Aiken Canyon Preserve with Bruce Dunbar
2026-02-28 06:45 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | 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 | CO
Aiken Audubon’s Birding by Book is a book club for those who love birds AND books! The club meets to discuss selected book titles and create community among birders in the Pikes Peak area.
Read 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 | CO
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 | CO
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 | CO
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 | CO
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 | CO
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 | CO
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 | CO
Visit the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch in Morrison, CO! This site is a recipient of a Foothills & Prairie Grant in both 2025 & 2026. We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs before heading up to Morrison to visit the hawk watchers and see their work in action – counting migrating birds of prey! We’ll stop on the way back to bird South Platte Park a little, since we’ll be passing right by.
“Named for its world-renowned fossil beds, Dinosaur Ridge is also a window into the seasonal movement of birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, falcons and more, over Colorado’s Front Range. These raptors migrate in the spring along the eastern mountainous edge of the Rockies in part because mountain updrafts enable them to soar and conserve energy during their long journeys north to their breeding grounds.”
We will meet to carpool/caravan in Colorado Springs at 8am. We will be back at 4pm at the latest. Plan to bring lunch and drinks. Don’t forget your binoculars, but if you need to borrow some, mention it with your RSVP.
This trip is limited to 13 Aiken members. Any household that has donated any amount to Aiken Audubon Society in the past one year is considered a member. Thank you for supporting Aiken Audubon and our avian conservation and education efforts! To register, email trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Collin Hildreth
2026-06-20 07:00 - 11:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Named after ornithologist Dr. Charles Aiken, this site 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 7:00 am.
Dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

*Waitlist Only* Birds & Brews – Mueller State Park & Paradox Brewing - June 28
2026-06-28 08:00 - 13:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Mueller State Park (8am) & Paradox Brewing (12pm)

– We will hike through the montane forest and meadows and past a couple ponds to find a variety of birds. This is a lovely time to visit, with nesting birds singing and wildflowers blooming! Afterwards we’ll relax in the shade at Paradox Brewing!
– This will be a moderate-difficult hike. Our route will take us up to 4 miles over moderate terrain at a birder’s pace.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. Dress for the Divide, CO forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Free park entry if you have a Colorado State Parks pass. Or, a $10 per vehicle charge will apply at the entrance.

This trip is at capacity – join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Mid-Week at Manitou Lake with Kip Miller
2026-07-07 07:30 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Tuesday, July 7 @ 7:30 a.m.
Join us for this weekday Manitou Lake outing while breeding birds are still present and singing.
Manitou Lake is surrounded by evergreen forests, meadows and wetlands and the recreation
area hosts breeding species such as Red-naped Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Violet-crowned
Swallow, Western Tanager and MacGillivray’s Warbler. The diverse habitat, flat walking, and
lovely scenery make this a great summer birding destination.
– Difficulty: Easy. This 2 mile hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. (Need binocs? Request to borrow
some when you RSVP!)
– At the entrance, a $11 fee per vehicle is charged (or $5/car with valid NP pass). Option to
carpool/caravan from Old Colorado City area at 6:45 a.m.
Space is limited. RSVP by emailing trip leader Kip Miller at kipGmiller@gmail.com

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

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

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

We kindly request a $25 donation per person, cash or check made payable to Aiken Audubon Society; 100% supports Dr. Linkhart’s ongoing research. If you are in need of partial scholarship to cover this donation, please request with you RSVP.

We will check-in with the twelve confirmed individuals a few days beforehand to confirm. Please list your best contact information within the registration request (email and phone number) for each individual. There will be a waitlist option.

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

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Pat Paternostro
2026-07-11 07:00 - 11:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a summer field trip to Aiken Canyon. We will walk the trails and look for nesting species such as Virginia’s Warbler, Plumbeous Vireo and hopefully an Ovenbird or two.
The walk is about 4 miles and does involve some elevation changes. This hike is considered moderate/difficult. Appropriate for all skill levels of birders. You can RSVP by emailing Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com
We will meet at Aiken Canyon Preserve’s parking lot (map) at 7:00 am. Please bring lots of water and sun protection.
Photo: Black-headed Grosbeak / Evan Barrientos / Audubon

*Waitlist Only* Birds & Brews – Rainbow Gulch Trail & BierWerks - July 26
2026-07-26 08:00 - 13:00 | Rainbow Gulch
Rainbow Gulch (8am) followed by BierWerks (12pm)
This easy/moderate 3.5 mile round trip will take us through the montane forests and briefly along the Rampart Reservoir. Along the way we will look for a great variety of summer birds like Williamson’s & Red-naped Sapsuckers, American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Red Crossbills, Evening Grosbeaks, and more. We’ll make sure to look low, too, for beautiful blooming wildflowers like Rocky Mountain Columbine and Fireweed! Afterwards we’ll kick up our feet and rehydrate at BierWerks down in Woodland Park.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. This 3.5 out-and-back has less than 300 feet elevation gain.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. (Need to borrow binocs? just ask when you RSVP!)

This trip is at capacity. Join the waitlist by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Birds & Brews – Manitou Lake & Mad Hatter Saloon - August 16
2026-08-16 08:30 - 12:00 | CO
Manitou Lake (8:30am) followed by Mad Hatter Saloon (11am)
Manitou Lake is surrounded by evergreen forests, meadows, and wetlands formed by beaver dams. The diverse habitat, flat walking, and lovely scenery make this a great birding destination. On our way home we’ll stop outside Cascade to get a refreshment at Mad Hatter Saloon!
– Difficulty: Easy. This 2 mile hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. (Need binocs? Request to borrow some when you RSVP!)
– At the entrance, a $11 fee per vehicle is charged (or $5/car with valid NP pass). Option to carpool/caravan from Old Colorado City area at 7:50am.

Space is limited. RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Birding By Book | "The Feather Detective"
2026-08-31 17:30 - 19:00 | CO
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 The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney at your leisure, then join us on Monday, August 31st for book club discussion.
The fascinating and remarkable true story of the world’s first forensic ornithologist—Roxie Laybourne, who broke down barriers for women, solved murders, and investigated deadly airplane crashes with nothing more than a microscope and a few fragments of feathers.
In 1960, an Eastern Airlines flight had no sooner lifted from the runway at Boston Logan Airport when it struck a flock of birds and took a nosedive into the shallow waters of the Boston Harbor, killing sixty-two people. This was the golden age of commercial airflight—luxury in the skies—and safety was essential to the precarious future of air travel. So the FAA instructed the bird remains be sent to the Smithsonian Institution for examination, where they would land on the desk of the only person in the world equipped to make sense of it all.
Her name was Roxie Laybourne, a diminutive but singular woman with thick glasses, a heavy Carolina drawl, and a passion for birds. Roxie didn’t know it at the time, but that box full of dead birds marked the start of a remarkable scientific journey. She became the world’s first forensic ornithologist, investigating a range of crimes and calamites on behalf of the FBI, the US Air Force, and even NASA.
The Feather Detective takes readers deep within the vaunted backrooms of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to tell the story of a burgeoning science and the enigmatic woman who pioneered it. While her male colleagues in taxidermy embarked on expeditions around the world and got plum promotions, Roxie stayed with her birds. Using nothing more than her microscope and bits of feathers, she helped prosecute murderers, kidnappers, and poachers. When she wasn’t testifying in court or studying evidence from capital crimes, she was helping aerospace engineers and Air Force crews as they raced to bird-proof their airplanes before disaster struck again.
In The Feather Detective, award-winning journalist Chris Sweeney charts the astonishing life and work of this overlooked pioneer. Once divorced, once widowed, and sometimes surly, Roxie shattered stereotypes and pushed boundaries. Her story is one of persistence and grit, obsession and ingenuity. Drawing on reams of archival material, court documents, and exclusive interviews, Sweeney delivers a moving and amusing portrait of a woman who overcame cultural and scientific obstacles at every turn, forever changing our understanding of birds—and the feathers they leave behind.
Roadrunner Bookshop is offering new copies of The Feather Detective at a 15% discount to book club members. Please email your request to place an order along with your RSVP.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
photo credit: Simon & Schuster
