Aiken Audubon Society

Building for the Birds - Offered through El Paso Nature Centers
2023-03-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Building for the Birds
Saturday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Build a nesting box for common backyard birds, learn who they are and their calls. An adult able to handle tools must accompany children. Bring a hammer and pliers if you have them. Other materials provided. Prepaid registration required. $12 per kit/$10 per member kit.

Rock Ledge Ranch with Cinnamon Bergeron
2023-03-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Please join Aiken & Cinnamon at Rock Ledge Ranch on Friday, March 3 – 9a!
Rock Ledge Ranch offers a lovely mix of riparian woods, foothills pine and oak, and open fields. We will venture northwest into Garden of the Gods park.

– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on relatively even terrain and will walk no more than 3 miles. Depending on weather conditions leading up to the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you don’t have a pair of binoculars, let us know in advance and we’ll bring extra!
– Restrooms available at the beginning, midway, and end of the hike.
– Meet at the kiosk on the east side of Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site by the dog park, 38.873553, -104.871207. Depending on construction, entering this area from the main entrance from Gateway Rd. may be more convenient.

No reservation required. You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the walk.

Aiken Audubon offers field trips to interested persons as a means to enjoy birds and nature. All participants do so in the spirit of enjoying the outing.
As a participant, I will:

Stay with the group.
Notify the leader (or the driver of the vehicle in which I am riding) of any plans to leave the group.
Make sure the person who sat next to me in the car is there when we leave the area.
Not undertake any endeavor that will endanger my health as I know it.
Observe all applicable rules of conduct, policy, regulation and law, whether on public or private lands.
Adhere to the ABA Birder’s Code of Ethics.

The volunteer leaders will try to take reasonable precautions to provide for the safety of the participants. In the event of an accident, any emergency care is the financial responsibility of the participant.
I understand that I am primarily responsible for my own well-being, and hold harmless Aiken Audubon Society and its volunteers from any claim that may arise, including any contraction of illness, such as COVID-19.

Birding by Book | "Mrs. Moreau's Warbler"
2023-02-27 17:30 - 18:30
Aiken Audubon is happy to announce Birding by Book, 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.
“Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler” is the first read of 2023. Copies are available at a discount from Westside Stories on Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs.
Read “Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler” at your leisure, then join us on Monday, February 27th 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 - Fountain Creek Nature Center & Peaks N Pines Brewing
2023-02-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Sunday, February 26
Fountain Creek Nature Center (9am) followed by Peaks N Pines Brewing Company (12pm)
– With a mix of woodland, wetland, meadow, and pond habitats along Fountain Creek, the trails in Fountain Creek Regional Park are great all year for birding. We’ll check out the birdfeeders, listen for Great Horned Owls and Virginia Rails, scope out the ponds for waterfowl, and look for rarities at the ‘spa’. Afterwards we’ll head into Fountain for a couple beers at Peaks N Pines.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on relatively flat terrain and will walk no more than 2.5 miles.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Fountain forecast.
– Restrooms available at the start and end of the walk
– Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane.

Please email Jessica Miller with your yes RSVP at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com !
If you change your mind after replying yes, kindly let Jessica know! Thank you!

Clear Creek Ranch with Cinnamon Bergeron! Rescheduled to Feb 19
2023-02-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Stratton Open Space
Join Aiken & Cinnamon Bergeron on a walk at Clear Spring Ranch , Sunday – February 19 at 9a – meet at the parking lot closest to the trail head.

– Difficulty: Easy. We will be on slightly rolling terrain.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
No registration is required.

Take exit 123 off of I-25.

Aiken Monthly Meeting February 2023 | Habitat Hero: Wildscaping 101
2023-02-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom [online]
Due to inclement weather, this evening’s meeting will be held VIA ZOOM, and NOT in person. Please join us online at 7:00pm.
Zoom Meeting ID: 821 3492 1538 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join us, along with Audubon Rockies’ Jamie Weiss as we learn how to plant happy and healthy habitats for our feather friends! One of the biggest bird conservation threats is habitat loss. To address this, the Habitat Hero program provides people, businesses, and cities with the resources to create bird habitat in their own communities. By planting bird-friendly gardens with native plants, not only are we creating more beautiful and water-efficient communities; we’re connecting people to nature. Learn how you can conserve birds through native gardening.
Along with her B.S. in marine biology and chemistry from University of North Carolina Wilmington, Jamie is a certified interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation. Jamie previously worked at Boyd Lake State Park and the Georgia Aquarium as an educational interpreter, raising awareness of conservation. When not working, she is often leading an active lifestyle trying to keep up with her Border Collie puppy and Golden Retriever. She enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, and long-distance running.
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Photo: Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies

Aiken Bird Walk at Red Rock Open Space Trails!
2023-02-11 09:00 - 11:30 | Red Rock Canyon Open Space, 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Saturday, February 11 with Collin Hildreth!
Red Rock Open Space Trails at 9a!

-Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a 1,474-acre city park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is situated on the west side of the city, adjacent to Manitou Springs and south of U.S. Route 24. The park consists of a series of parallel ridges and eroded canyons.
– Difficulty: Easy to Medium. We will be on relatively flat terrain, with some small hilly paths.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
– There is a bathroom (porta-potty) available at trail head.
– Meet in the eastern-most parking lot at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (take the 2nd exit from the roundabout, then continue until the road dead-ends in the eastern parking lot)
– Call Collin if needed at 603-581-8752.

No registration is necessary.

Aiken will be asking you to sign a waiver with the following information:

Aiken Audubon offers field trips to interested persons as a means to enjoy birds and nature. All participants do so in the spirit of enjoying the outing.
As a participant, I will:

Stay with the group.
Notify the leader (or the driver of the vehicle in which I am riding) of any plans to leave the group.
Make sure the person who sat next to me in the car is there when we leave the area.
Not undertake any endeavor that will endanger my health as I know it.
Observe all applicable rules of conduct, policy, regulation and law, whether on public or private lands.
Adhere to the ABA Birder’s Code of Ethics.

The volunteer leaders will try to take reasonable precautions to provide for the safety of the participants. In the event of an accident, any emergency care is the financial responsibility of the participant.
I understand that I am primarily responsible for my own well-being, and hold harmless Aiken Audubon Society and its volunteers from any claim that may arise, including any contraction of illness, such as COVID-19.

Winter Bird Festival
2023-01-28 10:00 - 14:00
Winter Bird Festival

January 28, 2023 10:00 AM –2:00 PM
2120 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road | Colorado Springs, CO | 80906

(719) 385-6086

Admission: Free to attend, but donations are always appreciated.
Event Summary

The Winter Bird Festival will be hosted at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center in North Cheyenne Cañon Park and will have many family-friendly activities including crafts, bird-themed activities, and bird walks!

Live Birds of Prey
2023-01-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Live Birds of Prey
Saturday, January 28, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
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 foes to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey. Prepaid registration required. $5 per person/$4 per member.

This event is sponsored by El Paso County Nature Centers
El Paso County Nature Centers

Bear Creek East With Cinnamon Bergeron! January 28!
2023-01-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Join Aiken & Cinnamon Bergeron on a walk at Bear Creek East, Saturday -January 28 at 9a – meet by the Garden Plot parking lot.

Bear Creek East’s trails are through rolling foothills and along the creek, which are great for all-season birding.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on slightly rolling terrain.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
No registration is required.

Birds & Brews - Prospect Lake and Local Relic
2023-01-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Prospect Lake 715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs, 715 Prospect Lake Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910, United States
Sunday, January 22
Prospect Lake at Memorial Park (9am) followed by Local Relic (11am)
– Prospect Lake is an urban recreational site, but this large body of water is a magnet for waterfowl and gulls in the winter. Who knows what may pop up here! Afterwards we’ll pop over to Local Relic, just a couple minutes away, for beers and maybe brunch.
– Difficulty: Easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain and will walk about 1.25 miles.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Bring a scope if you have one.
– No public restroom on site
– Meet at the Swing High Playground parking lot on the south west side of the lake; a house across the street has the address 812 Prospect Lake Dr.

Please email Jessica Miller with your yes RSVP at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com !
If you change your mind after replying yes, kindly let Jessica know! Thank you!

Jr. Bird Club - Fountain Creek Nature Center
2023-01-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Jr. Bird Club
Saturday, January 21, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Nature lovers ages 8 to 15 are invited to spend time together outdoors and practice their birding skills! In this meeting we will learn about winter adaptations and survival strategies. Drop off your child for a lesson, craft, and birding walk! Prepaid registration required. $10 per child.
This event is sponsored by El Paso Nature Centers
El Paso County Nature Centers

Aiken Monthly Meeting January 2023 | Effects of Drought on Shortgrass Prairie Birds
2023-01-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Effects of Drought on Breeding Populations of Shortgrass Prairie Birds on the Pueblo Chemical Depot
Dr. Claire Varian-Ramos will discuss how the shortgrass prairie is threatened by anthropogenic environmental changes, including climate change. Climate models indicate increased probability of dryer summers across much of the region. Despite declining populations, shortgrass prairie birds remain understudied. Some species may be able to mitigate the impacts of climate change by avoiding areas experiencing poor rainfall. She has used point-counts to assess the breeding populations of four shortgrass prairie songbirds, Cassin’s Sparrows, Lark Buntings, Lark Sparrows, and Western Meadowlarks at the Pueblo Chemical Depot in southern Colorado. Differences in response to drought may reflect differences in behavioral plasticity which may make some species better able to adjust to the effects of climate change than others.
Dr. Varian-Ramos is an Associate Professor and the Graduate Program Director of the Biology Department at Colorado State University – Pueblo.
This will be an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. A Zoom link will be available for those who wish to join virtually.
Snacks & Bird Chat (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Photo: Dr. Claire Varian-Ramos
You can also join us on Zoom!
Time: Jan 18, 2023 06:30 PM Mountain Time
Meeting ID: 893 4749 7286
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Winter Bird Count - Fountain Creek
2023-01-14 08:30 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Winter Bird Count
Saturday, January 14, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
All levels of birders are invited to help us observe and record the bird species in Fountain Creek Regional Park. Preregistration is required and space is limited. $5 donation per person recommended.

This event is sponsored by El Paso County Nature Centers
El Paso County Nature Centers

Fountain Creek (Kohl's to Mule Farm)
2023-01-13 09:30 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek from Kohl’s to Mule Farm, 2725 Janitell Road, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Aiken & Cinnamon Bergeron on a walk along Fountain Creek – Kohl’s parking lot to Mule Farm. We’ll meet in the Kohl’s parking lot toward the pond.

There is a mix of woodland, wetland, meadow, and pond habitats along Fountain Creek, which are great all year for birding.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on relatively flat terrain.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Fountain forecast.

First of the Year Birds at Rock Ledge Ranch and Garden of the Gods
2023-01-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join us New Year’s Day for a leisurely walk through Rock Ledge Ranch and lesser-visited sections of Garden of the Gods. Target species include Evening Grosbeak, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Shrike, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Cassin’s Finch. We’ll meet at 3199 Chambers Way at 9:00 am. No need to register in advance. We have several pairs of binoculars available for use. Please email jones.clark.d@gmail.com if you would will need a pair for the walk.

Christmas Eve Nature Walk - Fountain Creek
2022-12-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Diana Beatty and Aiken Audubon for a Christmas Eve Nature Walk – December 24, 2022, 9a-12n!
Fountain Creek Nature Center offers a look into the marsh wildlife area with a variety of discovery experiences. Easy walking trails are throughout, binoculars are available with advanced notice. No reservations required. Please arrive at the Fountain Creek Nature Center by 9a.

320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817
From I-25 Exit 132A, go east on CO 16 to US Highway, then south one-half mile. Turn west on Cattail Marsh Road to parking area.

Birds & Brews - Quail Lake & Urban Animal!
2022-12-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Quail Lake Park, Corner of E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd and Quail Lake Rd.
Sunday, December 18
Quail Lake (10am) followed by Urban Animal (12pm)
– Quail Lake is a 22 acre reservoir on the southwest side of town used primarily for recreation like fishing and paddle boarding, but anywhere with this much water should be birded. We’ll look for the usual winter suspects plus gulls and waterfowl. We may peruse some social trails in an adjacent greenspace. Afterwards we’ll stop by Urban Animal Beer Co just a couple miles away.
– Difficulty: Easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain and will walk no more than 2 miles.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Bring a scope if you have one.
– No public restroom on site
– Meet at Quail Lake Park Parking at the Corner of E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd and Quail Lake Rd.

Colorado Springs Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-17 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Join us for the Colorado Springs Christmas Bird Count on December 17! The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science project in the United States and dates back to 1901. It provides valuable data about the wintering distribution and abundance of birds across the U.S. and you can help! You don’t have to be a bird expert and can contribute right from your back yard or join Aiken Audubon as we canvass our count circle in Colorado Springs. If you would like to participate, please reach out to Tyler Stuart (our Christmas Bird Count Coordinator for the past 10 years!) and let him know that you would like to join us. Following the count, we will have a potluck dinner at Bear Creek Nature Center to go over all the sightings from count.

Fountain Creek Christmas Bird Count - December 14, 2022 - Now FULL!
2022-12-14 08:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fountain Creek Christmas Bird Count on 12/14! Diana Beatty is coordinating the bird count and will need a few participants to assist. Reach out to Diana (otowi33.33@gmail.com) toward the end of November / start of December to work out area assignments. There are a lot of private land count areas that will be coordinated.

Birds & Brews - Sondermann Park and Cerberus Brewing Company
2022-11-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Sondermann Park, 740 W Carmamillo St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
Sunday, November 20
Sondermann Park (9am) followed by Cerberus Brewing Company (11am)

– We’ll wind through creek-side trails and check out the scrub-oak meadows of this small-but-mighty west-side park.The walking here is relatively flat and easy. Afterwards we’ll head down to Cerberus Brewing Co. to enjoy drinks and snacks in the heated outdoor tent.
– Meet at 740 W Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. If the parking lot happens to be full or closed, there is plenty of street parking nearby.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

Aiken Monthly Meeting: Birds of the Western National Monuments
2022-11-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join Aiken and author, photographer, and adventurer, Mike Endres, for a dive into some of the National Monuments of the western U.S. and the birds that call them home. Mike is the author of the Colorado Mountain Club Guide to Western National Monuments, and spent roughly 5 years researching the various monuments for this guide, visiting most of them two or more times. The Antiquities Act of 1906 has been instrumental in the conservation and preservation of critical lands across our nation. The ease with which it can be used by a sitting President is demonstrated by the fact that all but two Presidents have proclaimed at least one National Monument during their time in office. Many of these same lands have been elevated to National Park status and protection, the Grand Canyon being the most notable. This presentation will highlight a number of the western monuments with emphasis on birds, photography, recreation, and conservation.
This will be an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Please use the entrance on the east side, as the main entrance will be locked.
Participants will also be able to join via Zoom.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86117554788?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 861 1755 4788
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Lake Pueblo State Park with Kip Miller
2022-11-12 08:30 - 15:00 | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, November 12, 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.

Avian Collection - Colorado College Museum Tour
2022-11-09 15:00 - 16:30 | Barnes Science Building, 1040 N Nevada Ave,, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, 80903
Come tour the Avian Collection at Colorado College on November 9th at 3p! We will meet at the east-facing entrance at 3p and we can view the avian collection from 3-430p. Masks are optional, but appreciated.
If you’re interested in joining us, please let me know – we are limited to a 14 person maximum.
mhelton016@gmail.com for your reservation!

Walk Rock Ledge Ranch & Visit Orchard House - Limit met - waitlist only
2022-10-29 08:00 - 11:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join us on October 29, 2022 for this great opportunity!
We’ll meet at 8a in front of Rock Ledge Orchard House and bird walk around the ranch. Afterward, we’ll join in the Orchard House for a presentation led by Melissa Keown.
In 1907, General Palmer commissioned the construction the Orchard House and invited his sister-in-law, Charlotte and her husband, William Sclater to live at the ranch. William Sclater was a well-known British ornithologist, who authored a book on the birds of Colorado. Join us to hear the details!
The registration will be limited to a 20 person maximum and there will be a $4 per person requested donation, benefitting Rock Ledge Ranch. If interested, email MHELTON016@gmail.com with your name(s) and phone number to confirm your spot. ****** The limit is met. If you’re interested in being waitlisted, let me know.
The bird walk will be at a leisurely pace. Dress appropriately for Colorado’s October weather! All levels of birders are welcome. You’re encouraged to bring binoculars (if you’d like to borrow a set, please let me know).

Clear Springs Ranch with Kip Miller
2022-10-25 08:30 - 11:30 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Clear Spring Ranch Birding: Tuesday, October 25, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for a late October morning exploring this county-managed, 970-acre park along Fountain Creek for both migrant and wintering birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be found. Total walking distance may be up to three miles, but at an easy birding pace and on level trails and gravel roads.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the Clear Springs Ranch parking lot. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size limited to 12. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Jr. Bird Club - Fountain Creek Nature Center
2022-10-22 08:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Jr. Bird Club
Saturday, October 22, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Nature lovers ages 8 to 15 are invited to spend time together outdoors and practice their birding skills! In this meeting, we will learn about the very first birds… Yea, this one is 66 million years in the making! Lesson, craft, and birding walk included. $10 per child.
ONLINE REGISTRATION available: CLICK HERE

Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817
719-520-6745; www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Aiken Monthly Meeting: The Joy of Birding The Land of Enchantment & The Lone Star State
2022-10-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join us at the October meeting for a birding trip presentation by Ruben Rodriguez.
Ruben will share helpful travel information and his wonderful photography from New Mexico and Texas to include highlights of Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, South Padre Island and Mustang Island. Ruben will also share about his visit to the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center in San Antonio, TX.
Ruben was born and raised in Puerto Rico. After high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman and Paratrooper. He served for 25 years and retired with a multitude of honors; Bronze Star, Meritorious Medal, Combat Infantry Badge with Star, Expert Infantry Badge, Pathfinder and Airborne Badge.
Ruben is active with the Aiken Audubon chapter, leading birding hikes and shares his beautiful bird photography via social media.
This will be an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
Participants will also be able to join via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86448746329?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 864 4874 6329
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,86448746329#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US

Birds & Brews - Bear Creek Nature Center & OCC Brewing
2022-10-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Sunday, October 16
Bear Creek Nature Center (8am) followed by OCC Brewing (10:30am)
– Explore the riparian creek bottom, scrub oak woodlands, and open meadows of Bear Creek Nature Center’s Nature Trail. We’ll also see who’s coming to the bird feeders. Afterwards we’ll head over to OCC Brewing for a variety of libations (Peregrine Pale Ale, anyone?) and a great brunch menu.
– The Nature Center will be closed, so no bathrooms on site.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. There are some steps along the trail. Dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

Lake Pueblo State Park with Kip Miller
2022-10-15 08:30 - 15:00 | 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.
