Aiken Audubon Society

Migration Walks - Fountain Creek Regional Park
2022-04-16 07:30 - 10:30 (America/Denver) | Fountain Creek Regional Park, 398-386 Peppergrass Ln., Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
eBird Checklist
Join Clark Jones, President of Aiken Audubon Chapter, for a leisurely hike through Fountain Creek Regional Park to see and hear the many birds that migrate through and breed in our area.
– Saturday, April 16, 2022 – 730-1030a; meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center parking lot
Our goal is to identify the songs and field marks of the many species that call this area home, in addition to some hopeful spring migrants. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, binoculars, any guidebooks you have and an inquisitive mind! Migration Walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow. No previous experience or registration required. Great for the whole family!

Lights Out Colorado free webinar!
2022-04-13 19:00 - 20:15 | Rockies.Audubon.org
Sign up now for a free webinar from leading experts about light pollution and bird migration. Speakers will include Dr. Kyle Horton (Colorado State University), Ashley Wilson (International Dark-sky Association), and Zach Hutchinson (Audubon Rockies). The webinar will take place Wednesday, April 13, at 7 pm, on the Zoom platform for the National Audubon Society.

Webinar Registration

Thanks for your pledge to help Lights Out Colorado!
Richard OBrien

Birds & Brew Monthly Walk - Garden of the Gods
2022-04-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Garden of the Gods Parking Lot, See Map
April 10 @ 3p-5p walk with Brew afterward

Birds & Brew Monthly Bird Walks –
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Garden of the Gods (Main Parking lot #2, see map) on Sunday, April 10, 3-5p. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Red Leg Brewing (2323 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Bird Collisions 101: Making Your Home and Community Safer for Birds
2022-03-24 14:00 - 15:00
VIEW RECORDING HERE
Thursday, March 24, 2022 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM MT
White-throated Sparrow. Hermit Thrush. Black-and-white Warbler. These beloved birds are among the top bird species most at risk from window collisions. If you’ve ever heard a thud coming from your window, it is possible one of these birds might have collided with it and sustained serious or even life-threatening injuries.
Every year up to 1 billion birds die as a result of collisions with glass in the U.S. There is a lot we can do individually and collectively to help birds, especially during the seasons of migration when collision rates are even higher.
In our next webinar, bird collisions experts will provide practical advice on preventing window strikes at home, as well as tips to advocate for safer, bird-friendly building policies in your community.
Speakers:

Dr. Christine Sheppard, Glass Collisions Program Director, ABC
Anikó Tótha, Bird Collision Glass Testing Program Coordinator, ABC
Bryan Lenz, Bird City Americas Director & Glass Collisions Program Manager, ABC

https://act.abcbirds.org/a/webinar-collisions-101?ms=social

CANCELED - Crows & Coffee Monthly Bird Walks
2022-03-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Garden of the Gods Parking Lot, See Map
Sorry, March 21st trip has been canceled due to potential inclement weather and leader injury. We look forward to getting together in April for Crows & Coffee!
Crows & Coffee Monthly Bird Walks –
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join PJ Markus for a bird walk at Garden of the Gods (main parking lot, see map circled P2) on Monday, March 21, 9a-11a. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Jives Coffee Lounge (16 Colbrunn Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80904) for a cup of coffee and bird talk!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birds & Brew Monthly Bird Walks
2022-03-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Red Rock Canyon Open Space, 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
March 20 @ 3p-5p walk with Brew afterward

Birds & Brew Monthly Bird Walks –
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk at Red Rock Canyon Open Space (3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904) on Sunday, March 20, 3-5p. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Fossil Craft Beer Company (2845 Ore Mill Rd #1, Colorado Springs, CO 80904) for a libation and some friendly chat!
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birds of the Park - Garden of the Gods
2022-03-20 12:30 - 13:30 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
Birds of the Park, March 20th, 12:30 – 1:30 pm ($5.00 charge, max #15)

Park Interpreter, Nick Darling, presents on the various birds found within the Garden of the Gods. Hear tips and tricks for spotting and identifying the various bird species that call the park home. This indoor presentation takes place at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center in our Red Rocks Room on the 2nd floor (1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 ). Questions? Call 719-219-0108.

There is a $5 registration fee, all done through the Visitor Center’s website (www.gardenofgods.com ).

Field Trip: Rock Ledge Ranch (FULL) - rescheduled
2022-03-18 07:30 - 09:30 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
**This trip is FULL. To sign up for the waiting list, please email the trip leader, Tyler Stuart (TylerHStuart@gmail.com).
Tyler Stuart will lead a trip to Rock Ledge Ranch on Friday, March 18 at 7:30 am. We’ll plan on birding for about two hours. Resident breeding birds have started to show early signs of spring–singing, drumming, and courtship. Steller’s Jay have been regular visitors at the Ranch this winter, and Cedar Waxwings and Evening Grosbeaks have shown up occasionally. Who knows what other birds we may find? Note that we will meet at the south entrance of Rock Ledge Ranch on Chambers Way. To sign up, email Tyler Stuart (TylerHStuart@gmail.com). *If you do not receive an RSVP reply, check your Spam filter or Promotions filter (esp. Gmail users).

Aiken monthly meeting: Effects of Climate Change on Birds of Colorado (and beyond)
2022-03-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom [online]
Join us next Wednesday, March 16 @ 7:00 pm for our monthly meeting and presentation. Aiken President, Clark Jones, will be giving a presentation examining the forecasted (and observed) effects of climate change on birds in Colorado. Current climate models portend to a warmer future in Colorado. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), “Statewide annual temperatures [are] projected to warm between 2.5°F and 5°F by 2050 relative to a 1971–2000 baseline. A 2-degree increase would make the city of Denver’s temperatures in 2050 more like the southern Colorado city of Pueblo is today. With higher emissions (RCP 8.5), the projected warming for Colorado is as much as 6.5°F by mid-century, which would make Denver’s temperatures more similar to those found today in Albuquerque, New Mexico.” This warming has deep implications for birds in Colorado, as well as across the globe.

Fountain Creek Nature Center - Building for the Birds
2022-03-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Building for the Birds
Saturday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Build a nesting box for common backyard birds and learn who they are and their calls with an indoor lesson and guided hike. An adult able to handle tools must accompany children. Bring a hammer and pliers if you have them. Other materials provided. $12 per non-member box, $10 per member box. Prepaid reservations required.

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks
2022-02-27 15:00 - 18:00 | Prospect Lake, South Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk around Prospect Lake (715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs) on Sunday, February 27th, 3-5p. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Battle Mountain Brewing Company (1007 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs) for a libation and friendly chat!

No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks
2022-02-27 15:00 - 17:00
Birds & Brews Monthly Bird Walks
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an amateur, join Jessica Miller for a bird walk around Prospect Lake (715 Prospect Lake Dr., Colorado Springs) on Sunday, February 27th, 3-5p. Walking will be at a slow pace on relatively level walking paths. Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience.
Afterward, you’re invited to join us at Battle Mountain Brewing Company (1007 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs) for a libation and bird talk!
**
No need to register, just show-up! Help us make this a fun monthly gathering!

Audubon Rockies Presents: Getting Green Laws
2022-02-23 19:00 - 20:15
Advocating for bird-friendly legislation is one of the most impactful ways to help birds and the environment, but without an understanding of the process, it can seem daunting. Getting Green Laws is a free webinar training on how to make your voice heard by legislators on upcoming environmental laws in Colorado.
During the webinar, Jen Boulton, Audubon’s lobbyist in Colorado, will walk you through strategies for contacting your representatives and improving your ability to influence them. She’ll also explain bills that the Colorado legislature is considering right now that will impact birds and their habitats, as well as how you can help shape them.
Register for this free training to greatly increase your ability to impact the causes you care about.

Garden of the Gods - Birds of the Park
2022-02-20 12:30 - 13:30 | Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N 30th St,, Colorado Springs,, CO, 80904, United States
Birds of the Park, February 20th, 12:30 – 1:30 pm ($5.00 charge, max #15)

Park Interpreter,, presents on the various birds found within the Garden of the Gods. Hear tips and tricks for spotting and identifying the various bird species that call the park home. Starts in the Red Rocks Room on the 2nd floor inside the Visitor and Nature Center. Questions? Call 719-219-0108.

Great Backyard Bird Count
2022-02-18 - 2022-02-21
Be part of a global event! This is the 25th year of the Great Backyard Bird Count and a chance to connect to birds, to nature, and with each other. You can participate from the comforts of your own home or venture out to a location of your own choosing. Participating is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.

Step 1 – Decide where you will watch birds.
Step 2 – Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 18-21, 2022.
Step 3 – Count all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:

If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to the count, try using the Merlin Bird ID app.
If you have participated in the count before, try eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).
If you are participating as a group, see instructions for Group Counting.

Watching birds is a safe and enjoyable activity we can do during the Covid global pandemic. For the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count, we strongly urge participants to comply with all current Covid-19 regulations and guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to, social distancing while bird watching and wearing a mask when birding with others.

Tracking Birds From The Great Plains to The Chihuahuan Desert
2022-02-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom [online]
Grassland birds are among the most imperiled group of birds in the United States. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) is a network of automated radio telemetry stations that offers an effective method to explore animal movement. Join Avian Ecologist Matt Webb to learn more about how Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is developing a network of Motus stations and tagging birds across the Great Plains and Chihuahuan Desert to study the movement behavior of grassland birds. This network will allow researchers to gain a new understanding of how grassland birds move throughout their full annual cycle.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84223552864?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 842 2355 2864
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Fountain Creek Nature Center: Long Distance Relationships
2022-02-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Creek Regional Park, 398-386 Peppergrass Ln., Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Long Distance Relationships:
Bird Migration
Saturday, February 12, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fountain Creek Nature Center 719-520-6745

Where do warblers winter and where are shorebirds all summer? Birds come in all shapes and sizes and their reasons and adaptations for migrating vary. Learn all the nuances of bird migration, from when to expect favorites to how you can help them along their journey. Lesson, craft, activities, and a hike included! All ages are welcome.

Register Online

Field Trip: Fountain Creek Regional Park
2022-02-05 08:00 - 12:00 | Fountain Creek Regional Park, 398-386 Peppergrass Ln., Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Clark Jones will lead a trip Fountain Creek Regional Park on Saturday February 5th @ 8:00. We’ll plan on birding 2-4 hours depending on weather and bird activity. Recent sightings in the area include Rusty Blackbird and Northern Waterthrush. The area is known to attract various waterfowl species in the winter when other areas are frozen. To sign up, email Clark Jones jones.clark.d@gmail.com or RSVP below. *If you do not receive an RSPV reply, check your Spam filter or Promotions filter (esp. Gmail users).

North Cheyenne Cañon Park presents: Winter Bird Festival.
2022-01-22 10:00 - 14:00 | North Cheyenne Canon Park, 2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Celebrate winter birds at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center at North Cheyenne Cañon! Come enjoy crafts, a scavenger hunt, guided birding walks, and family fun while learning about our feathered friends. The event is free, although a $5 donation per family to support park programs, supplies, and staffing is appreciated. More information here.

Aiken Audubon Monthly Meeting. Shorebirds on the Edge: Piping Plovers and Interior Least Terns
2022-01-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom [online]
Dr. Sara Harrod, Natural Resources Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be speaking about the Piping Plover and Interior Least Tern monitoring program at John Martin Reservoir. The presentation includes a brief overview of John Martin, the biology of plovers and terns, conservation issues these birds face, what the Corps of Engineers and its partners are doing, and ways people can help protect nesting plovers and terns.
This meeting will be held on Zoom.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MEETING.
Image credit: Matthew Reitinger/Audubon Photography Awards

Field trip: Fountain Creek Regional Park
2021-11-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Fountain Creek Regional Park, 398-386 Peppergrass Ln., Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join PJ Markus for a November 23rd bird walk at Fountain Creek Regional Park. We’ll meet in the Fountain Creek Nature Center parking lot, by the gazebo at 9:00 a.m. The outing will be from 9-11a for any level birder. Binoculars are strongly recommended. Group size limited to 12, so register early by sending an email to irishlady59@gmail.com to confirm your spot!

Aiken Audubon Monthly Meeting. Green Big Year with Scott Somershoe.
2021-11-17 19:00 - 20:30
The Colorado birding community lost one of its pillars when Joe Roller passed away in November 2020. Joe was a fount of birding lore and loved people as much as birds. Many considered him a beloved friend. To honor Joe’s legacy, Scott partnered with Colorado Field Ornithologists (CFO) and created the Joe Roller Memorial Grant to support bird research in Colorado. The grant will be initially funded by pledges raised through Scott’s 2021 Green Big Year, a green (carbon-free) birding initiative. Scott will give a first-hand account of his Green Big Year that has tallied more than 250 species within biking distance of his home in Littleton, CO.

Field Trip: Lake Pueblo State Park
2021-11-13 09:00 - 15:00 | Lake Pueblo State Park (Visitor Center), 601-633 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO, 81005, United States
Join us for this Aiken Audubon fall outing to Lake Pueblo State Park. Waterbirds will certainly be a major focus – we’ll scan for loons, ducks, grebes, gulls and more from the lake’s best vantage points – but we’ll also be alert for raptors and land birds in the park’s desert habitats and in wooded areas below the dam. Our actual itinerary will be flexible based on recent reports, weather conditions and time – but it should be a fun day of easy birding (no long hikes planned). We’ll spend the morning and a few hours of the afternoon in or near the park, so pack a lunch, water and such and remember to bring along warm layers in the event of chilling fall breezes.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. We will meet at the Lake Pueblo State Park Office and Visitor Center. (Please note an $10/vehicle daily fee or Colorado State Parks annual pass is required for entry to Lake Pueblo State Park.)
Group size will be limited to 12 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Field Trip: Prospect Lake Tuesday Waterbird Walks - Nov 9 to Nov 30, 9:30 a.m.
2021-11-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Prospect Lake, South Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Despite its urban location, Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs’ Memorial Park is a well-known waterbird magnet during migration and in winter when open water remains available. With this in mind, Aiken Audubon will be offering weekly birding walks around the lake on Tuesday mornings from November 9 through November 30. We’ll watch for ducks, geese, grebes, gulls and more – as well as the occasional raptor attracted by these birds. Walking distance around the lake is approximately 1.25 miles. We will start from the main parking lot on the lake’s east side, off of South Union Boulevard (adjacent to the Peace Officer’s Memorial). Remember to bring along warm layers in the event of chilling fall breezes.
Kip Miller will lead these outings. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Aiken Monthly Meeting: Birds of the Alpine – White-tailed Ptarmigan and Brown-capped Rosy Finch
2021-10-20 19:00 - 20:30
Though many intrepid explorers hike Colorado’s high elevation mountains, only a lucky few get to view the magical birds of the alpine – the southern white-tailed ptarmigan and brown-capped rosy-finch. Ptarmigan, in almost a constant state of molt, use their remarkable camouflage to disappear from predators and human alike whereas rosy-finches breed in steep, inaccessible cliffs at extreme elevations. Come learn about these incredible birds and gain an appreciation of how they survive and thrive in the harsh alpine tundra of Colorado. Two researchers, Amy Seglund (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) and Greg Wann (former graduate student at Colorado State University) will take you on a journey to describe both the natural history of ptarmigan and rosy-finches as well as share results of their research findings that have spanned over 10 years. Together their research has helped provide a better understanding of the distribution and health of these species in Colorado, in addition to identifying threats that may impact populations into the future.

Field Trip: Red Rock Canyon
2021-10-17 08:00 - 11:00 | Red Rock Canyon, 3550 W High St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
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.
Address: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
We’ll walk a loop around at an easy birding pace, expected to last ~3 hours. Hiking/walking shoes are suggested. Jessica Miller will lead this outing; please contact her at jessicabmiller43@gmail.com to register. Meet at the open space parking lot off of W. High St. Details will be provided upon registration.

Beginner Birding Workshop & Hike at Palmer Park
2021-10-15 08:00 - 10:30 | Palmer park, 3344-3376 Paseo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
Join us for a morning of birding and Leave No Trace! Representatives from the Aiken Audubon Society and TOPS park staff will share a short presentation in the basics of bird identification followed by hike exploring the trails for birds. This event is intended for people who have never been birding or know very little about birds. It is a free, family-friendly event, though our furry relatives should remain at home for this one.
This hike is part of the 2021 Leave No Trace Hot Spot Week! For a complete list of the week’s events, please visit ColoradoSprings.gov/HotSpotWeek. Remember, you can make an impact by not leaving one!

Click here for more details and registration.

Big Sit! @ Fountain Creek Regional Park
2021-10-09 07:00 - 17:00 | Fountain Creek Regional Park, 398-386 Peppergrass Ln., Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Aiken Audubon will participate in The Big Sit challenge (an international birding event open to anyone) October 9th at Fountain Creek. We’ll be there from 7a to 12n close to the South Rice Ponds location. Aiken will have a large white board to record every bird seen or heard, if positively identified. A large 60x scope will be shared with masked individuals, if interested.
All observations must be made from within a circle of no more than 17ft in diameter! We’ll have a roped off area with chairs and snacks – feel free to bring your own chair, too. It’s a good way to relax while watching birds and enjoying good company.
It’s a lot of fun to participate in this international event – please join us for as little or as long as you’d like! Hope to see you on Saturday! Any questions, please email Debra Nord at debra.nord@gmail.com.

Aiken Audubon Monthly Meeting: Mountain Plover Conservation
2021-09-15 19:00 - 20:00
What do you know about the Mountain Plover? A “shorebird” of sorts, that doesn’t use the shore…much. This plover, unlike many other plovers, uses habitats only found in the Great Plains and is often found on private lands in agricultural settings. Working with private land owners is key to securing the future of this once common shorebird. Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Habitat Coordinator Angela Dwyer to learn about how they have worked to conserve Mountain Plovers and their habitats in the Great Plains.
Angela Dwyer has been a Habitat Coordinator with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies since 2012. She has a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management from Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduate school, she worked in bird conservation for the National Audubon Society in both North Carolina and Colorado. At Bird Conservancy, she works at the intersection of grassland bird conservation and collaboration on private lands. She works on several collaborative conservation projects and oversees four Private Lands Wildlife Biologists. She is passionate to share more about the natural connections with birds and livestock on our grassland ecosystems.

Aiken Audubon Monthly Meeting: Healthy Freshwater Ecosystems for Birds and People
2021-05-19 08:00 - 17:00
Water connects us all. Clean and reliable water supplies are essential to our 400+ species of birds and way of life in Colorado. All of us depend on healthy flowing rivers: agricultural producers, cities and towns, businesses, recreation, and the environment. Join the water discussion and find out why 2021 is a big year for Colorado water. Amid the update of the Colorado Water Plan, the beginning of the renegotiation around the Colorado River, drought, and wildfire resilience and recovery, one thing is clear: we all play a role in sustaining Colorado’s water future.
Join Abby Burk, western rivers regional program manager for Audubon Rockies, for an engaging presentation on freshwater ecosystems, current issues in Colorado water and what all of this means for birds and people.
