Aiken Audubon Society

Birds & Brews - Fountain Creek Nature Center & Peaks N Pines Brewing
2023-02-26 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | 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!

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.

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.

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.

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]

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

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.

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.

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.
https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/

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.

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.

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]

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.

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!

Afternoon Birding at Kettle Lakes
2023-04-30 13:30 - 16:00 | 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

Chico Basin Ranch with John Drummond
2023-05-03 07:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Join Aiken & John Drummond for a bird trip to Chico Basin on Wednesday, May 3rd. We will meet at Tejon Park & Ride (S Tejon St & Ronald Reagan H, Colorado Springs 80905) at 730a, carpool and then will return to Tejon around 2p. If you’ll be traveling from Pueblo, we will make arrangements to meet you at the ranch entrance.
Pack a snack, lunch and water; we’ll break for lunch around 1230p.
BCR banding station will be in operation, too!
Attendance will be limited to the first 16 people to register – email mhelton016@gmail.com with your interest. Entrance to the ranch is $10 per person. We will be carpooling from Tejon. 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 an Aiken waiver prior to our trip.
Once you’re confirmed, I will send a link to sign the Ranch waiver sheet online beforehand.

Spring Bird Count offered through El Paso Nature Centers - Fountain Creek
2023-05-13 07:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Spring Bird Count
Saturday, May 13, 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Beginning to advanced birders count and record the numbers of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during the height of spring migration. $5 donation recommended to support our bird feeders.
Online registration available through: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/

Hummingbird Festival
2023-05-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Attend this year’s Hummingbird Festival at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center on May 13th from 10am to 3pm.

There will be a variety of fun and educational presentations for people of all ages.

Visit vendors for hummingbird-friendly plants and hummingbird feeders, observe hummingbirds in the Chris Byers Memorial Hummingbird Garden and on the trails!

Presentations include “All About Hummingbirds” by Brenda Holmes-Stanciu and a Raptor Center presentation.

Please consider carpooling to the event as parking is limited!

Active Adults: Sunset Bird Photography Workshop - Available through El Paso Nature Centers
2023-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Active Adults: Sunset Bird Photography Workshop
Saturday, May 13, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Spring is a wonderful time to view birds, and the wetlands and woodlands at Fountain Creek Nature Center provide a perfect place for them to flock to. Join award-winning photographer, Mike Pach, as he helps you capture photos of spring migrants in the soft evening light. All skill levels welcome. Bring your camera and tripod (optional). Be prepared to photograph the sunset. Prepaid registration required. $20 per person.

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Rock Ledge Ranch
2023-05-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Sunday, May 14
Rock Ledge Ranch (9am) followed by Red Leg Brewing Company (12pm)
– 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 to look for prairie falcons and white-throated swifts. Expect a nice variety of migrants and summer residents throughout! Afterwards we’ll head a few minutes up the road to Red Leg Brewing.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on relatively even terrain and will walk no more than 3 miles. 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.
– 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.

Please RSVP to Jessica Miller if you plan to attend. 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.

Aiken Monthly Meeting May 2023 | The Birds of Central Panama and Darien Lowlands
2023-05-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join us for our monthly meeting this May as we travel to Panama (through photos) with John Bruder!
Experience the incredible avian birds diversity of the lowlands of central Panama, the foothills of western Panama, and the remote stretches of eastern Panama as John and Risë bird for 21 days at the three exceptional Canopy Family signature lodges. From sunrise on the observation deck of the Canopy Tower, to the lush cloud forests at the Canopy Lodge, and on to beautiful sunsets in eastern Panama at the Canopy Camp & Darién Lowlands, you will be immersed in this amazing birding trip.
John Bruder has been birding with his wife Risë Foster-Bruder since 1982, most recently
in the Pikes Peak region for the past 20 years. John has been fortunate enough to have
birded throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, and has
supported and lead trips for the Pike’s Peak Birding and Nature Festival since its
inception in 2015. John’s passion for birding was sparked by the sighting of a Eurasian
Hoopoe on the border of Iraq in 1990 and has grown ever since. He continues actively
birding with local birding groups and giving presentations on international birding.

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

You can also join us on Zoom!
May 17, 2023 06:30 PM Mountain Time
Meeting ID: 819 9461 0380
Passcode: [REDACTED]

*photo credit: John Bruder

Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival
2023-05-18 06:00 - 2023-05-21 17:00 | CO
Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival is right around the corner!
Early Bird Registration opens on March 25!

See Pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org for more information!

Aiken Canyon with Tyler Stewart and Michael Rogers
2023-06-03 06:30 - 09:30 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Aiken, Tyler Stewart and Michael Rogers on June 3rd at 630a for an approximately 3 hour walk. Meet in the parking lot, map below. We will lead two separate groups through Aiken Canyon.

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

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult.
Meet at Aiken Canyon (map) at 6:30 am.
Limited to 10 participants.

Sondermann Park with Lark BenDaniel
2023-06-10 07:00 - 09:00 | Sondermann Park, 740 W Carmamillo St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, United States
Join Aiken and Lark BenDaniel at Sondermann Park on June 10, 2023 @7a.
Sondermann Park on the west side of Colorado Springs is a 97-acre natural park tucked into a shallow valley.
The park is located at 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907
The park offers seven easy hiking trails, Mesa Valley Trail, a creek tumbling through a valley, good birdwatching, and plenty of wildlife.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Catamount Institute @ 740 W. Caramillo St.
Limited to 10 participants.
No bathrooms are located at the facility.
You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the walk.

Birds & Brew - Bear Creek Nature Center & OCC Brewing
2023-06-25 08:00 - 13:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Sunday, June 25
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. 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.

Please send your RSVP to Jessica at Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Cottonwood Creek Trail Hike
2023-07-02 08:00 - 12:00 | Living Hope Covenant Chuch, 6750 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80918, United States
A lovely trail that follows Cottonwood Creek through a residential neighborhood in northeast Colorado Springs. Cottonwood Creek, mature trees and residential yards attract a variety of birds; most recently Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Yellow Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatcher and a surprise Lazuli Bunting.
We’ll explore roughly 5 miles of the trail that is all paved concrete. The entire trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle grade category (5% or less) with an elevation gain of just over 200’. It’s possible to stay along pavement all the way out & back, with a few short dirt/gravel off-shoots. This trip is focused on developing birders, and we’ll move at a leisurely pace stopping to look for birds and discuss what we see.
Sunscreen and sufficient water are strongly recommended (there is little to no shade), along with a hat, comfortable walking shoes and binoculars. No restrooms are located along the portion of trail we will explore, but are within a short driving distance. Picnic tables are located our meeting spot. Feel free to bring your own lunch and something to share with the group if you would like to take part in a group lunch at the conclusion of our hike.
This trip is offered cooperatively by the Aiken Audubon Society and the Denver Field Ornithologists.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, and is accessible through THE DENVER FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS WEBSITE.
You will need to create an account and login to register. CLICK HERE to register.

Florissant Fossil Bed with Debbie Barnes
2023-07-03 06:30 - 10:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds, 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO, 80816, United States
Join Aiken and Debbie Barnes on a bird walk at Florissant Fossil Beds on July 3rd from 6:30am- 10am. Meet at the Barksdale Picnic area off Twin Rocks Rd, just south of the visitor center. It is a left turn only, the picnic area is then on the left. There is a standard entrance fee ($10 per person) to visit the fossil beds, with parking for only 5 cars. Debbie will already be up near there camping that weekend. Other registrants are encouraged to carpool from Red Rock Canyon Loop Trailhead off of 31st street (behind Rudy’s). The drive is 45 minutes, so meet at the trailhead at 5:30am, with departure at 5:40am.

The Florissant Formation is a sedimentary geologic formation outcropping around Florissant, Teller County, Colorado. The formation is noted for the abundant and exceptionally preserved insect and plant fossils that are found in the mudstones and shales. Wikipedia

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at the picnic area by the visitor center – see map in profile picture.
Cost: Entrance fee is $10 per person.
Limited to 12 participants, with carpooling required.
You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the walk.

Flammulated Owls with Brian Linkhart - Trip is Full - Waitlist Only
2023-07-07 18:30 - 22:30 | CO
We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 7th 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!
We will need to cap it at 12 people, so if you’re interested 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.

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 & Brew - Mueller State Park & Paradox Brewing
2023-07-09 07:15 - 14:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Sunday, July 9
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!
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes.our route will take us 4 miles over moderate terrain. Dress for the Divide, CO forecast.
– 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.

Please RSVP to Jessica at Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Bear Creek East with Cinnamon Bergeron - July 21st at 7a
2023-07-21 07:00 - 09:00 | Bear Creek Regional Park – East, 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Join Aiken & Cinnamon Bergeron on a walk at Bear Creek East, Friday, July 21st at 7a– 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.

If you’d like to borrow a pair of binoculars, please email mhelton016@gmail.com in advance!

No registration is required.

Bathroom facilities are available in the administration building.
