Aiken Audubon Society

Afternoon Birding at Kettle Lakes
2023-04-30 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | Kettle Lakes, Airfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80920
Not an early bird? Frustrated that every birding trip starts while you’re still snoozing? Then this trip is for you! Join Aiken board members Anna Joy Lehmicke and Tally Kerr for an afternoon of birding at Kettle Lakes, near the Air Force Academy entrance. We’ll hope to find a variety of waterbirds on and around the lakes, as well as migrant and resident songbirds in the surrounding trees and brush. Plan on a leisurely 2-3 mile walk on easy terrain (roads and groomed trails). Please RSVP below – group size will be limited to 12 people. More details, including meeting location, will be sent out just prior to the trip.
Photo: Patricia Henschen

Birding 101: Bear Creek Nature Center
2023-04-27 18:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Join us for a two-part session for Beginning Birders! Aiken Audubon leaders will teach about bird identification, behavior and habitats, birding ethics, and choices for binoculars, scopes, and field guides. This is the spring version of the Birding 101 course Aiken taught last fall. So, if you took the course in the fall, there will still be plenty to learn. But if you missed our fall course, don’t fret, all the information we will be presenting is relevant to those just getting started birding. This event is offered through Bear Creek Nature Center and El Paso County Parks and registration is To register, click here (activity #101000-72). The registration fee is $10 and supports El Paso County Parks. You will need to create an account with El Paso County Park’s website to register if you do not already have an account. We hope you’ll join us!

Join Audubon Rockies Thursday, April 27
2023-04-27 12:00 - 13:00 | CO
Audubon Rockies is hosting an event Thursday, April 27, at noon MT that may be of interest: Conservation photographer Dave Showalter will be joining us for an epic visual journey through the vast Colorado River watershed as he discusses his new book, Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado. You can find more info and register for free here. You can also view the trailer here.

Aiken Monthly Meeting April 2023 | The Amazing Sounds of Birds
2023-04-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
What bird uses its voice to echolocate inside dark caves? Which bird sings a duet with itself? What bird sings the longest song? What bird has the largest vocabulary? In this presentation for general audiences, Nathan Pieplow answers all these questions and more, using some of the most remarkable audio from over fifteen years of recording birds in the field. This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back of the building – the main door will be locked.
Nathan authored the “Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Western North America” and is a professor at the University of Colorado – Boulder.
Join us this month in person or online via Zoom.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm

Click to join meeting (passcode may be required if joining on your phone)
Meeting ID: 871 1317 5352
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Chico Basin with Kara Laszczyk
2023-04-19 07:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Join Aiken & Kara Laszczyk for a bird trip to Chico Basin on Wednesday, April 19th. We will meet at Target (1630 E Cheyenne Mountain Road, 80906) at 730a, carpool and then will return to Target around 2p. Pack a snack, lunch and water.
Attendance will be limited to the first 15 people to register – email mhelton016@gmail.com with your interest. Entrance to the ranch is $10 per person. We will be carpooling from Target. If you are interested in driving, please let me know when registering, along with how many people you can include in your vehicle.
Chico Basin Ranch is a family-managed cattle ranch owned by the Colorado Land Board and operating on the high prairie of eastern Colorado. They use age-old ranching practices, progressive grazing management, and innovative business strategies to maintain healthy lands and a profitable, rewarding livelihood.
The ranch is a major flyway for migratory birds, due to abundant springs, lakes, and other bird habitat, and is well known as one of the prime birding locations in the state. Over 330 species of birds—some rarely seen in Colorado—have been sighted on the ranch.
The ranch operates a bird banding station during the spring and fall in partnership with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. In addition, school groups, birding groups, and other educational programs are hosted throughout the year.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. We will hike 2 miles and drive in-between. Depending on weather conditions leading up to the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, camera and/or spotting scope and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you would like to borrow binoculars, please let me know in advance.
– There is a porta potty by the banding station and another by their headquarters.

You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to our trip.

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller Austin Bluffs Open Space
2023-04-16 08:00 - 13:00 | Rockhurst Blvd. and University Park Blvd, 38.909919, -104.789987.
Sunday, April 16
Austin Bluffs Open Space (8am) followed by Lost Friend Brewing Company (12pm)

– Please RSVP to Jessica Miller if you’d like to join. Jessica Miller <jessicaisbirding@gmail.com>

– Austin Bluffs is a relatively under-birded site on the north side of the city. We will hike along some interesting geography through foothills meadows and pine oak forests. Our turnaround point will be the Pulpit Rock overlook! Afterwards we’ll pop over to Lost Friend Brewing for a couple well-earned beers. There is typically a food truck on site.
– Difficulty: Moderate. We will hike 4 miles over 4 hours over uneven trails. Depending on weather conditions leading upto the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. You might like to bring a snack and water. Don’t have binoculars? Let Jessica know you would like to borrow a pair.
– No public restroom on site
– We will meet on the east side at the intersection of Rockhurst Blvd. and University Park Blvd, 38.909919, -104.789987. Park along Rockhurst Blvd and meet at the traffic circle.
Click here for map

Please RSVP to Jessica Miller if you’d like to join. Jessica Miller <jessicaisbirding@gmail.com>
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.

Junior Bird Club - offered through El Paso Nature Center
2023-04-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Junior Bird Club
Saturday, April 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.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… yeah, this one is 66 million years in the making! Lesson, craft, and birding walk included. Prepaid registration required. $10 per meeting.
El Paso County Nature Centers

Pikeview Reservoir with Cinnamon Bergeron
2023-04-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Pikeview Reservoir, 4401 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
Join Aiken and Cinnamon on Monday, April 3 at Pikeview Reservoir 830-1030a!
A trail runs along the river and reservoir, with some pretty good birding spots!
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on relatively even terrain and will walk no more than 2 miles.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Don’t have binoculars? Let Melanie know if you would like to borrow a pair.
-Directions: From I-25, take Garden of the Gods East just one block and turn right on Mark Dabling Blvd and then about a half block turn left into the parking lot just past Aspen Auto Clinic. There is a sign that says Pikeview Reservoir. Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/JNYNhzK8pDNoGCt57

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.

Aiken leaders or trip participants may take pictures which will be posted to our Facebook page or used in outreach materials. Please check next to your name if you are comfortable with your likeness being shared online.
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.

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller Ute Valley Park
2023-03-19 08:00 - 13:00 | Ute Valley Park, 5465 7 Oaks Dr,, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 , CO, 80919, United States
Sunday, March 19
Ute Valley Park (8am) followed by Trinity Brewing (11am)
– Ute Valley Park is on the northwest side of the city and features interesting geological formations among foothills meadows and pine oak forests. Afterwards we’ll stop by Trinity Brewing just a couple miles away for drinks. Trinity also has great food!
– Difficulty: Moderate. We may walk three miles or so over uneven, hilly terrain. Depending on weather conditions leading upto the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Don’t have binoculars? Let Jessica know you would like to borrow a pair.
– No public restroom on site
– We will meet on the south west side of Ute Valley Park at the Pinon Valley Park Trailhead in a residential area at 5465 7 Oaks Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
– Trinity Brewing is about 7 minutes away at1466 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Please RSVP to Jessica Miller is you’d like to join. jessicaisbirding@gmail.com
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.

Fountain Creek Adult Birding Club - Available through El Paso Nature Centers
2023-03-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Become a more experienced, confident birder over the next year by slowly learning details, tips, and tricks each month! Birding is a hobby that increases your observational skills, connecting you to nature even more. You’ll get outside and move more, see more, and feel accomplished. This club will meet twice per month for one classroom session and one field trip for a total of 24 meetings. At the end of our club year, participants attending 18/24 meetings will receive a certificate. Don’t have binoculars? You can borrow a pair from the Nature Center!
Thursday evening classroom sessions will be held in-person at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Lessons will include discussions of how each month’s focus group of birds’ anatomy, movement, diet, and habitat are all connected. We will define major identifying characteristics seen in the field for each species and become familiar with sounds. Dates are subject to change, but unlikely to.
Saturday morning field trips will be at various places throughout El Paso County. These outings will give you real-life experience of locations to explore and seasonal species to discover. Dates and locations are subject to change in the event of inclement weather.

$250 per person / $220 per member

Click here to register! Members, create an account if you don’t have one already, then call 719-520-6745 to have a staff person apply your discount.

Anticipated schedule of classes and field trips; dates and locations subject to change
Thursday, March 16th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Intro—materials, methods, goals, digital help, social opportunities, ethics
Saturday, March 18th , 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Fountain Creek Regional Park
Thursday, April 20th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Feeder birds: chickadees, nuthatches, creeper, bushtit, woodpeckers, doves
Saturday April 22nd, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Stratton Open Space
Thursday, May 25th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Wading and other water birds
Saturday, May 27th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Thursday, June 22nd, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Shorebirds
Saturday, June 24th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Fountain Creek Regional Park
Thursday, July 27th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Swifts, swallows, hummingbirds
Saturday, July 29th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Red Rocks Open Space
Thursday, August 24th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Warblers & Vireos
Saturday, August 26th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Adams Open Space & Kane Ranch
Thursday, September 21st, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Birds of prey
Saturday, September 22nd, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Clear Spring Ranch
Thursday, October 19th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Ducks and other dabblers, divers, paddlers
Saturday, October 21st, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space
Thursday, November 2nd, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Corvids and Flycatchers
Saturday, November 4th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Bear Creek Nature Center
Thursday, December 7th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Sparrows & Icterids, tanagers & allies
Saturday, December 9th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Kettle Lakes
Thursday, January 18th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Gulls—terns
Saturday, January 20th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Prospect Lake at Memorial Park
Thursday, February 15th, 6:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. CLASS: Who haven’t we covered? Kinglets, gnatcatcher, wrens, mimids, quail, turkey, ptarmigan, grouse, nighthawks
Saturday, February 17th, 8:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. FIELD TRIP: Clear Spring Ranch

Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Pepper Grass Lane
Fountain, CO 80817

Aiken Monthly Meeting March 2023 | Surveying Wyoming's Wolverines
2023-03-15 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 March program. This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back of the building – the main door will be locked.
Wolverines are an elusive, solitary species of dense forest habitats in the western United States and Canada. In recent years, wildlife biologists from a number of agencies have collaborated to collectively study and better understand the full extent of wolverine range and distribution. The evening’s program will discuss wolverine ecology, occupancy survey methods and survey results from Wyoming.
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.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Photo: Mark Gocke/Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Can’t make it in person? Join us on Zoom!
Meeting ID: 850 9550 1427
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Building for the Birds - Offered through El Paso Nature Centers
2023-03-11 10:00 - 12:00 | 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 | CO
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 | CO
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.
