Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch - Aiken Members Only
2026-04-19 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | CO
Visit the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch in Morrison, CO! This site is a recipient of a Foothills & Prairie Grant in both 2025 & 2026. We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs before heading up to Morrison to visit the hawk watchers and see their work in action – counting migrating birds of prey! We’ll stop on the way back to bird South Platte Park a little, since we’ll be passing right by.
“Named for its world-renowned fossil beds, Dinosaur Ridge is also a window into the seasonal movement of birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, falcons and more, over Colorado’s Front Range. These raptors migrate in the spring along the eastern mountainous edge of the Rockies in part because mountain updrafts enable them to soar and conserve energy during their long journeys north to their breeding grounds.”
We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs at 8am. We will be back at 4pm at the latest. Plan to bring lunch and drinks. Don’t forget your binoculars, but if you need to borrow some, mention it with your RSVP.
This trip is limited to 13 Aiken members. Any household that has donated any amount to Aiken Audubon Society in the past one year is considered a member. Thank you for supporting Aiken Audubon and our avian conservation and education efforts! To register, email trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Free Webinar: Dark Skies Matter
2026-04-20 18:30 - 19:30 | CO
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this at-home learning opportunity that benefits birds and the rest of our natural world!
Dark Skies Matter
Presented by Friends of Florissant Fossil Beds
Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Register for the Zoom Presentation here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SxjGFtGlRnW5s4mQ1FAdCA#/registration
This highly relevant presentation focuses on the importance of preserving Colorado’s Dark Night Skies at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. The webinar highlights the sensational dark skies of the Fossil Beds, and the increasing threat of light pollution which puts Night Sky Astronomy at risk. The rapid expansion of urban growth into Colorado’s mountain areas is increasing light pollution and encroaching on pristine dark skies in Colorado. This light pollution is disruptive to native Colorado ecological systems, human health, public safety, astronomy, and energy conservation. The webinar provides 5 simple ways all of us can help reduce light pollution and educate our friends and neighbors on preserving Colorado’s Dark Skies with help from local Colorado organizations. Minimizing light pollution is especially important to maintain the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument as an International Dark Sky Park, certified in 2021, a national treasure in our own back yard! Preserving Dark Skies is one of the greatest gifts we can give to future generations!

Bear Creek East Field Trip
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding trip at Bear Creek Regional Park East. We will walk along Bear Creek and surrounding areas in search of resident species and returning migrants such as Chipping Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Eastern Phoebe. The walk will take place on relatively flat ground with minimal elevation change. We will meet at the parking lot adjacent to the community garden, 2002 Creek Crossing St. If you would like to attend, please RSVP Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com.
Photo: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher / Randy Streufert / Audubon Photography Awards

Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (FULL)
2026-04-27 06:00 - 14:00 | CO
Chico Basin Ranch with Denver Field Ornithologists (DFO)
Monday, April 27, 2026, 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leader: Jessica Miller
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
This trip will explore the three sites at Chico Basin Ranch currently open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, the Headquarters Pond, and Rose’s Pond. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Portable toilets will be nearby half of the time. Bring a sack lunch and drinks/water. We may walk up to three miles at a birder’s pace on mostly flat, but sometimes uneven terrain. Long pants are recommended.
Birders coming from the Denver region will meet at Castle Rock Lowe’s parking lot at 5:00 am. Those coming from the El Paso County region will join the Denver crew and the leader at the Loves Gas Station at Exit 132 at 6:00a.m. We need volunteers with high clearance vehicles to drive on ranch roads. We will bird the ranch 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Closer to the trip, Jessica will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person.
This trip is limited to 11 participants and registration will open at noon on April 6 on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/UpcomingTrips.aspx. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create Account” and follow the prompts.

Pueblo Area with Denver Field Ornithologists (WAITLIST)
2026-05-03 07:00 - 15:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Area with Jessica Miller – Joint Aiken & Denver Field Ornithologists Trip!

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Let’s head down to Pueblo to peruse Runyon Lake, Pueblo City Park, Valco Ponds, and Pueblo Reservoir. It will be fun to see what migrants are coming through, and what rarities might appear! We will aim for 70+ species. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, your binoculars, a scope if you have one, and a camera if you like. 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. Carpool and caravan options from Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo areas will be provided. The trip time listed on DFO is longer than here because they have to drive more!
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 4/12/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
Photo: American Avocet, Karen Blackwood/Audubon Photography Awards

Birds & Brews - Paint Mines, Ramah, & Ascent Brewing (Waitlist Only)
2026-05-10 08:00 - 13:30 | Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO, 80808, United States
Sunday, May 10, 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

We will head for the northeastern corner of El Paso County to explore the Paint Mines Interpretive Park and Ramah State Wildlife Area. We’ll hope to find a variety of species – birds of prey, prairie lovers, migrant songbirds, shorebirds, who knows! Afterwards we’ll celebrate with a beer or NA refresher at Ascent Brewery in Falcon, CO.
– This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.
.
Anticipated Itinerary –
8:00am – OPTIONAL Meet to carpool/caravan at the Loaf & Jug on Space Village Rd (6857 Space Village Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80915)
8:45am – Arrive at the Paint Mines to bird the prairie and rock formations (29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808)
10:45am – Leave the Paint Mines and continue up Hwy24 to Ramah SWA to bird a riparian oasis in the middle of nowhere. (39.088400, -104.216600)
12:00pm – Leave Ramah SWA and head for the brewery.
12:30pm – Arrive at Ascent Brewery (6630 Chief Rd, Peyton, CO 80831)
.

– A restroom should be available at both birding destinations.
– Difficulty: easy/moderate. Walking will be easy along mostly flat trails, but our sites are exposed. We may walk about 3.5 miles. Plan for sun protection!
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP. If you have a scope, it could come in handy at Ramah SWA.
– Plan to bring water and some snacks to get you through the morning!
– Note about visiting Ramah SWA: A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older to visit most SWAs. Purchasing an SWA pass or a hunting/fishing license is easy and can be done online, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, or at any of Colorado Parks and Wildlife sales locations. This is different than a State Parks Pass. The price ranges from $10/day to $$42/year.
– This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.
.

Common Nighthawk at Paint Mines, Red-headed Woodpecker at Ramah SWA, Rock Wren at Paint Mines, Common Nighthawk at Ramah SWA. Photos by Jessica Miller

Paint Mines Interpretive Park & More with DFO
2026-05-18 05:00 - 14:00 | CO
Paint Mines Interpretive Park —Including El Paso County Hotspots
Monday, May 18, 2026, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leaders: Linda Purcell & Judy McKeon
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Paint Mines is arguably one of the most visually compelling places in Colorado! With evidence of human life at this site dating back 9000 years – it has a remarkable history, even in the ancient Southwest! We will go directly to Paint Mines, in an effort to get the best light for photos during our early morning birding. After we leave Paint Mines, there will be another El Paso County stop at Fountain Creek Regional Park and Nature Center. On this trip we hope to see some spring migrants, as well as numerous other species. Dress appropriately, bring water, a snack, lunch. Rated moderate for the trip length and hilly conditions at Paint Mines. Bring binoculars, a camera (!), and a scope if you wish. A place and time will be announced for participants living in El Paso County to meet up with those coming from Denver. Plan to walk 3 -4 miles total. There are restrooms at Paint Mines and Fountain Creek, and we will plan to make other stops as well.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 4/27/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22352. If you do not already have an account with DFO, visit https://dfobirds.org/, click “LOGIN” then click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.

May Monthly Meeting:Corvids and Conifers, Pinyon Jays in Wyoming's Bighorn Basin with Corey Anco
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join Aiken Audubon Society as Corey Anco presents on May 20, 2026 via Zoom about
Corvids and Conifers: Pinyon Jays in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin
Presenter: Corey Anco, Willis McDonald, IV Curator of Natural Science, Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cynaocephalus) sightings and flock sizes have declined significantly since the 1960s. While the reasons for this decline vary by location, very little is known about the Pinyon Jay near the northern extent of its distribution. In 2024, the Draper Natural History Museum, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology at the University of California, Davis, Northwest College, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service initiated a study to characterize habitat use by Pinyon Jays across limber-pine woodlands in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. In this presentation, we’ll share highlights from the first few field seasons of this project and explore the Pinyon Jay’s curious relationship with seed-bearing pines.
Corey Anco is the Willis McDonald, IV Curator of Natural Science at the Draper Museum. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Lewis University, a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University, and an M.S. from Fordham University. At the Draper Natural History Museum, Corey’s research focuses on understudied species and ecosystems, addressing knowledge gaps to support emerging management and conservation needs of state and federal resource agencies. His interest in Pinyon Jays stems from their complex social structure, unique adaptations, and resilience in harsh, arid environments.
This is an in-person meeting held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office; 4255 Sinton Road 80907. Our entrance to the building is located on the EAST side (back side) of the building; not the main entrance. Parking is encouraged in the south and west parking lots.
If you would prefer to attend via zoom, here is the link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5770180765?pwd=[REDACTED]

Doors Open: 6:30pm
Meeting announcements: 7:00pm
Program Presentation: 7:15pm
photo credit: Corey Anco

Clear Spring Ranch
2026-05-23 07:30 - 11:00 | CO
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding trip at Clear Spring Ranch on Saturday, May 23rd.
We will walk the trails in search of spring migrants and nesting species. This should be a great time for several warbler and flycatcher species along with local species such as Yellow-breasted Chat and Brown Thrasher. The walk will be along relatively flat ground and will last 3+ hours.
We will meet at the parking lot of Clear Spring Ranch at 7:30am.
The trip will be limited to 15 birders. If you would like to join us, RSVP Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com
Photo: Yellow-breasted Chat / Megumi Aita/Audubon Photography Awards

Chico Basin Ranch with Jessica Miller
2026-05-25 05:30 - 14:00 | CO
This trip will explore the three sites at Chico Basin Ranch currently open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, the Headquarters Pond, and Rose’s Pond. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Portable toilets will be nearby half of the time. Bring a sack lunch and drinks/water. We may walk up to three miles at a birder’s pace on mostly flat, but sometimes uneven terrain. Long pants are recommended.
We will bird the ranch for the full time we are able to, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will meet to carpool/caravan in Fountain at 5:30 a.m. Closer to the trip, trip leader Jessica will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person.
This trip is limited to 11 participants. Sign up by emailing jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Birding By Book | "Birding to Change the World"
2026-06-29 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 Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane at your leisure, then join us on Monday, June 29th for book club discussion.
In this uplifting environmental memoir, a professor and activist shares what birds can teach us about life, social change, and protecting the environment.
Trish O’Kane is an accidental ornithologist. In her nearly two decades writing about justice as an investigative journalist, she’d never paid attention to nature. But then Hurricane Katrina destroyed her New Orleans home, sending her into an emotional tailspin.
In Birding to Change the World, O’Kane details the astonishing science of bird life, from migration and parenting to the territorial defense strategies that influenced her own activism. A warm and compelling work of nature writing that weaves science and social engagement, this is the story of an improbably band of bird lovers who saved their park. And it is a blueprint for muscular citizenship, powered by joy.
Roadrunner Bookshop is offering new copies of Birding to Change the World at a 15% discount to book club members. Please email your request to place an order along with your RSVP.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
photo credit: HarperCollins.com

* FULL* Flammulated Owls with Dr. Brian Linkhart
2026-07-10 18:30 - 21:30 | CO
Announcing one of our most popular field trips each year – the annual Flammulated Owls trip with Dr. Brian Linkhart! You’ll see Dr. Linkhart collect data on the nesting owls he studies and learn a lot. This is a wonderful experience!
(THIS TRIP IS FULL, AND THE WAITLIST IS FULL. The following is only to show how registration worked. You will not get a reply if you try to register.)
Registration opens May 1 at 8:00 a.m. Aiken Audubon members may register first from May 1 through May 10. Starting at 8:00 a.m. on May 1, you may email fieldtrips@aikenaudubon.com to reserve your spot. Have you donated any amount to Aiken in the past one year? Then you’re a member!

Each person may only register for 2 people. This trip is limited to 12 participants. After May 10th, the offering will be open to the general public if there is space remaining….so register early! If you have attended this trip before, we ask that you delay signing up so that others may attend.

We will meet at the Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF). Meeting details will be provided to confirmed participants closer to the trip. Please note that this experience will likely involve hiking in the dark, possibly over some rugged, inclined terrain.

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 request with you RSVP.

We will check-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. There will be a waitlist option.

Photo: Flammulated Owl Nestling by Jessica Miller / Permitted Research Activity with Dr. Linkhart
