Aiken Audubon Society

Some Flew Away, But Hooo Stayed? Family Program at El Paso's Bear Creek Nature Center Jan 20 @ 10a
2024-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Some Flew Away, But Hooo Stayed?

Let’s discuss which birds call Bear Creek home during the winter months, hike to search for them, and make a bird treat to attract birds to your yard.

Fees

Charge When Not Billed:
Family Program Fee (Standard Fee): $5.00

Activity Details
Some Flew Away, But Hooo Stayed?

Meeting Details

01/20/2024 –01/20/2024
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Days: Sat
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Nature Center
Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
(719)520-6387
Facility: Bear Creek Nature Ce

Eligibility
Current Transaction Date on or after 02/13/18.
More Than or Equal to 0 days before the item begin date.

Live Birds of Prey with El Paso's Fountain Creek Nature Center - January 27 @10a
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Live Birds of Prey

Fountain Creek Nature Center staff strive to offer innovative public programs for all ages and interests year-round! Each season we offer various programs to get you in-touch with nature, from new and unique to old seasonal favorites. Check back each season to see if there’s something you, your child, or whole family will like! Please click the title of each program to learn more about what to expect, see how many spots are available, and read any unique registration instructions.
Prepaid registration is required for all programs. Unless otherwise specified, none of these programs are drop-off; an adult must register and attend the program with each group.
To avoid problems with your registration, please register everyone in your party at the same time. To register family members or friends, please add them to your account as an “Additional Family Member”.
If you have questions about a program or have problems registering online, you may call Fountain Creek Nature Center at 719-520-6745. Registration will close 2 hours from the start of the program.
There will be no refunds for cancellations or failure to attend. Refunds will be offered if the Nature Center cancels the program.

Learn about hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures through a live birds of prey program with Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center! The presentation includes two different birds of prey and a discussion of adaptations, predator/prey relationships, natural history, and personal stories of the birds presented. You’ll also hear about the work the Center does to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey.

Fees

Charge When Not Billed:
(Standard Fee): $5.00

Meeting Details

01/27/2024 –01/27/2024
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Days: Sat
Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Pepper Grass Lane
Fountain, CO, 80817
(719)520-6745
Facility: Fountain Creek Nature Center

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

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

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

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

Great Backyard Bird Count at Fossil Beds - February 17, 9a-1p
2024-02-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds, 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO, 80816, United States
The Friends of the Fossil Beds have held a citizen science event for the Great Backyard Bird Count for the last 9 years. It goes from 9 AM to 1 PM. They offer short bird walks to count birds and record the count. They also have other activities for the families and children such as making bird feeders and scavenger hunts.

No registration is necessary, just show up for any or all of the bird count!
Any questions, please contact Sally at sammckind@aol.com

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

Photo taken by Jerlene Haywood

Aiken Monthly Meeting February 2024 | High Altitude Finches
2024-02-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Rosy & Redpoll Finches are a great topic for our February monthly meeting as they blend in well with Valentine hearts…and they don’t mind the snow.
Join us this month for an in-depth presentation on The role of plumage coloration and local adaptation in the differentiation of high elevation and high latitude finches. Variation in color and pattern make birds among the most colorful of all vertebrate animals. Plumage color can be an important clue for species recognizing potential mates, and differences in color might act as a barrier to reproduction. Our presenter Erik Funk will share some of his recent work investigating how differences in coloration contribute to genetic differences in rosy-finches (Leucosticte spp.) and redpoll finches (Acanthis spp.). Erik will describe some specific genes that appear to control plumage color differences and local adaptation, and the ways in which these traits have influenced the evolution of these two bird groups.
Erik was born and raised in San Diego, CA where he was introduced early to the birds of the chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Erik began research on birds as an undergraduate at San Diego State University, continuing on to get his masters degree studying the genetic relationships and evolution of the neotropical tanagers. In 2017 he moved to Colorado where he began a PhD program with Dr. Scott Taylor studying divergence and speciation at the University of Colorado Boulder. Since finishing his degree in 2022, Erik has worked as a National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellow studying conservation genomics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Our February meeting is also time for our annual Death by Chocolate potluck. Please bring your favorite chocolate treat to share; cupcakes, cookies, candies, etc.

This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back (east side) of the building. The main door will be locked.
Death by Chocolate Potluck & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm

Image credit: Chris Vest & American Bird Conservancy

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88515824737?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 885 1582 4737
Passcode: [REDACTED]
—

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

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

Birding by Book | "Red-Tails in Love"
2024-02-26 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 “Red-Tails in Love” by Marie Winn at your leisure, then join us on Monday, February 26th for book club discussion.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
Visit the Aiken Audubon website, and follow us on Facebook for upcoming announcements.

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

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

Aiken Monthly Meeting March 2024 | Collaboration is the Way of the Future to Save Working Lands
2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Grassland birds have suffered an unparalleled decline over the past half century, stemming from widespread development of North America’s grasslands. This calls for Audubon’s action. To combat the negative effects of grassland degradations—and to keep grass on the landscape—Audubon has developed the Conservation Ranching Initiative. Join us at our March monthly meeting to hear from Chrissy McFarren, owner, Director & Ranch Mentor of Badger Creek Ranch as she shares about her conservation work on the ranch. Badger Creek Ranch is the 100th ranch to receive a Bird-Friendly Habitat Certification through Audubon Conservation Ranching.
Chrissy strives to inspire the public about how working lands need all of us and we need these working lands. It is a symbiotic relationship. The lands provide us with beauty, solace, freedom, food, recreation, and the ability to help with climate change by sequestering carbon. And, in return for these gifts, it’s up to us to roll up our sleeves and get to work in whatever way we can. This is a movement that needs all of us.
Chrissy McFarren is owner, Director & Ranch Mentor of Badger Creek Ranch. She is passionate about ranching and farming and deeply humbled to be a steward of the land. She loves creating healthy environments for all the animals (domestic and wild) that call the ranch home. Her personal mission is to be of service to the grass roots movement of regenerative agriculture, public education and improving our food systems.

This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back (east side) of the building. The main door will be locked.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 864 5296 7352
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Image credit: Badger Creek Ranch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aiken Monthly Meeting April 2024 | Swift Fox Research in WY
2024-04-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join us, along with Heather O’Brien of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for our April program.
The evening’s program will discuss swift fox life, history and ecology; along with survey methods, trends and current swift fox research projects taking place in WY.
Heather is the statewide nongame mammal biologist for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, based in Casper. She received her B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996, and her M.S. degree studying white-tailed deer densities and herbivory from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2005. Her areas of interest include population estimation and ecology, behavioral ecology, fence and road ecology as it relates to wildlife movement, and conservation of sensitive species.
This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back (east side) of the building. The main door will be locked.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85774063518?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 857 7406 3518
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Photo copyright Mark Gocke – WGFD

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

Birding By Book | "Woman, Watching"
2024-04-29 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 “Woman, Watching: Louise de Kiriline Lawrence and the Songbirds of Pimisi Bay” by Merilyn Simonds at your leisure, then join us on Monday, April 29th for book club discussion.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.

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.

May 11th: Starsmore Visitor Center's Annual North Cheyenne Cañon Humming Bird Festival
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Visit https://coloradosprings.gov/starsmore for more information

Photo from Songbird Orchids

Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival
2024-05-16 06:00 - 2024-05-19 12:30
Hold the dates for Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival.
www.pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org
Early Bird registration opens March 23

Aiken Monthly Meeting May 2024 | An Evening in Ecuador
2024-05-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
***PLEASE NOTE, this month’s meeting is on the 4th Wednesday of the month***
Join Colorado author Norm Lewis for An Evening in Ecuador! Norm will share photos and stories from his travels to South America.
Norm will have copies of his book, “The Best Front Range Bird Hikes” available for purchase and signing after the meeting. Books will be available for $20; please bring cash or check.
Norm grew up in Indiana and holds a B.S. in Geology from Indiana University and an
M.S. in Geology from Northern Arizona University. He was introduced to birding by his
brother Jerry in 1984, and was hooked from the very first bird, which happened to be a
yellow warbler.
Norm is a past president of Denver Field Ornithologists and Colorado Field
Ornithologists. He has led birding outings for the Denver Museum of Nature and
Science for thirty years. He has a one-man birding touring company called Aerie
Adventures, and has taken groups all over North America, and to Ecuador, Costa Rica
and Panama.
This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back (east side) of the building. The main door will be locked.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pmMeeting announcements 7:00pmProgram Presentation 7:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81073197552?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 810 7319 7552
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Photo credit: Cathy Brown

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.
