2025 Colorado Springs Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20
Please join us for this year’s Colorado Springs Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Everyone is welcome to participate. Plan to spend at least the entire morning finding birds, though times will vary. Come prepared for cold temperatures and possibly snow and ice. Feeder watchers are also encouraged to sign up and participate.
We will gather for a potluck dinner, species compilation, and sharing of the day’s adventures at Bear Creek Nature Center from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on count night.
For more information or to sign up for the count, please contact Tyler Stuart at colospringscbc@gmail.com.

Photo: Evan Barrientos/Audubon. Volunteers survey birds for the Boulder Christmas Bird Count at Teller Farm in Boulder, Colorado, on December 18, 2022. The Christmas Bird Count is a long-running, annual community science project.

Pueblo Area with Denver Field Ornithologists
2026-01-01 06:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Area with DFO: Various locations for an almost-big-day to start your New Year off with a birding bang!
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(NOTE: this is the time frame for Denver-area participants. COS-area, expect a later start/meeting time and an earlier arrival home.)
Leader: David Suddjian
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Let’s kick start our year lists and even see new birds! Start 2026 with a visit to one of Colorado’s best winter birding areas! Lake Pueblo and the Arkansas corridor downstream can be counted on for a great variety of water birds and land birds, like loons, ducks, grebes, warblers and sparrows, and a good chance for rare wintering species. We will look for regional specialties like Scaled Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Bewick’s Wren, and White-winged Dove. This will be a full day with several stops, including viewing around Lake Pueblo SP, along the Arkansas River, and at Pueblo City Park. Bring a scope if you have one (we can share), sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of clothing ranging from cold to pleasant. Plan for up to 1.5 miles of walking, mostly on flat terrain. Bring snacks, lunch and drinks. We will carpool from the Castle Rock meeting spot, and we will have a southern rendezvous point for those living south of Denver area.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 12/11/2025. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22255. 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.

Owl Prowl with Fountain Creek Nature Center
2026-01-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!
Friday, January 2, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Fountain Creek Nature Center (Link to Registration & Info)
Winter is an ideal time to observe owls and owl behavior. Learn more about these elusive creatures of the night. We will share stories and folklore, view an owl video, examine owl diets by dissecting an owl pellet, and go for a short night hike in search of owls. Please be on time and dress for the weather. Ages 8+. Prepaid registration online with the Nature Center required. $6 per person/$5 per Nature Centers member.

Winter Bird Count at Fountain Creek Regional Park
2026-01-10 08:30 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!

Saturday, January 10, 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. Space is limited; please call Fountain Creek Nature Center at 719-520-6754 to sign up. A $5 donation per person recommended.

*FULL* Birds & Brews - Fountain Creek Regional Park & Peaks N Pines Brewing
2026-01-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
The woodlands, meadows, wetlands, creek, and ponds of Fountain Creek Regional Park make this one of the best places to observe a wide variety of birds in the region. Many species are possible on this guided walk, but we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for Great-horned Owls, Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, and any rarities hanging out at “the spa”. Afterwards we’ll cheers our birds at Fountain’s Peaks N Pines Brewing!
– Restrooms will be available at the Nature Center
– Difficulty: easy/moderate. This will be a 2.5 mile walk along mostly flat trails at a slow, birder’s pace.
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP.
– This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Ute Valley Park with Pat Paternostro
2026-01-17 08:00 - 11:00
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding trip at Ute Valley Park, Colorado Springs. We will look for Nuthatch and Woodpecker species and hopefully find some wintering species such as Crossbills, Kinglets, and Finches. The walk has some uneven terrain along with slight hills and may be snowy or muddy.
We will meet at 1645 Vindicator Dr, Colorado Springs, the primary Ute Valley parking lot.
You can RSVP to Pat @ broncos30@hotmail.com

JANUARY MONTHLY MEETING:THE EFFECTS OF WILDFIRE SMOKE ON MIGRATING BIRDS
2026-01-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join Aiken Audubon with Megan Miller presenting her research on The Effects of Wildfire Smoke on Migrating Birds.
Wildfire smoke is an emerging threat to birds at both the individual and population level. Limited studies associate smoke exposure with slower weight gain in House Wren nestlings, reduced banding capture rates and poorer body condition among those captured birds, and large-scale avoidance behavior from migrating birds. Megan investigated whether exposure to poor air quality could affect the oxidative balance system in passerines migrating through Southern Colorado during spring and fall migration.
Megan Miller has been a part of Colorado’s birding community since her first Christmas Bird Count in 2006. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology in 2017 at Colorado State University and then spent some time doing field work across the country. She has worked on projects studying birds in apple orchards, seabirds, black-throated blue warbler ecology, and migration banding stations. In January 2025 she completed her masters degree at Colorado State University Pueblo on the impact of wildfire smoke on migrating birds. Megan received a grant from Aiken Audubon to help fund this research.

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.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
Join us via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5770180765?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 577 018 0765

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Photo Credit: Megan Miller

Live Birds of Prey at Fountain Creek Nature Center
2026-01-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!
Saturday, January 31, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Link to Registration & Info)

Learn about hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures through a live birds of prey program with Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center! The presentation includes two or three 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 does to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey. Best for ages 8+. Prepaid registration online is required. $5 per person/$4 per member.

Exploring USAFA - Members-only Outing *FULL*
2026-02-02 10:00 - 17:00
Join Aiken Audubon for a special day on the United States Air Force Academy Base! We’ll join USFWS Biologist Johnny Ochs for birding at his recommended locations around the base. In the afternoon we’ll head into the Planetarium for a show indoors. Finally, we’ll be given a tour of the falconry mews.
This outing is limited to 20 Aiken Members and is FULL. If you have donated any amount to Aiken Audubon on the past calendar year, you’re a member! To join the waitlist, just send an email to aikenaudubon@gmail.com. We’ll let you know you’re on the list and will be in communication as we near our trip.
Plan to dress for the Colorado Springs weather forecast. Bring binoculars, or request to borrow a set when you sign up. Bring a packed lunch for an a la fresca break!
Tentative Schedule:
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Birding on base (picnic lunch)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Planetarium
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. USAFA Falconry Mews Tour

Raptors of Colorado with Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
2026-02-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!
Tuesdays, February 3rd and 17th, 2:00 -3:00 p.m. at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. $5 per person. (Link to Registration & Info)
Have you ever wondered what makes falcons the fastest animals in the world? Can owls really turn their head all the way around? Birds of prey have fascinated humans for thousands of years and have been important symbols (both positive and negative) in cultures throughout the world. This program on raptors in Colorado will introduce participants to these fascinating animals by discussing their unique adaptations, their individual hunting strategies, and their conservation challenges. Please note there are no live animals in this program.

Clever Corvids with Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
2026-02-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local bird activity!
Mondays, February 9th and 23rd, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. FREE event. (Link to Registration & Info)
Are you smarter than a crow? Come find out in this family-friendly program exploring the fascinating corvids of Colorado. Participants will have the chance to learn about the many corvids that live in the Garden, and compete against them in problem solving competitions. This indoor program meets in the Red Rock Room on the second floor. Please note there are no live animals in this program.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space with Pat Paternostro
2026-02-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Red Rock Canyon Open Space, 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a birding walk at Red Rock Canyon Open Space! We will hopefully find several species of raptors along with many of our wintering species such as Sparrows, Towhees, Nuthatch, Woodpeckers and Finches. The walk will include some inclines and uneven terrain and may be snowy or muddy.
We will meet at the open space parking lot which is located at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs (off of Hwy 24).
You can RSVP to Pat @ broncos30@hotmail.com

FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING: Grasslands to Woodlands: breeding and migration ecology of priority species at range periphery in the Great Plains.
2026-02-18 18:30 - 21:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Two important notes about our February meeting: Change of venue to Bear Creek Nature Center and Death by Chocolate themed snacks.

Join Aiken Audubon with Stephen Brenner presenting Grasslands to Woodlands: breeding and migration ecology of priority species at range periphery in the Great Plains.
The Great Plains of North America is home to many imperiled grassland bird species. As grassland ecosystems continue to decline across North America, information on populations of priority grassland birds in different regions is critical to develop regional and range-wide conservation plans. Additionally, the Great Plains is often described as a biological crossroads where “East-meets-West”, offering unique opportunities to study many species at range periphery. This talk will highlight some of the recent research conducted in Nebraska on a variety of different bird species during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, from nesting behavior to tracking hemispheric migrations.
Stephen Brenner is an Avian Biologist with the National Audubon Society – Great Plains region. Stephen has worked on a variety bird-related research projects across the US and internationally before settling in western Nebraska. He will be presenting his program via zoom.

This is an in-person meeting held at the Bear Creek Nature Center 245 Bear Creek Road 80906. Please note change of venue for this meeting.
6:30 p.m. – Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) Death by Chocolate – please bring your favorite chocolate snack to share for this annual favorite
7:00 p.m. – Meeting announcements
7:15 p.m. – Program Presentation
Join Zoom Meeting:
click here to join
Meeting ID: 577 018 0765
Passcode: [REDACTED]
photo credit: Steven Brenner

Rosy-finch Ramble with DFO - Park & Jefferson Counties
2026-02-20 07:00 - 15:30
Rosy-finch Ramble with DFO: Park & Jefferson Counties
Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Leader: David Suddjian
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Let’s go on an adventure to the mountains to find Rosy-Finches and other mountain birds. We may find the three species of Rosy-Finch, and other “mountain finches” that are around, including Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch and others. We might also see Canada Jay and Clark’s Nutcracker, Rough-legged Hawk and other winter montane species. The trip will focus on locations in Jefferson and Park counties. We will carpool from the meeting spot. For those coming from El Paso County, we will begin birding in Jefferson Co, so plan to gather at the advertised meeting place in Aspen Park. Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. We will cover a fair amount of ground by car, but there will be minimal walking. But expect snowy and icy conditions, cold temperatures and maybe windy conditions when we are out of the cars. We will plan to enter two residences along the way.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 1/30/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22298. 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: Brown-capped Rosy-Finch / Gene Putney / Audubon Photography Awards

Park County with Aiken Audubon
2026-02-21 07:30 - 15:30
Park County with Aiken Audubon
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Leaders: Deb Strike & Melissa Wetzig
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Join Aiken Audubon volunteers Deb & Melissa for a special trip to Deb’s cabin in Fairplay, CO! Deb will open her home and fill her feeders, allowing us to see great birds from a comfy spot. Expect to see Pine Grosbeaks, Brown-capped Rosy Finches, Steller’s Jays, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, lots of Mountain Chickadees, Hairy Woodpeckers, and sometimes Clark’s Nutcrackers or Canada Jays. We may also see Gray-crowned and Black Rosy Finches and Red Crossbills. On the way back we will stop in Lake George for additional birding in hope of American Dippers.
We will carpool from a meeting spot along Hwy24 on the west side of Colorado Springs. Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. Our destination is two hours away and there will be minimal walking. Dress for the Fairplay, CO and Lake George, CO weather forecasts, but prepare for snowy and icy ground, cold temperatures, and maybe windy conditions when we are out of the cars.
This trip is limited to 8 birders – sign up by emailing fieldtrips@aikenaudubon.com
Photo: Evening Grosbeak / Mark Hainen / Audubon Photography Awards

*FULL* Birds & Brews - Ute Valley Park & 105 West Brewing
2026-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Ute Valley Park, 5465 7 Oaks Dr,, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 , CO, 80919, United States
We’ll enjoy cool rock formations and great views as we search the woodlands and meadows of Ute Valley Park for birds like Cassin’s Finches, Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaires, and Nuthatches. Afterwards we’ll head over to NEW 105 West Brewing, the new occupants of what used to be Trinity Brewing, about 7 minutes away.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk three or so miles over uneven, hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. Depending on weather conditions the week before, the trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let mention it when you RSVP.
– This trip is full, but you may join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Clever Corvids with Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
2026-02-23 13:00 - 14:00

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Bruce Dunbar
2026-02-28 06:45 - 11:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Bruce Dunbar for a walk around Aiken Canyon Preserve, a quiet retreat down Hwy 115. We’ll hike about 4 miles through oak meadows and evergreen woodlands that wind through the rocky outcrops. This is a moderately difficult hike, but we’ll be going at a slow birder’s pace. Along the way we should see and hear a number of winter residents like Cassin’s Finches, Western Bluebirds, and Juniper Titmice, and hopefully discover some special mountain species that have come down in elevation for the winter.
Due to the narrow trail, this trip is limited to 10 birders. RSVP by emailing Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.
Photo: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bruce Dunbar, Aiken Canyon

Birding by Book | "My Penguin Year"
2026-03-02 17:30 - 19:00
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 My Penguin Year by Lindsay McCrae at your leisure, then join us on Monday, March 2nd for book club discussion.

For 337 days, award-winning wildlife cameraman Lindsay McCrae intimately followed 11,000 emperor penguins amid the singular beauty of Antarctica. This is his masterful chronicle of one penguin colony’s astonishing journey of life, death, and rebirth—and of the extraordinary human experience of living amongst them in the planet’s harshest environment.
A miracle occurs each winter in Antarctica. As temperatures plummet 60° below zero and the sea around the remote southern continent freezes, emperors—the largest of all penguins—begin marching up to 100 miles over solid ice to reach their breeding grounds. They are the only animals to breed in the depths of this, the worst winter on the planet; and in an unusual role reversal, the males incubate the eggs, fasting for over 100 days to ensure they introduce their chicks safely into their new frozen world.
My Penguin Year recounts McCrae’s remarkable adventure to the end of the Earth. He observed every aspect of a breeding emperor’s life, facing the inevitable sacrifices that came with living his childhood dream, and grappling with the personal obstacles that, being over 15,000km away from the comforts of home, almost proved too much. Out of that experience, he has written an unprecedented portrait of Antarctica’s most extraordinary residents.

Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
photo credit: Bookshop.org

*WAITLIST ONLY* Birds & Brews - Seven Bridges Trail & Bristol Brewing
2026-03-08 09:00 - 11:00
We’ll bird a bit of a higher elevation in hopes of Hairy Woodpeckers, Steller’s Jays, Canada Jays, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and more along the Seven Bridges Trail in Cheyenne Canyon. Afterwards we’ll head down to Ivywild School to have a beer at Bristol Brewing.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk two or so miles over uneven, hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. Depending on weather conditions the week before, the trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, mention it when you RSVP.
– This trip is full; join the waitlist by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

Photo: Golden-crowned Kinglet / Esther Sumner / Audubon Photography Awards

Clear Spring Ranch with Pat Paternostro
2026-03-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Aiken Audubon and trip leader Pat Paternostro for a birding walk at Clear Spring Ranch. We will walk the trails and look for resident birds, lingering winter species and hopefully find some early migrants. This is one of the best birding hotspots in the County – with Cottonwood forests, meadows, and agricultural fields along Fountain Creek.

We will meet at the CSR parking lot at 8am. While this trail is typically dry, be prepared for possible muddy conditions along the mostly flat terrain. There is a restroom at the trailhead.

You can RSVP for the trip by reaching out to Pat – broncos30@hotmail.com.

Photo: Lincoln’s Sparrow / Mike Timmons / Audubon Photography Awards

March Monthly Meeting:Birding Mongolia with Mike and Gana Endres
2026-03-18 18:30 - 21:00
Birding in Mongolia
Join naturalist, author, and professional photographer Mike Endres of Little Wing Photo as he shares his experiences of traveling Mongolia in search of birds, culture, and scenery. He will be joined by his wife Gana, a native of Mongolia, who will share her personal knowledge of Mongolian culture and history. Five of the fifteen species of cranes can be found in Mongolia, mostly in the Khurkh River Valley in the eastern part of the country. This will be an entertaining presentation for those interested in this part of the world or maybe planning a trip to there.
Mike has had a decades long interest in wildlife photography, especially cranes. His lengthy time in the Army has provided him with opportunities that most will never experience. During that time, he always had a camera in hand and a willingness to explore the wildlife and culture of whatever part of the world he happened to be in. Join him for an evening of entertainment as he shares his experiences from numerous visits to Mongolia, including his own wedding.
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 credits:Mike Endres

Bird Walk and Water Talk Along the Arkansas River
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:30
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this bird activity in Pueblo, CO.
Friday, March 20th – 10:00am-11:30am at the Charles W. Lee Bridge on the Arkansas River
Space is limited. $20 per adult. Register at https://pueblofoodproject.org/product/birdwalk/
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature lover, this guided bird walk promises a unique opportunity to learn about the birds that thrive along the Arkansas River and how the same vital water source provides the local food we love. Come experience the rich history and ecosystem of the Arkansas River Trail in Pueblo as we peek into its beauty hiding in plain sight. Led by Jolene Collins, Community Engagement Manager for Palmer Land Conservancy, and Marla Browne, board member of Arkansas Valley Audubon Society and passionate birder, this walk is an experience you won’t want to miss. Also joining us will be Dr. Andrew Dreelin, Palmer’s Land Stewardship Manager. Andrew studied ornithology at Cornell University and has been obsessed with birds for the past 14 years. Before joining Palmer, he completed his doctoral research on grassland birds and even worked for eBird. Your $20 ticket (KIDS JOIN FREE!) does double duty: it supports the Pueblo Food Project while sharing information about the water that sustains us all. Space is limited.

Pikes Peak Climate Education Event - An Evening with Jon Waterman
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00
This event is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this local conservation activity.
Jon Waterman, author of Into the Thaw – Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis, will share powerful stories and photography from decades of travel in the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic. Read more at the event link. This event is free and open to the public.
Colorado College – Armstrong Hall
Tuesday, March 24th
Doors Open 6:30pm
Program Begins 7:00pm

Draw Pinyon Jays: Free Virtual Class
2026-04-11 14:30 - 16:00
This FREE online opportunity is not affilitaed with Aiken Audubon, but you may be interested in this bird-themed activity with a local artist! From Saraiya Kanning with Raebird Creations:
I’ve completely fallen in love with a bird most people have never heard of: the Pinyon Jay.
Over the last few months, I’ve been writing and illustrating an article for Birding magazine. In the process of interviewing 5 wildlife biologists and reading an extremely niche book on the species, I’ve learned so much.
Pinyon Jays are present in Colorado, where I grew up and now live, and where I saw my lifer in my teens. (In birding lingo, a lifer is the first time you ever see a species.) That color blue cannot be erased from memory, nor can their nasal, laughing calls. It’s wilderness distilled into one sound.
Right now Pinyon Jays are under review by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act. Their populations have declined an estimated 80% or more since the 1960s. It’s heartbreaking.
These birds are an iconic piñon–juniper woodland species. They help keep piñon forests alive through their cyclical relationship with piñon cones. And they are sheer FUN. Chatty, gregarious, and full of personality in classic jay fashion. I simply can’t imagine the world without them.
So I invite you to a short and FREE online art workshop where we’ll celebrate these spunky, spirited birds.
You don’t need to be an “artist” (whatever that means). You don’t even need to be a birder.
Maybe you’re someone who, like me, can’t stand to watch a species fade quietly. Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t quite know what to do about this ongoing planetary disarray and habitat loss.
We won’t be numb. Instead we’ll make art and fill the world with hand-drawn Pinyon Jays. Maybe they’ll fly right off the page and repopulate the forests in droves. It’s a start, anyway. A little corner of hope we’ll make together.
We’ll be drawing inspiration from the wonderful photos of Maresa Pryor-Luzier. @mpluzier
To register, email: raebirdcreationsart@gmail.com
The workshop is limited to 100 participants. If there’s enough interest, I’ll schedule another. 💙

Birds & Brews - Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
2026-04-12 07:30 - 14:00 | Pueblo Area
Pueblo Reservoir & Reservoir Brewing
Sunday, April 12, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We’ll meet to carpool/caravan down to Pueblo for a morning full of birding! Where we go will depend on recent bird reports, but expect to spend most of our time at the Valco Ponds and Pueblo Reservoir in search of a large variety of birds, including waterfowl, birds of prey, migrants, and quail. In 2025, this trip yielded 67 species!

– Restrooms will be available regularly
– Difficulty: moderate. Walking will be easy along mostly flat trails, but it will be a long morning and into the afternoon.
– Bring your binoculars; if you need to borrow some, just request with your RSVP. If you have a scope, bring it!
– Plan to bring water, snacks, and an easy-to-eat-on-the-go lunch. Reservoir Brewing has food, but we’ll be too busy birding to get there by the time we’re hungry!
– Please RSVP by emailing Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com as space is limited.

April Monthly Meeting: An Unplanned Journey with Birds with Amy Seglund
2026-04-15 18:30 - 21:00
An Unplanned Journey with Birds
Join Amy Seglund, Species Conservation Program Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and last year’s Colorado Field Ornithology convention Keynote Speaker in our Aiken Audubon April monthly meeting as she presents via Zoom.
As a young graduate student, she had her mind set on studying mammalian carnivores. Then, a birding moment changed her life and led her down an unexpected path in avian conservation. She will share some highlights and accomplishments of her path and why birds are wonderful to study.
Amy Seglund has worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the past 19 years as a Species Conservation Program Manager. Much of her work has focused on two alpine bird species, the southern white-tailed ptarmigan and brown-capped rosy-finch. Amy’s newest endeavor is to understand pinyon jay breeding biology. Before coming to Colorado, Amy worked with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for 4 years as a conservation biologist with her efforts focused on peregrine falcons, yellow-billed cuckoos, southwestern willow flycatchers, and Lewis’s woodpeckers. Amy received her MS in wildlife biology at Humboldt State University where her graduate research focused on the Pacific fisher. She spent 2 years in Guatemala in the Peace Corps assessing the avifauna in the cloud, subtropical, and spine forests. Amy was the 2023 recipient of the Richard G. Levad Award which honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to bird conservation.

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: Amy Seglund

Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch - Aiken Members Only
2026-04-19 08:00 - 16:00
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
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!
