Aiken Audubon Society

Lake Pueblo State Park with Kip Miller
2022-10-15 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, October 15, 8:30 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.

Active Adults: Birding 101
2022-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Join us for a two-part session for Beginning Birders! Aiken Audubon leaders will teach about bird identification, behavior and habitats, birding ethics, and choices for binoculars, scopes and field guides.
Pre-registration required. $10 per person for both classes, $8 per Nature Center member.
October 13, 6-8p and October 15, 8a-12n.
Register here and scroll down to Activity number:103000-62 (requires account with El Paso County to register).

World Migratory Bird Day - The Sounds of Nocturnal Migration - October 8
2022-10-08 18:00 - 19:30
In celebration of fall World Migratory Bird Day on SATURDAY October 8, Audubon Rockies is partnering with Great Salt Lake Audubon in presenting The Sounds of Nocturnal Migration, a free webinar about nocturnal bird migration, how it’s monitored, and the risks that nocturnal migratory birds face.
Why do birds migrate at night, how are they monitored, and how you can help minimize the threats nocturnal migratory birds face? You’ll get answers to these questions and more during @AudubonRockies’ free webinar, The Sounds of Nocturnal Migration, on October 8! Come learn about Audubon’s conservation efforts, the newest conservation technology, and how you can play a part in all of it. Register now! https://act.audubon.org/a/sounds-nocturnal-migration?ms=chapters-eng-web-website_rockies-water-20221008-rockies-gillmor-sounds_nocturnal_migration-toolkit

Rock Ledge Ranch with Kip Miller
2022-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Rock Ledge Ranch Weekday Birding: Wednesday, October 5, 9:00 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. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size will be limited to 12 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Birds & Brews - Manitou Lake & BierWerks
2022-09-25 07:15 - 13:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Manitou Lake (CO-67, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) on Sunday, September 25, 8:00-11:00 am.

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.

– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. Lederhosen not necessary!
– Option to carpool/caravan from OCC Safeway (3275 W Colorado Ave) at 7:15am. At the entrance, a $8 cash fee per vehicle is charged; $4 for seniors with Senior’s National Park Pass.

No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Aiken Monthly Meeting: Eric Eaton asks, "Why Despise Flies?"
2022-09-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
New meeting location! We are now meeting in person at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office (4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907). The entrance to the classroom is on the back (east) side of the office and parking is available.
For our first meeting of the fall 2022 season, we have a special guest speaker, Eric Eaton. He is the author of Insectopedia (Princeton University Press, 2022) and Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (Princeton University Press 2022). He is the lead author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007), co-author of Insects Did It First (Xlibris, 2018), and contributor to several other books as well as author of numerous other articles about insects and other animals. Eric previously lived in Colorado Springs before recently moving to Leavenworth, Kansas.
Talk description:
“Why Despise Flies?” Flies are the insects we love to hate. From mosquitoes that suck our blood to the pesky “fruit flies” in the kitchen, they are loathed as a nuisance or a downright menace. It may come as a surprise to learn how much good flies do for us and for the planet. Do you love “Death by Chocolate?” You can thank a tropical fly for pollinating cacao. Come take a listen and find out what remarkable flies are to be found here in Colorado. Several have special relationships to birds, though not necessarily in a good way. Put on your insect repellent and join us, won’t you?
Date: September 21
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Classroom, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
The entrance to the classroom is on the back (east) side of the office and parking is available. We’ll start setting up at 6:30, so come a little early to say hello and have some snacks.

Want to attend the meeting virtually? Join us from home!
Click to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4374 4901
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Crows & Coffee - Austin Bluffs and Pike's Perk!
2022-09-17 07:30 - 10:30 | UCCS Parking Lot 580 (600 N Campus Heights), 600 N Campus Heights, Colorado Springs
“Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Collin Hildreth for a bird walk at Austin Bluffs and Pulpit Rock Open Space. We will meet at UCCS Parking Lot 580 (600 N Campus Heights). We will then proceed past the Heller Center and into the open space from there. Meet up time is 730a on Saturday, September 17th. Walking will be at a slow pace on hilly, rock and dirt trails. Consider bringing sturdy shoes, binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us for coffee and some friendly chat at Pike’s Perk on North Academy Blvd (5965 N Academy Blvd).
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!”
Meet Collin!
Hello! My name is Collin Hildreth and I am a new field trip leader for Aiken Audubon.
I am a long-time birder and avid hiker here in Colorado Springs. I have lived in Colorado Springs for the past seven years and I have spent that time exploring many of Colorado’s unique trails while watching some incredible birds along the way! I began bird watching about 8 years ago while attending high school in New Hampshire.
I certainly cannot pick one single bird as my favorite. However, Common Yellowthroats do hold a very special place in my heart! I also enjoy nature photography, so while I am out I usually have my camera in tow.
I personally find bird watching incredible because there are just so many birds to see and identify wherever I am in the world. Whether I am on a mountaintop or downtown there are always birds around. It truly is a hobby for everyone!
I also love to learn! Therefore, I aim to promote an atmosphere of knowledge sharing on the trips that I lead. That way, we all can learn the most from each other and enjoy our hobby to the fullest. Myself included!

Fall Bird Count - Fountain Creek Regional Park
2022-09-10 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fall Bird Count
Saturday, September 10, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Join the annual tradition and help record the number of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during fall migration. $5/person donation.

Bird Outing at Chico Basin Ranch, Thursday, Sept 8th, 7 a.m. to noon
2022-09-08 07:00 - 13:00 | Chico Basin – Hanover Fire Station, 175505 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
See what birds visit Chico in the fall, and spend some time with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies’ bird bander and her captures.
We’ll meet at the Tejon St Park-n-Ride at 7:00 a.m. You may also join us at Hanover Fire Station at 8:00. We’ll carpool from there. High clearance vehicles are a plus. The trip is limited to 10 participants. Cost is $10 per person unless you have a season pass. Please contact Linda Hodges at hikerhodges@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
More information will be provided once your spot is reserved!

Let Linda know if you don’t have binoculars and she’ll try to secure some for you.

Crows & Coffee - Starsmore Discovery Center
2022-08-27 07:00 - 10:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus and Melissa Wetzig for a bird walk at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center (2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 in the parking area). Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us for coffee and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks
2022-08-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Stratton Open Space
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Stratton Open Space (1504 Ridgeway Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906) on Sunday, August 21, 8:00-11:00 am. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Bristol Brewing (1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birding at Clear Spring Ranch
2022-08-20 07:30 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Ruben Rodriguez this Saturday – August 20, 2022 at 730a – Clear Springs Ranch! Please plan to meet at the Ranch located at Loren Lane, Fountain, CO 80817.
Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Fountain Starbucks for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up!
Driving Directions:
Clear Spring Ranch Open Space can be reached from Interstate 25, Exit 123; proceed to east side of Interstate, cross the railroad tracks, and enter the property. Parking lot is on the north side of the entrance road.

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks - Carpool Options
2022-07-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Mueller State Park (21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814) on Saturday, July 16, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Walking will be at a slow pace on small hills and about 4 miles long. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Paradox Brewing (10 Buffalo Ct, Divide, CO 80814) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!
Details on specific meeting location will be provided soon!

For a carpool or caravan option, we will meet at the Old Colorado City Safeway, 3275 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, at 7am. We will leave by 7:15am from there. Folks are also welcome to meet us at 8:00 a.m. at the Mueller State Park Visitor Center.

Flammulated Owls!
2022-07-08 18:30 - 22:30
We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 8th 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 going to make it available for registration on June 1st at 8a. 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.
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 with the twelve confirmed individuals two days beforehand to confirm. Please list your best contact information within the registration request. I will work a waitlist to ensure that we have a full group!

Crows & Coffee Bear Creek East
2022-07-08 07:00 - 10:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus and Melissa Wetzig for a bird walk at Bear Creek East on July 8th at 7a. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
We will meet east of the community gardens.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at local coffee shop for some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks. - CANCELED DUE TO CONTINUED RAIN
2022-06-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Bear Creek Nature Center (245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906) on Sunday, June 26, 8:30-10:30 am. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at OCC Brewing (2316 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Crows & Coffee - Rock Ledge Ranch
2022-06-24 07:00 - 10:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Melissa Wetzig and PJ Markus for a bird walk at Rock Ledge Ranch on June 24th at 7a. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level trails. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
We will meet at the corner of Chambers Way and Pike Drive.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at local coffee shop for some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Valco Ponds with the Gravel Pit - Bird Walk
2022-06-10 07:00 - 11:30 | Fountain Library, 230 S. Main St, Fountain, CO, 80817
Join Ruben Rodriguez for a bird walk at Valco Ponds with the Gravel Pit on Friday, June 10th.
Valco Ponds is a 1.97 mile walk of flat ground with groomed trails.
Parking fee is 9 to 11 dollars.
https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/ParksPassInfo.aspx
If you want to meet at Valco Ponds, meet-up time is 8 a.m. If you’d like to carpool, meet at the Fountain Library (230 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817) at 7 a.m., leaving at 715 a.m. Ruben can take 3 people in his car. The drive is about 35 minutes from the library.
Any birder level is welcome! Bring binoculars and a bird guide for the best experience.
Lake Pueblo State Park
5585-5587 W State Hwy 96
Pueblo, CO 81005

Adams Open Space Bird Walk
2022-06-03 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Library, 230 S. Main St, Fountain, CO, 80817
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Ruben Rodriguez for a bird walk at Adams Open Space, followed by Clear Spring Ranch if desired. We’ll meet at Fountain Library (230 S Main St. Fountain, CO 80817) at 730a.
Ruben Rodriguez is a retired Army 1SG. 25 years in the Infantry. He recently started birding and is hooked! Ruben would love to share his passion with you this upcoming Friday.
Adams Open Space is a lightly trafficked 2 mile out and back. There are 2 bridge crossings. Walking will be at a slow pace. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
No need to register to join. Hope to see you 730a on Friday, June 3rd.

RESCHEDULED!! Crows & Coffee
2022-06-01 07:30 - 10:30 | Prospect Lake 715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs, 715 Prospect Lake Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910, United States
Crows & Coffee Monthly Bird Walks –
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus for a bird walk at Prospect Lake (715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs), followed by Evergreen Cemetery. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at for a favorite coffee and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Falcon and Friends Birdwatch - Garden of the Gods Sponsored
2022-05-30 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-05-23 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-05-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Garden of the Gods Parking Lot #2 (North Main Parking Lot), 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Falcon and Friends
Monday Mornings – 9:00-10:30 – Observation Deck above restrooms at P2
Free Program (No preregistration required)
Park Volunteer and Interpreter Michele McMurray will have spotting scopes and binoculars out to view our local prairie falcons along with other feathered friends and wildlife of the park. Stop by the observation deck located on top of the restrooms at parking lot #2 (North Main Parking Lot).

Aiken Spring Cookout and Potluck
2022-05-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Bear Creek Regional Park, Medium Pavilion #2, 1950 South 21st Street, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80906, United States
We’re doing something a little different for May’s monthly meeting! Please join us on Wednesday, May 25th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Bear Creek for the first annual Aiken Audubon Spring Cookout and Potluck. We haven’t seen many of you in person in quite some time, so we’re having a cookout to kick off the summer and make new friends. We’ll be cooking hotdogs and hamburgers, as well as veggie dogs and veggie burgers. We’ll also have a cooler with some drinks and ask that you bring a side or dessert to share if possible. There are picnic tables, but it might be a good idea to bring a lawn chair as well. Plan to bring your own plate and utensils in order to reduce waste. Please RSVP by clicking here by Monday, May 23rd to ensure we have enough food for everyone. We hope to see you there and don’t forget to bring your binoculars just in case!

Active Adults Series: Spring Birding Photography Workshop at Fountain Creek
2022-05-21 08:00 - 10:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Active Adults Series: Spring Birding Photography Workshop at Fountain Creek
Saturday, May 21, 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
Spring is a wonderful time to view birds. Join award-wining photographer, Mike Pach, as he helps you capture photos of spring migrants. All skill levels welcome. Bring your camera and tripod (optional). We will meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Limit 15 participants. $20 per person. Pre-paid registration is required.
El Paso County Nature Centers

Active Adults: Spring Birding Photography Workshop at Fountain Creek
2022-05-21 08:00 - 10:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Active Adults: Spring Birding Photography Workshop at Fountain Creek
Saturday, May 21 8-10a
Spring is a wonderful time to view birds. Join Award-winning photographer, Mike Pach, as he helps you capture photos of spring migrants. Al. skill levels welcome. Bring your camera and Tripod (optional). We will meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Limit 15 participants. Prepaid registration required. $20 per person.
Register online or by phone.

www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com
719 520 6745

The Next CFO Convention
2022-05-19 08:00 - 2022-05-23 17:00
Colorado Field Ornitholgists Convention
MAKE IT A HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR BIRDING YEAR

PUEBLO CONVENTION MAY 19-23, 2022

CFO’s next convention is scheduled for May 19 – 23, 2022 in Pueblo, CO. Pueblo and the surrounding area is an amazing location for Colorado birding. The access to a variety of habitats, leads to Pueblo County having the largest county bird list of any in the state. This is one of the easiest areas in which to see most of the southeast canyon specialties, and Pueblo Reservoir, one of the largest bodies of water in the state, has attracted just about every rare waterbird you can think of. Join your fellow CFO members to explore this wonderful part of the state.

https://cobirds.org/Conventions/Next.aspx

The 7th Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival
2022-05-13 08:00 - 2022-05-15 17:00
Save the Date: 2022 Bird Festival:
May 13-14-15
The 7th Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival

The Festival Committee is planning the 2022 Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival scheduled for May 13-15, 2022. For more information go to PikesPeakBirdingandNatureFestival.org

Bird Watching Hike - Garden of the Gods Sponsored
2022-05-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Garden of the Gods Scotsman Trail (Parking lot 12 & 13), 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Bird Watching Hike
May 12th – 9:30-11:00AM – Scotsman Trail
$5 Registration
Join park interpreter Nick Darling for a bird watching hike in the park along the Scotsman Trail. Meet in the Scotsman Picnic area, Parking lot 12 & 13. The walk will be approximately 1.5 miles on dirt/rock trail. Bring your own binoculars or borrow one of ours (numbers limited). Please bring water and dress appropriately for the conditions. Weather dependent. Questions? Call (719) 219-0108.
People can register by going to our event calendar (https://www.gardenofgods.com/things-to-do/things-1/calendar) and clicking on the program they are interested in, scrolling down and clicking the register button.
Direct link to the Bird watching Hike page: https://www.gardenofgods.com/things-to-do/things-1/calendar/visitorcenter-eventcalendar/hikes-walks/1796-bird-watching-hike-3

Fountain Creek Regional Park Annual Spring Bird Count
2022-05-12 07:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Spring Bird Count
Thursday, May 12, 7:00- 11:00 a.m.
Beginning to advanced birders count and record the numbers of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during the height of spring migration. $5 donation recommended per participant to support our bird feeders.
