate all who give of their time leading hikes and doing other jobs for Aiken and I would like to start giving back.

Join Joe LaFleur for a Wilkerson Pass Bird Walk, June 22 9a-10a
2024-06-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center, 26696 US-24, Lake George, CO 80827
Join Joe LaFleur for a FREE guided bird walk for about one mile along the interpretive trail. Meet at the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center.
This interpretive center features many exhibits that retrace 10,000 years of local history and natural history. Prehistoric peoples who first crossed into South Park to hunt are the earliest known users of Wilkerson Pass.
Dress for CO weather and bring your water and snacks!
More questions? Contact Better Birdwatching – 719 301 8801 or joe@betterbirdwatching.com

FULL !! Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Pineries Open Space & Black Forest Brewery
2024-06-23 09:00 - 13:00 | Pineries Open Space, 13201 Vollmer Rd, Colorado Springs
This trip is full. If you’d like to be put on a waitlist, please email Jessica!
Join Aiken and Jessica Miller on Sunday, June 23
Pineries Open Space (9am) & Black Forest Brewery (12pm)

– We’ll explore the black forest in search of a wide variety of birds with nesting season in full swing. We’ll hope for Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, and more.
– This will be a relatively easy hike. We’ll be on relatively flat terrain and may go three miles at a birder’s pace.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Black Forest forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head over to Black Forest Brewing, about 7 minutes away.

RSVP for your spot – jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

*WAITLIST* Birds and Brews with Jessica Miller Mueller State Park followed by Paradox Brewing
2024-07-07 08:00 - 13:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
*Registration for this outing is full at 25 birders. You may email Jessica to join the waitlist.*

Join Aiken and Jessica Miller on Sunday, July 7

Mueller State Park (8am) followed by Paradox Brewing (12pm)
– We will hike through the montane forest and meadows and past a couple ponds to find a variety of birds. This will also be a great wildflower walk!
– 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.
– Carpool/caravan option from OCC Safeway (3275 W Colorado Ave) at 7:15am. Keep in mind that unless you have an annual pass, a $10 vehicle charge will apply at the entrance.

RSVP for your spot at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Walk & Waitlist are FULL - Flammulated Owls with Professor Brian Linkhart !
2024-07-12 18:30 - 21:30 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 12th 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 with Jessica Miller - Bear Creek Nature Center followed by OCC Brewing
2024-08-18 08:00 - 13:00
Join Aiken and Jessica Miller Sunday, August 18
Bear Creek Nature Center (8am) followed by OCC Brewing (11am)

– 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 Jessica know when you RSVP.

– Afterwards we’ll head about 6 minutes away to OCC Brewing for a variety of libations and a great brunch menu.

RSVP for your spot at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Sondermann Park with Cinnamon Bergeron & Joyce Michael on Friday, September 6th
2024-09-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Sondermann Park, 740 W Carmamillo St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
Join Aiken and Cinnamon Bergeron and Joyce Michael on September 6th, 8-10a at Sondermann Park.
Sondermann Park is 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

No registration required! Hope to see you there!

Join Aiken and Mary Rudolph on September 12th at Rock Ledge Ranch
2024-09-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join Aiken and Mary Rudolph on September 12th at 830a! Plan to meet at Rock Ledge Ranch (3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904), by the Welcome Hut at 830a.
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.

Join DFO & Aiken for a joint Chico Basin trip with Jessica Miller. Registration opens on 8/26/24 at 12n via DFOBirds.org
2024-09-16 06:00 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Chico Basin Ranch
9/16/2024 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 will open at noon on 8/26/2024 at 12n – dfobirds.org

Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Rock Ledge Ranch: Thursday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
2024-09-19 08:00 - 10:00 | 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).
