Aiken Audubon Society

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

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

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

Dress for CO weather and bring your water and snacks!

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

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

Trip Description:

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

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

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

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

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

Hummingbird Homecoming - offered by Fountain Creek Nature Center
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Hummingbird Homecoming
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
With their speed, grace, agility, tiny size, and love of flowers, hummingbirds have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless people. Learn about their migrations, adaptations, and influence on cultures. You’ll discover our Colorado species and how to invite them to your yards, plus favorite viewing locations nearby. Recommended ages 10+.
$5/nonmember, $4/member. Prepaid registration required at www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

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

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

RSVP for your spot – jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

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

Join Aiken and Jessica Miller on Sunday, July 7

Mueller State Park (8am) followed by Paradox Brewing (12pm)
– We will hike through the montane forest and meadows and past a couple ponds to find a variety of birds. This will also be a great wildflower walk!
– This will be a moderate-difficult hike. Our route will take us 4 miles over moderate terrain at a birder’s pace.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. Dress for the Divide, CO forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Carpool/caravan option from OCC Safeway (3275 W Colorado Ave) at 7:15am. Keep in mind that unless you have an annual pass, a $10 vehicle charge will apply at the entrance.

RSVP for your spot at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Walk & Waitlist are FULL - Flammulated Owls with Professor Brian Linkhart !
2024-07-12 18:30 - 21:30 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 12th at 630p – Flammulated Owls!

Professor Brian Linkhart will lead this fantastic tour on behalf of Aiken. This is often good timing for being able to see owlets and maybe even see them access their nests!
Because of the popularity of this walk, we’re offering to our membership first from June 1 through June 15! We will need to cap it at 12 people, so if you’re interested – mark your calendar for June 1st at 8a and email Melanie Helton at MHELTON016@gmail.com. Melanie will register the first 12 people that respond. Each person (email) may only register for 2 people. After June 15th, the offering will be open to the general public if there are slots remaining….so register early!

We will meet at the Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF) and the hike details will be provided to you once you’ve been confirmed. Please note that we will be hiking in the dark through some rugged terrain and angled slope without headlamps or flashlights. If this doesn’t excite you, please don’t register!
We kindly request a $25 donation per person, cash or check made payable to Aiken; 100% supports Dr. Linkhart’s ongoing research. If you are in need of partial scholarship to cover this donation, please let me know.

I will be checking-in with the twelve confirmed individuals a few days beforehand to confirm. Please list your best contact information within the registration request (email and phone number) for each individual. I will work a waitlist to ensure that we have a full group!

Thank you for being a member of Aiken!

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Bear Creek Nature Center followed by OCC Brewing
2024-08-18 08:00 - 13:00 | CO
Join Aiken and Jessica Miller Sunday, August 18
Bear Creek Nature Center (8am) followed by OCC Brewing (11am)

– Explore the riparian creek bottom, scrub oak woodlands, and open meadows of Bear Creek Nature Center’s Nature Trail. We’ll also see who’s coming to the bird feeders.
– This will be an easy-moderate hike up to 3 miles. There are some steps along the trail.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. Dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.

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

RSVP for your spot at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Sondermann Park with Cinnamon Bergeron & Joyce Michael on Friday, September 6th
2024-09-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Sondermann Park, 740 W Carmamillo St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
Join Aiken and Cinnamon Bergeron and Joyce Michael on September 6th, 8-10a at Sondermann Park.
Sondermann Park is a 97-acre natural park where you can find many species in the large trees and along the creek. Easy walk across flat terrain with small hills.
Parking is tight, so you may want to carpool or park on the roadway across from the park’s entrance.

The park is located at 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907

No registration required! Hope to see you there!

Join Aiken and Mary Rudolph on September 12th at Rock Ledge Ranch
2024-09-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join Aiken and Mary Rudolph on September 12th at 830a! Plan to meet at Rock Ledge Ranch (3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904), by the Welcome Hut at 830a.
Bring your binoculars and dress for the forecast! If you would like to borrow a set of binoculars, please send an email to mhelton016@gmail.com to reserve in advance.
No registration is necessary! We just hope to see you and a bunch of birds!
Get to know your leader:
Mary Rudolph graduated from Colorado College in 2023 with a major in organismal biology (emphasis in ornithology) and a minor in Arabic. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, she is an avid long-distance trail runner who loves doing just about anything outside. She first started working with Audubon after attending the Audubon Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2019. She now serves on the Audubon Rockies board of directors and the Audubon Council of Colorado. Mary also founded Tiger Audubon, the Colorado College Audubon campus chapter.

Fountain Creek Regional Park Annual Fall Bird Count
2024-09-14 07:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join Fountain Creek Nature Center and Steve Getty for their Annual Fall Bird Count on September 14th, 7a-11a.
If you’re interested, please email Jessica Miller at jessicamiller@elpasoco.com to register!

Join DFO & Aiken for a joint Chico Basin trip with Jessica Miller. Registration opens on 8/26/24 at 12n via DFOBirds.org
2024-09-16 06:00 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Chico Basin Ranch
9/16/2024 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Jessica Miller jessicaisbirding@gmail.com or 706-288-8112
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
See trip description for meeting instructions
This trip is limited to the first 12 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Grassland, Wetland
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. We will explore the three sites open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, The Headquarters pond, and Rose’s Pond. During our trip we will venture across county lines to scour vast prairie, woodlands, open water, wetlands, and riparian areas for a very wide variety of birds, including wonderful migrants. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby half of the time. Of course, bring your favorite birding gear like binoculars and a camera. (Don’t have binoculars? No problem – the trip leader can bring you some!) Wear comfortable walking shoes – we may walk 3 miles at a very slow birder’s pace. Our terrain can be uneven but mostly flat. Long pants are recommended. 5:30am – Denver-area participants will meet in Castle Rock to carpool down. 6:30 a.m. – everyone will meet in Fountain, CO before heading east to Chico. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants registered through DFO to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. We will need a few drivers to volunteer to drive as carpooling is greatly preferred.
Registration will open at noon on 8/26/2024 at 12n – dfobirds.org

Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Rock Ledge Ranch: Thursday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
2024-09-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Rock Ledge Ranch Weekday Birding: Thursday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
Located adjacent to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Rock Ledge Ranch can be a surprisingly good location for observing migrant songbirds during spring and fall migrations. Today we’ll spend a few hours slowly working around the grounds checking the wooded areas, as well as the farm and open areas for birds pausing to rest and refuel on their way south. We may walk a mile or so, but slowly and on easy terrain.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the south end of the Garden of the Gods overflow parking area by the Rock Ledge Ranch entrance kiosk. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size will be limited to 8 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at kipGmiller@gmail.com .

Birds & Brews - Manitou Lake followed by BierWerks with Jessica Miller
2024-09-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Sunday, September 22
Manitou Lake (9am) followed by BierWerks (12pm)
Manitou Lake is surrounded by evergreen forests, meadows, and wetlands formed by beaver dams. The diverse habitat, flat walking, and lovely scenery make this a great birding destination, especially during migration! On our way home we’ll stop by BierWerks Brewery in Woodland Park to enjoy German ales and lagers.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. This 2 mile hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails. There’s a lot to see and explore so we’ll be on our feet the whole time.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. Lederhosen not necessary.
– At the entrance, a $10 fee per vehicle is charged. Option to carpool/caravan from Old Colorado City area at 7:15am.
– RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Join DFO & Aiken for a joint Chico Basin Trip with Jessica Miller - registration opens on 9/2 at 12n via dfobirds.org
2024-09-23 06:00 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Chico Basin Ranch
9/23/2024 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Jessica Miller jessicaisbirding@gmail.com or 706-288-8112
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
See trip description for meeting instructions
This trip is limited to the first 12 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Grassland, Wetland
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. We will explore the three sites open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, The Headquarters pond, and Rose’s Pond. During our trip we will venture across county lines to scour vast prairie, woodlands, open water, wetlands, and riparian areas for a very wide variety of birds, including wonderful migrants. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby half of the time. Of course, bring your favorite birding gear like binoculars and a camera. (Don’t have binoculars? No problem – the trip leader can bring you some!) Wear comfortable walking shoes – we may walk 3 miles at a very slow birder’s pace. Our terrain can be uneven but mostly flat. Long pants are recommended. 5:30am – Denver-area participants will meet in Castle Rock to carpool down. 6:30 a.m. – everyone will meet in Fountain, CO before heading east to Chico. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants registered through DFO to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. We will need a few drivers to volunteer to drive as carpooling is greatly preferred.
Registration opens on September 2, 2024 at 12n via dfobirds.org

Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Clear Spring Ranch: Thursday, September 26, 8:30 a.m.
2024-09-26 08:30 - 11:30 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Clear Spring Ranch Weekday Birding: Thursday, September 26, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for a late September morning exploring this county-managed, 970-acre park along Fountain Creek for both migrant and early wintering birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be found. Total walking distance may be up to three miles, but at an easy birding pace and on level trails and gravel roads.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the Clear Springs Ranch parking lot. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size limited to 10. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at kipGmiller@gmail.com.

Join Aiken & David Tonnessen at Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space - September 28
2024-09-28 06:45 - 10:00 | Big Johnson Reservoir and Bluestem Prairie Open Space, 6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado springs, 80911, United States
Join Aiken and David Tonnessen at Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space (Sep 28) for a lovely morning enjoying bird migration and whatever bugs and plants catch our interest at this iconic prairie open space. We’ll meet at the dirt parking lot at 6:45 am to scope the reservoir and watch waterbirds and whatever shorebirds we can find from this good vantage point, before taking a pleasant hike through the open space trails to get to the other side of the reservoir looking for land birds. We’ll walk 1-1.5 miles, so bring a sun hat, water, snacks, and optics. This is a great location and time of year to find migrants, both on land and in water!

Saturday September 28 at Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space at 6:45 – 10:00 am!
6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911

Contact David at davidtonnessenx@gmail.com to sign up. Trip is capped at 8 participants.

Join Aiken and Diane Luck on a trip to Lake George, October 12th!
2024-10-12 08:00 - 12:00 | Lake George, Hwy 24, 80827
Join Aiken and Diane Luck on October 12th for a visit to Lake George!
The ducks should have arrived by then and there are usually eagles around, too!
Meet at the Walmart in Woodland Park to carpool at 8am. We’ll gather in the northwest corner of the parking lot to leave at 8a.

Limit: 10 people (the public access at the lake viewing areas is very limited). Please secure your spot by emailing mhelton016@gmail.com

Diane is a certified bird bander and former Aiken board of directors member (program).

Birds & Brews - Quail Lake followed by Urban Animal with Jessica Miller
2024-10-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Quail Lake Park, Corner of E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd and Quail Lake Rd.
Sunday, October 13
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 a variety of migrants. 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.
– No public restroom on site (there may be a porta potty)

Aiken Monthly Meeting October 16 | Birding Texas!
2024-10-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
If you’ve ever wondered what to do in the middle of a Colorado winter as the thermometer dips towards zero, you’re not alone. Join Mike Endres as he shares his answer to this question by taking you on a birding excursion to the central Texas coast. Mike will share his years of experience visiting the Texas coast during the winter months, camping and birding along the way. As the owner of Little Wing Photo he is sure to have images that will inspire you to start planning a trip this winter! Stops include Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, Rockport/Fulton area, and the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.
Join naturalist, professional photographer & adventurer Mike Endres of Little Wing Photo as he showcases some of the birds that can be encountered on a winter trip to the Texas coast.
Mike runs Little Wing Photo and has been doing photography for over 50 years with a focus on the great outdoors of the world. His work has been published in numerous scientific journals and books around the world and he recently published a guide to the National Monuments of the West. His 37-year career in the Army has provided him with opportunities & experiences few can equal, all with camera in hand. He remains active in rock and ice climbing, backcountry skiing, birding, and seeking out the more isolated parts of our great country and the world.
This is an in-person meeting 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.
The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom. Check back soon for the meeting link.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89546633781?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 895 4663 3781
Passcode: [REDACTED]
photo credit: Mike Endres | Little Wing Photo

Join Aiken & Kip Miller at Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, October 26, 8:00 am – 3:00 p.m
2024-10-26 08:00 - 15:00 | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Lake Pueblo State Park: Saturday, October 26, 8:00 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. 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 within the state park at the parking lot located at the end of West Fishing Road. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Note a $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. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at kipGmiller@gmail.com.

Join Joe LaFleur at Garden of the Gods on October 26th!
2024-10-26 08:30 - 11:30 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
Saturday, October 26, Garden of the Gods
8:30-10:00 AM– FREE Bird Walk to Rock Ledge Ranch. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the trees and plants where birds live. Meet at flagpole in front of Visitor Center. Binoculars suggested.
10:30-11:30 AM– FREE Program. Learn to identify common local birds by sight and sound. Meet at Red Rocks Room in Visitor Center.
Bird walk and program led by local wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur.
Space limited, register at:
gardenofgods.com/events/calendar/bird-walk-program
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801.

Birding By Book | "Grass, Sky, Song"
2024-10-28 17:30 - 19:00 | CO
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 “Grass, Sky, Song: Promise and Peril in the World of Grassland Birds” by Trevor Herriot at your leisure, then join us on Monday, October 28th for book club discussion.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
photo credit: HarperCollins.com

Join Joe LaFleur at Wild Birds Unlimited on November 2nd!
2024-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Wild Birds Unlimited, 2450 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs
Saturday, November 2, Wild Birds Unlimited, 2450 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs

9:00-10:30 AM– Guided bird walk for about one mile at Austin Bluffs Open Space. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the trees and plants where birds live. Meet at the store. Binoculars suggested.
11:00 AM-12:00 Noon– FREE Program. Learn to identify common fall and winter yard birds by sight and sound. Meet at the store.
Bird walk and program led by local wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur.
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801.

*TRIP FULL* Birds & Brew - Red Rock Canyon followed by Fossil Craft Brewing with Jessica Miller
2024-11-03 10:00 - 13:00 | CO
Sunday, November 3

Red Rock Canyon Open Space (10am) & Fossil Craft Brewing (12pm)
We’ll hike the valleys and hogbacks enjoying the scenery and birds – while we expect mostly wintering and resident birds, perhaps we’ll find a late migrant or two. Afterwards we’ll pop into Fossil Craft Beer Company for a beer or two.
– Difficulty: Moderate. We will walk about 2 miles over mostly level terrain with one steep section.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.
– Porta potties are typically on site.
This trip is at capacity at 25 birders. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Join Aiken and Diana Beatty at The Glen - November 16 at 11a
2024-11-16 11:00 - 13:00 | The Glen, 38°43'37.8"N 104°39'56.1"W
Join Diana Beatty at The Glen (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L16237686) on November 16th at 11a.
Depending on the weather and birdiness, the walk will go between 2-3 hours.

Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Let Melanie know ahead of time if you need to borrow binoculars.

– Difficulty: easy. We will be on relatively flat terrain
– Please RSVP by emailing Melanie at mhelton016@gmail.com
— Walk is limited to the first 12 responders

The parking is only street parking in a neighborhood, carpooling would be a good idea. For those who can carpool, Diana would like to meet at Mesa Ridge Dental at 10:45 a.m. 6980 Mesa Ridge Parkway. For anyone who can’t carpool, we’ll meet up as close to 11 as possible at the trailhead across from 7006 Dutch Loop.

Take I-25 S to Fountain

Continue on Mesa Ridge Pkwy. Drive to Waterville Way in Security-Widefield

3 min (1.3 mi)

Join DFO, Aiken and David Suddjian on November 29th - Pueblo area!
2024-11-29 06:30 - 17:00 | Pueblo Area
Registration opens at 12n on 11/8/24. You must register on DFObirds.org
Pueblo area
11/29/2024 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Leader: David Suddjian dsuddjian@gmail.com or 831-713-8659
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
Meet at Lowe’s in Castle Rock near the outlet stores. I-25 south, exit at Founders/Meadows Pkwy (exit 184), turn right (west), then right on Santa Fe Dr (Hwy 85), then right on New Beale St. Exact address 1360 New Beale St, Castle Rock, CO 80108
View Meeting Place on Google Maps
This trip is limited to the first 12 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Developed, Grassland, Reservoir, Riparian, Scrub, Wetland
Let’s head down to Pueblo to peruse likely hotspots at a great time for rare and uncommon migrants. We might see loons, scoters, grebes and fun gulls at Lake Pueblo State Park. Other locations such as Pueblo City Park, and Valco Ponds will add some variety. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, your binoculars, a scope if you have one. 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. Rendezvous options for Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas will be provided. We will begin at Lake Pueblo at 8 am.

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for Birds & Brews - Bear Creek Regional Park East & South Park Brewing!
2024-12-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
December 15
Bear Creek Regional Park East (10am) & South Park Brewing (12pm)

– We’ll explore Bear Creek, the beaver ponds along it, and the meadows and scrub oak habitat within Bear Creek Regional Park East. Afterwards we’ll head to South Park Brewing to warm up with a beer and brunch!
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Let Jessica know ahead of time if you need to borrow binoculars.
– Difficulty: Moderate. We will be on relatively flat terrain with some incline and will walk about 2 miles.
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Aiken Monthly Mtg Jan. 15 | The Art of Falconry: A Cultural Heritage
2025-01-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join us for our first program of 2025! Master Falconer Deanna Curtis is our guest speaker and will be presenting on The Art of Falconry: A Cultural Heritage.

Step into the ancient and captivating world of falconry, a tradition spanning centuries and cultures. Learn about the history and significance of falconry as an art form, its role in cultural heritage, and the unique characteristics and hunting techniques of each bird. Perfect for all ages, this experience offers a rare opportunity to witness these raptors up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the bond between humans and birds of prey.

Deanna had her first raptor encounter at her son’s Cub Scout pack meeting in 1999, where a non-profit organization gave a presentation with live raptors. She was hooked from the first free-flight, and turned to her friend saying, “I am going to get a job doing that!” She started volunteering shortly after and was brought on staff as their head lecturer within two years.
In 2004 Deanna decided to become a licensed falconer and in 2011 became a master falconer. She then started her own non-profit organization in 2007 using non-releasable raptors for educational purposes. To date, she has trained and worked with 22 different species of raptors ranging in size from the small American kestrel to our iconic national symbol, the majestic bald eagle. Deanna was the first female President of the Colorado Hawking Club and has also served as Director-at-Large and as the Public Information Officer for North American Falconers Association. She is also a Certified Interpretive Guide under the auspices of the International Association of Interpretation.
Deanna landed her dream job working for Broadmoor Outfitters in January 2018, blending her two passions in life: raptor education and falconry.

This is an in-person meeting 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.

The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 874 4541 6672
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Win bags of bird seed in our chance drawing! Please bring cash if you would like to participate.Bird seed donated by This Place is For the Birds and Songbird Orchids. Proceeds benefit Aiken Audubon.

Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pmMeeting announcements 7:00pmProgram Presentation 7:15pm

photo credit: Deanna Curtis | Broadmoor Outfitters

*FULL* Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for Birds & Brews - Monument Valley Park & Phantom Canyon
2025-01-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Monument Valley Park
This program is FULL at 25 birders. You may still email Jessica to join the waitlist.
January 26
Monument Valley Park (10am) & Phantom Canyon (12pm)

– Monument Valley Park offers ponds, gardens, and woodlands all along Monument Creek. Give this urban gem a chance as it can offer a nice variety of birds!

– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Let Jessica know ahead of time if you need to borrow binoculars.
– Difficulty: Easy. We will walk on relatively flat terrain for about 2 miles.
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com
