Clever Corvids with Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
2026-02-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!
Mondays, February 9th and 23rd, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. FREE event. (Link to Registration & Info)
Are you smarter than a crow? Come find out in this family-friendly program exploring the fascinating corvids of Colorado. Participants will have the chance to learn about the many corvids that live in the Garden, and compete against them in problem solving competitions. This indoor program meets in the Red Rock Room on the second floor. Please note there are no live animals in this program.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space with Pat Paternostro
2026-02-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Red Rock Canyon Open Space, 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding walk at Red Rock Canyon Open Space! We will hopefully find several species of raptors along with many of our wintering species such as Sparrows, Towhees, Nuthatch, Woodpeckers and Finches. The walk will include some inclines and uneven terrain and may be snowy or muddy.
We will meet at the open space parking lot which is located at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs (off of Hwy 24).
You can RSVP to Pat @ broncos30@hotmail.com

Raptors of Colorado with Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!
Tuesdays, February 3rd and 17th, 2:00 -3:00 p.m. at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. $5 per person. (Link to Registration & Info)
Have you ever wondered what makes falcons the fastest animals in the world? Can owls really turn their head all the way around? Birds of prey have fascinated humans for thousands of years and have been important symbols (both positive and negative) in cultures throughout the world. This program on raptors in Colorado will introduce participants to these fascinating animals by discussing their unique adaptations, their individual hunting strategies, and their conservation challenges. Please note there are no live animals in this program.

FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING: Grasslands to Woodlands: breeding and migration ecology of priority species at range periphery in the Great Plains.
2026-02-18 18:30 - 21:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Two important notes about our February meeting: Change of venue to Bear Creek Nature Center and Death by Chocolate themed snacks.

Join Aiken Audubon with Stephen Brenner presenting Grasslands to Woodlands: breeding and migration ecology of priority species at range periphery in the Great Plains.
The Great Plains of North America is home to many imperiled grassland bird species. As grassland ecosystems continue to decline across North America, information on populations of priority grassland birds in different regions is critical to develop regional and range-wide conservation plans. Additionally, the Great Plains is often described as a biological crossroads where “East-meets-West”, offering unique opportunities to study many species at range periphery. This talk will highlight some of the recent research conducted in Nebraska on a variety of different bird species during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, from nesting behavior to tracking hemispheric migrations.
Stephen Brenner is an Avian Biologist with the National Audubon Society – Great Plains region. Stephen has worked on a variety bird-related research projects across the US and internationally before settling in western Nebraska. He will be presenting his program via zoom.

This is an in-person meeting held at the Bear Creek Nature Center 245 Bear Creek Road 80906. Please note change of venue for this meeting.
6:30 p.m. – Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) Death by Chocolate – please bring your favorite chocolate snack to share for this annual favorite
7:00 p.m. – Meeting announcements
7:15 p.m. – Program Presentation
Join Zoom Meeting:
click here to join
Meeting ID: 577 018 0765
Passcode: [REDACTED]
photo credit: Steven Brenner

Rosy-finch Ramble with DFO - Park & Jefferson Counties
2026-02-20 07:00 - 15:30
Rosy-finch Ramble with DFO: Park & Jefferson Counties
Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Leader: David Suddjian
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Let’s go on an adventure to the mountains to find Rosy-Finches and other mountain birds. We may find the three species of Rosy-Finch, and other “mountain finches” that are around, including Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch and others. We might also see Canada Jay and Clark’s Nutcracker, Rough-legged Hawk and other winter montane species. The trip will focus on locations in Jefferson and Park counties. We will carpool from the meeting spot. For those coming from El Paso County, we will begin birding in Jefferson Co, so plan to gather at the advertised meeting place in Aspen Park. Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. We will cover a fair amount of ground by car, but there will be minimal walking. But expect snowy and icy conditions, cold temperatures and maybe windy conditions when we are out of the cars. We will plan to enter two residences along the way.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 1/30/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22298. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
Photo: Brown-capped Rosy-Finch / Gene Putney / Audubon Photography Awards

Park County with Aiken Audubon
2026-02-21 07:30 - 15:30
Park County with Aiken Audubon
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Leaders: Deb Strike & Melissa Wetzig
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Join Aiken Audubon volunteers Deb & Melissa for a special trip to Deb’s cabin in Fairplay, CO! Deb will open her home and fill her feeders, allowing us to see great birds from a comfy spot. Expect to see Pine Grosbeaks, Brown-capped Rosy Finches, Steller’s Jays, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, lots of Mountain Chickadees, Hairy Woodpeckers, and sometimes Clark’s Nutcrackers or Canada Jays. We may also see Gray-crowned and Black Rosy Finches and Red Crossbills. On the way back we will stop in Lake George for additional birding in hope of American Dippers.
We will carpool from a meeting spot along Hwy24 on the west side of Colorado Springs. Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. Our destination is two hours away and there will be minimal walking. Dress for the Fairplay, CO and Lake George, CO weather forecasts, but prepare for snowy and icy ground, cold temperatures, and maybe windy conditions when we are out of the cars.
This trip is limited to 8 birders – sign up by emailing fieldtrips@aikenaudubon.com
Photo: Evening Grosbeak / Mark Hainen / Audubon Photography Awards

*FULL* Birds & Brews - Ute Valley Park & 105 West Brewing
2026-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Ute Valley Park, 5465 7 Oaks Dr,, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 , CO, 80919, United States
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. Afterwards we’ll head over to NEW 105 West Brewing, the new occupants of what used to be Trinity Brewing, about 7 minutes away.
– 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 mention it when you RSVP.
– This trip is full, but you may join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Clever Corvids with Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
2026-02-23 13:00 - 14:00

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Bruce Dunbar
2026-02-28 06:45 - 11:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Bruce Dunbar for a walk around Aiken Canyon Preserve, a quiet retreat down Hwy 115. We’ll hike about 4 miles through oak meadows and evergreen woodlands that wind through the rocky outcrops. This is a moderately difficult hike, but we’ll be going at a slow birder’s pace. Along the way we should see and hear a number of winter residents like Cassin’s Finches, Western Bluebirds, and Juniper Titmice, and hopefully discover some special mountain species that have come down in elevation for the winter.
Due to the narrow trail, this trip is limited to 10 birders. RSVP by emailing Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.
Photo: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bruce Dunbar, Aiken Canyon

Birding by Book | "My Penguin Year"
2026-03-02 17:30 - 19:00
Aiken Audubon’s Birding by Book is a book club for those who love birds AND books! The club meets to discuss selected book titles and create community among birders in the Pikes Peak area.
Read My Penguin Year by Lindsay McCrae at your leisure, then join us on Monday, March 2nd for book club discussion.

For 337 days, award-winning wildlife cameraman Lindsay McCrae intimately followed 11,000 emperor penguins amid the singular beauty of Antarctica. This is his masterful chronicle of one penguin colony’s astonishing journey of life, death, and rebirth—and of the extraordinary human experience of living amongst them in the planet’s harshest environment.
A miracle occurs each winter in Antarctica. As temperatures plummet 60° below zero and the sea around the remote southern continent freezes, emperors—the largest of all penguins—begin marching up to 100 miles over solid ice to reach their breeding grounds. They are the only animals to breed in the depths of this, the worst winter on the planet; and in an unusual role reversal, the males incubate the eggs, fasting for over 100 days to ensure they introduce their chicks safely into their new frozen world.
My Penguin Year recounts McCrae’s remarkable adventure to the end of the Earth. He observed every aspect of a breeding emperor’s life, facing the inevitable sacrifices that came with living his childhood dream, and grappling with the personal obstacles that, being over 15,000km away from the comforts of home, almost proved too much. Out of that experience, he has written an unprecedented portrait of Antarctica’s most extraordinary residents.

Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
photo credit: Bookshop.org

*WAITLIST ONLY* Birds & Brews - Seven Bridges Trail & Bristol Brewing
2026-03-08 09:00 - 11:00
We’ll bird a bit of a higher elevation in hopes of Hairy Woodpeckers, Steller’s Jays, Canada Jays, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and more along the Seven Bridges Trail in Cheyenne Canyon. Afterwards we’ll head down to Ivywild School to have a beer at Bristol Brewing.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk two 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, mention it when you RSVP.
– This trip is full; join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Photo: Golden-crowned Kinglet / Esther Sumner / Audubon Photography Awards

Clear Spring Ranch with Pat Paternostro
2026-03-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Aiken Audubon and trip leader Pat Paternostro for a birding walk at Clear Spring Ranch. We will walk the trails and look for resident birds, lingering winter species and hopefully find some early migrants. This is one of the best birding hotspots in the County – with Cottonwood forests, meadows, and agricultural fields along Fountain Creek.

We will meet at the CSR parking lot at 8am. While this trail is typically dry, be prepared for possible muddy conditions along the mostly flat terrain. There is a restroom at the trailhead.

You can RSVP for the trip by reaching out to Pat – broncos30@hotmail.com.

Photo: Lincoln’s Sparrow / Mike Timmons / Audubon Photography Awards

March Monthly Meeting:Birding Mongolia with Mike and Gana Endres
2026-03-18 18:30 - 21:00
Birding in Mongolia
Join naturalist, author, and professional photographer Mike Endres of Little Wing Photo as he shares his experiences of traveling Mongolia in search of birds, culture, and scenery. He will be joined by his wife Gana, a native of Mongolia, who will share her personal knowledge of Mongolian culture and history. Five of the fifteen species of cranes can be found in Mongolia, mostly in the Khurkh River Valley in the eastern part of the country. This will be an entertaining presentation for those interested in this part of the world or maybe planning a trip to there.
Mike has had a decades long interest in wildlife photography, especially cranes. His lengthy time in the Army has provided him with opportunities that most will never experience. During that time, he always had a camera in hand and a willingness to explore the wildlife and culture of whatever part of the world he happened to be in. Join him for an evening of entertainment as he shares his experiences from numerous visits to Mongolia, including his own wedding.
This is an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office; 4255 Sinton Road 80907. Our entrance to the building is located on the EAST side (back side) of the building; not the main entrance. Parking is encouraged in the south and west parking lots.
If you would prefer to attend via zoom, here is the link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5770180765?pwd=[REDACTED]

Doors Open: 6:30pm
Meeting announcements: 7:00pm
Program Presentation: 7:15pm

photo credits:Mike Endres

Bird Walk and Water Talk Along the Arkansas River
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:30
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this bird activity in Pueblo, CO.
Friday, March 20th – 10:00am-11:30am at the Charles W. Lee Bridge on the Arkansas River
Space is limited. $20 per adult. Register at https://pueblofoodproject.org/product/birdwalk/
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature lover, this guided bird walk promises a unique opportunity to learn about the birds that thrive along the Arkansas River and how the same vital water source provides the local food we love. Come experience the rich history and ecosystem of the Arkansas River Trail in Pueblo as we peek into its beauty hiding in plain sight. Led by Jolene Collins, Community Engagement Manager for Palmer Land Conservancy, and Marla Browne, board member of Arkansas Valley Audubon Society and passionate birder, this walk is an experience you won’t want to miss. Also joining us will be Dr. Andrew Dreelin, Palmer’s Land Stewardship Manager. Andrew studied ornithology at Cornell University and has been obsessed with birds for the past 14 years. Before joining Palmer, he completed his doctoral research on grassland birds and even worked for eBird. Your $20 ticket (KIDS JOIN FREE!) does double duty: it supports the Pueblo Food Project while sharing information about the water that sustains us all. Space is limited.

Pikes Peak Climate Education Event - An Evening with Jon Waterman
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local conservation activity.
Jon Waterman, author of Into the Thaw – Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis, will share powerful stories and photography from decades of travel in the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic. Read more at the event link. This event is free and open to the public.
Colorado College – Armstrong Hall
Tuesday, March 24th
Doors Open 6:30pm
Program Begins 7:00pm

Draw Pinyon Jays: Free Virtual Class
2026-04-11 14:30 - 16:00
This FREE online opportunity is not affilitaed with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this bird-themed activity with a local artist! From Saraiya Kanning with Raebird Creations:
I’ve completely fallen in love with a bird most people have never heard of: the Pinyon Jay.
Over the last few months, I’ve been writing and illustrating an article for Birding magazine. In the process of interviewing 5 wildlife biologists and reading an extremely niche book on the species, I’ve learned so much.
Pinyon Jays are present in Colorado, where I grew up and now live, and where I saw my lifer in my teens. (In birding lingo, a lifer is the first time you ever see a species.) That color blue cannot be erased from memory, nor can their nasal, laughing calls. It’s wilderness distilled into one sound.
Right now Pinyon Jays are under review by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act. Their populations have declined an estimated 80% or more since the 1960s. It’s heartbreaking.
These birds are an iconic piñon–juniper woodland species. They help keep piñon forests alive through their cyclical relationship with piñon cones. And they are sheer FUN. Chatty, gregarious, and full of personality in classic jay fashion. I simply can’t imagine the world without them.
So I invite you to a short and FREE online art workshop where we’ll celebrate these spunky, spirited birds.
You don’t need to be an “artist” (whatever that means). You don’t even need to be a birder.
Maybe you’re someone who, like me, can’t stand to watch a species fade quietly. Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t quite know what to do about this ongoing planetary disarray and habitat loss.
We won’t be numb. Instead we’ll make art and fill the world with hand-drawn Pinyon Jays. Maybe they’ll fly right off the page and repopulate the forests in droves. It’s a start, anyway. A little corner of hope we’ll make together.
We’ll be drawing inspiration from the wonderful photos of Maresa Pryor-Luzier. @mpluzier
To register, email: raebirdcreationsart@gmail.com
The workshop is limited to 100 participants. If there’s enough interest, I’ll schedule another. 💙

Birds & Brews - Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
2026-04-12 07:30 - 14:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
Sunday, April 12, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 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. In 2025, this trip yielded 67 species!

– 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, bring it!
– Plan to bring water, snacks, and an easy-to-eat-on-the-go lunch. Reservoir Brewing has food, but we’ll be too busy birding to get there by the time we’re hungry!
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com as space is limited.

April Monthly Meeting: An Unplanned Journey with Birds with Amy Seglund
2026-04-15 18:30 - 21:00
An Unplanned Journey with Birds
Join Amy Seglund, Species Conservation Program Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and last year’s Colorado Field Ornithology convention Keynote Speaker in our Aiken Audubon April monthly meeting as she presents via Zoom.
As a young graduate student, she had her mind set on studying mammalian carnivores. Then, a birding moment changed her life and led her down an unexpected path in avian conservation. She will share some highlights and accomplishments of her path and why birds are wonderful to study.
Amy Seglund has worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the past 19 years as a Species Conservation Program Manager. Much of her work has focused on two alpine bird species, the southern white-tailed ptarmigan and brown-capped rosy-finch. Amy’s newest endeavor is to understand pinyon jay breeding biology. Before coming to Colorado, Amy worked with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for 4 years as a conservation biologist with her efforts focused on peregrine falcons, yellow-billed cuckoos, southwestern willow flycatchers, and Lewis’s woodpeckers. Amy received her MS in wildlife biology at Humboldt State University where her graduate research focused on the Pacific fisher. She spent 2 years in Guatemala in the Peace Corps assessing the avifauna in the cloud, subtropical, and spine forests. Amy was the 2023 recipient of the Richard G. Levad Award which honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to bird conservation.

This is an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office; 4255 Sinton Road 80907. Our entrance to the building is located on the EAST side (back side) of the building; not the main entrance. Parking is encouraged in the south and west parking lots.
If you would prefer to attend via zoom, here is the link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5770180765?pwd=[REDACTED]

Doors Open: 6:30pm
Meeting announcements: 7:00pm
Program Presentation: 7:15pm
photo credit: Amy Seglund

Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch - Aiken Members Only
2026-04-19 08:00 - 16:00
Visit the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch in Morrison, CO! This site is a recipient of a Foothills & Prairie Grant in both 2025 & 2026. We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs before heading up to Morrison to visit the hawk watchers and see their work in action – counting migrating birds of prey! We’ll stop on the way back to bird South Platte Park a little, since we’ll be passing right by.
“Named for its world-renowned fossil beds, Dinosaur Ridge is also a window into the seasonal movement of birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, falcons and more, over Colorado’s Front Range. These raptors migrate in the spring along the eastern mountainous edge of the Rockies in part because mountain updrafts enable them to soar and conserve energy during their long journeys north to their breeding grounds.”
We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs at 8am. We will be back at 4pm at the latest. Plan to bring lunch and drinks. Don’t forget your binoculars, but if you need to borrow some, mention it with your RSVP.
This trip is limited to 13 Aiken members. Any household that has donated any amount to Aiken Audubon Society in the past one year is considered a member. Thank you for supporting Aiken Audubon and our avian conservation and education efforts! To register, email trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Free Webinar: Dark Skies Matter
2026-04-20 18:30 - 19:30
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this at-home learning opportunity that benefits birds and the rest of our natural world!
Dark Skies Matter
Presented by Friends of Florissant Fossil Beds
Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Register for the Zoom Presentation here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SxjGFtGlRnW5s4mQ1FAdCA#/registration
This highly relevant presentation focuses on the importance of preserving Colorado’s Dark Night Skies at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. The webinar highlights the sensational dark skies of the Fossil Beds, and the increasing threat of light pollution which puts Night Sky Astronomy at risk. The rapid expansion of urban growth into Colorado’s mountain areas is increasing light pollution and encroaching on pristine dark skies in Colorado. This light pollution is disruptive to native Colorado ecological systems, human health, public safety, astronomy, and energy conservation. The webinar provides 5 simple ways all of us can help reduce light pollution and educate our friends and neighbors on preserving Colorado’s Dark Skies with help from local Colorado organizations. Minimizing light pollution is especially important to maintain the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument as an International Dark Sky Park, certified in 2021, a national treasure in our own back yard! Preserving Dark Skies is one of the greatest gifts we can give to future generations!

Bear Creek East Field Trip
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding trip at Bear Creek Regional Park East. We will walk along Bear Creek and surrounding areas in search of resident species and returning migrants such as Chipping Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Eastern Phoebe. The walk will take place on relatively flat ground with minimal elevation change. We will meet at the parking lot adjacent to the community garden, 2002 Creek Crossing St. If you would like to attend, please RSVP Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com.
Photo: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher / Randy Streufert / Audubon Photography Awards

Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (FULL)
2026-04-27 06:00 - 14:00
Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
Monday, April 27, 2026, 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: Jessica Miller
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
This trip will explore the three sites at Chico Basin Ranch currently open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, the Headquarters Pond, and Rose’s Pond. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Portable toilets will be nearby half of the time. Bring a sack lunch and drinks/water. We may walk up to three miles at a birder’s pace on mostly flat, but sometimes uneven terrain. Long pants are recommended.
Birders coming from the Denver region will meet at Castle Rock Lowe’s parking lot at 5:00 am. Those coming from the El Paso County region will join the Denver crew and the leader at the Loves Gas Station at Exit 132 at 6:00a.m. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch roads. We will bird the ranch 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person.
This trip is limited to 11 participants and registration will open at noon on April 6 on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/UpcomingTrips.aspx. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create Account” and follow the prompts.

Pueblo Area with Denver Field Ornithologists (WAITLIST)
2026-05-03 07:00 - 15:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Area with Jessica Miller – Joint Aiken & Denver Field Ornithologists Trip!

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
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! We will aim for 70+ species. 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. The trip time listed on DFO is longer than here because they have to drive more!
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 4/12/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
Photo: American Avocet, Karen Blackwood/Audubon Photography Awards

Birding By Book | "What the Robin Knows"
2026-05-04 17:30 - 19:00
~~There is currently a waitlist for the May meeting.~~
Aiken Audubon’s Birding by Book is a book club for those who love birds AND books! The club meets to discuss selected book titles and create community among birders in the Pikes Peak area.
Read What the Robin Knows by Jon Young at your leisure, then join us on Monday, May 4th for book club discussion.

Award-winning naturalist and author Jon Young’s What the Robin Knows reveals how understanding bird language and behavior can help us to see more wildlife.
A lifelong birder, tracker, and naturalist, Jon Young is guided by three basic premises: the robin, junco, and other songbirds know everything important about their environment, be it backyard or forest; by tuning in to their vocalizations and behavior, we can acquire much of this wisdom for our own pleasure and benefit; and the birds’ companion calls and warning alarms are just as important as their songs.
Deep bird language is an ancient discipline, perfected by Indigenous peoples the world over, and science is finally catching up. This groundbreaking book unites the Indigenous knowledge and the author’s own experience of more than four decades in the field to lead us toward a deeper connection to the animals and, in the end, a deeper connection to ourselves.
“This elegant book will deepen the kinship between humans and other species. It decodes our common language.”—Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives and Save Theirs

Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com, and your name can be added to the waitlist.
Roadrunner Bookshop is offering new copies of What the Robin Knows at a 15% discount to book club members. Please email your request to place an order along with your RSVP.
photo credit: HarperCollins.com

Birds & Brews - Paint Mines, Ramah, & Ascent Brewing (Waitlist Only)
2026-05-10 08:00 - 13:30 | Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO, 80808, United States
Sunday, May 10, 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

We will head for the northeastern corner of El Paso County to explore the Paint Mines Interpretive Park and Ramah State Wildlife Area. We’ll hope to find a variety of species – birds of prey, prairie lovers, migrant songbirds, shorebirds, who knows! Afterwards we’ll celebrate with a beer or NA refresher at Ascent Brewery in Falcon, CO.
– This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.
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Anticipated Itinerary –
8:00am – OPTIONAL Meet to carpool/caravan at the Loaf & Jug on Space Village Rd (6857 Space Village Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80915)
8:45am – Arrive at the Paint Mines to bird the prairie and rock formations (29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808)
10:45am – Leave the Paint Mines and continue up Hwy24 to Ramah SWA to bird a riparian oasis in the middle of nowhere. (39.088400, -104.216600)
12:00pm – Leave Ramah SWA and head for the brewery.
12:30pm – Arrive at Ascent Brewery (6630 Chief Rd, Peyton, CO 80831)
.

– A restroom should be available at both birding destinations.
– Difficulty: easy/moderate. Walking will be easy along mostly flat trails, but our sites are exposed. We may walk about 3.5 miles. Plan for sun protection!
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP. If you have a scope, it could come in handy at Ramah SWA.
– Plan to bring water and some snacks to get you through the morning!
– Note about visiting Ramah SWA: A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older to visit most SWAs. Purchasing an SWA pass or a hunting/fishing license is easy and can be done online, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, or at any of Colorado Parks and Wildlife sales locations. This is different than a State Parks Pass. The price ranges from $10/day to $$42/year.
– This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.
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Common Nighthawk at Paint Mines, Red-headed Woodpecker at Ramah SWA, Rock Wren at Paint Mines, Common Nighthawk at Ramah SWA. Photos by Jessica Miller

Paint Mines Interpretive Park & More with DFO
2026-05-18 05:00 - 14:00
Paint Mines Interpretive Park —Including El Paso County Hotspots
Monday, May 18, 2026, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leaders: Linda Purcell & Judy McKeon
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Paint Mines is arguably one of the most visually compelling places in Colorado! With evidence of human life at this site dating back 9000 years – it has a remarkable history, even in the ancient Southwest! We will go directly to Paint Mines, in an effort to get the best light for photos during our early morning birding. After we leave Paint Mines, there will be another El Paso County stop at Fountain Creek Regional Park and Nature Center. On this trip we hope to see some spring migrants, as well as numerous other species. Dress appropriately, bring water, a snack, lunch. Rated moderate for the trip length and hilly conditions at Paint Mines. Bring binoculars, a camera (!), and a scope if you wish. A place and time will be announced for participants living in El Paso County to meet up with those coming from Denver. Plan to walk 3 -4 miles total. There are restrooms at Paint Mines and Fountain Creek, and we will plan to make other stops as well.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 4/27/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22352. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.

May Monthly Meeting:Corvids and Conifers, Pinyon Jays in Wyoming's Bighorn Basin with Corey Anco
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join Aiken Audubon Society as Corey Anco presents on May 20, 2026 via Zoom about
Corvids and Conifers: Pinyon Jays in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin
Presenter: Corey Anco, Willis McDonald, IV Curator of Natural Science, Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cynaocephalus) sightings and flock sizes have declined significantly since the 1960s. While the reasons for this decline vary by location, very little is known about the Pinyon Jay near the northern extent of its distribution. In 2024, the Draper Natural History Museum, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology at the University of California, Davis, Northwest College, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service initiated a study to characterize habitat use by Pinyon Jays across limber-pine woodlands in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. In this presentation, we’ll share highlights from the first few field seasons of this project and explore the Pinyon Jay’s curious relationship with seed-bearing pines.
Corey Anco is the Willis McDonald, IV Curator of Natural Science at the Draper Museum. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Lewis University, a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University, and an M.S. from Fordham University. At the Draper Natural History Museum, Corey’s research focuses on understudied species and ecosystems, addressing knowledge gaps to support emerging management and conservation needs of state and federal resource agencies. His interest in Pinyon Jays stems from their complex social structure, unique adaptations, and resilience in harsh, arid environments.
This is an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office; 4255 Sinton Road 80907. Our entrance to the building is located on the EAST side (back side) of the building; not the main entrance. Parking is encouraged in the south and west parking lots.
If you would prefer to attend via zoom, here is the link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5770180765?pwd=[REDACTED]

Doors Open: 6:30pm
Meeting announcements: 7:00pm
Program Presentation: 7:15pm
photo credit: Corey Anco

Flammulated Owls with Dr. Brian Linkhart
2026-07-10 18:30 - 21:30
Announcing one of our most popular field trips each year – the annual Flammulated Owls trip with Dr. Brian Linkhart! You’ll see Dr. Linkhart collect data on the nesting owls he studies and learn a lot. This is a wonderful experience!
Registration opens May 1 at 8:00 a.m. Aiken Audubon members may register first from May 1 through May 10. Starting at 8:00 a.m. on May 1, you may email fieldtrips@aikenaudubon.com to reserve your spot. Have you donated any amount to Aiken in the past one year? Then you’re a member!

Each person may only register for 2 people. This trip is limited to 12 participants. After May 10th, the offering will be open to the general public if there is space remaining….so register early! If you have attended this trip before, we ask that you delay signing up so that others may attend.

We will meet at the Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF). Meeting details will be provided to confirmed participants closer to the trip. Please note that this experience will likely involve hiking in the dark, possibly over some rugged, inclined terrain.

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 request with you RSVP.

We will check-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. There will be a waitlist option.

Photo: Flammulated Owl Nestling by Jessica Miller / Permitted Research Activity with Dr. Linkhart
