Aiken Audubon Society

Mt Herman Trail to Monument Rock with Pat Paternostro
2026-08-22 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver)
Join Pat Paternostro and Aiken Audubon for a bird walk on the Mt Herman trail in Monument. We will look for resident and migratory species including Green-tailed Towhee, Cassin’s Finch, and Lazuli Bunting.
The walk is mostly on flat ground with a few slight inclines and is roughly 3 miles.
We will meet at 7am at the Mt Herman trail parking lot, located at the corner of Mt Herman Rd and Nursery Rd (Google Maps link).
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by emailing Pat at broncos30@hotmail.com.

Photo: Cassin’s Finch, Bruce Dunbar

Full Moon Walk at Clear Spring Ranch
2026-08-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Join Aiken Audubon & Pat Paternostro for a Full Moon Hike on Thursday, August 27th at Clear Spring Ranch! We will look for birds wrapping up their days, critters getting ready for the evening, and hopefully an owl or two.
The walk will be about 2 miles and will be on mostly flat ground. Water, bug spray and durable walking shoes are recommended. There are vault toilets at the parking lot.
We will meet at the Clear Spring Ranch parking lot at 7pm.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP Pat Paternostro, broncos30@hotmail.com
Photo: Osprey, Pat Paternostro

Aiken Canyon Preserve with Bruce Dunbar
2026-08-29 06:30 - 10:30 | 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 species – targets include Cassin’s Finches, Canyon Wrens, Juniper Titmice, and early migration surprises.
Due to the narrow trail, this trip is limited to 10 birders. RSVP by emailing Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.

Birding By Book | "The Feather Detective"
2026-08-31 17:30 - 19:00
**The August Birding By Book meeting is at capacity. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please reach out to the email address below.**
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

Fountain Creek Regional Park & Nature Center with DFO
2026-09-11 05:30 - 12:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fountain Creek Regional Park & Nature Center with Denver Field Ornithologists
Friday, September 11, 2026, 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Later start and earlier finish for COS-area birders)
Leaders: Linda Purcell & Judy McKeon
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
A half-day trip during peak Fall migration! FCRP has some of the most diverse and extensive bird habitat in El Paso County. We will search for fall migrants and residents including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Participants from the Denver region meet at Castle Rock at 5:30, and participants from the Colorado Springs area can meet at 6:45 at the Nature Center. This trip is rated moderate for duration, however we’ll be mostly on improved trails. Wear layers and comfortable shoes or boots, hat, sunscreen and whatever else keeps you comfortable. Bring water and snacks for the day. Leaders will have a scope, bring your binoculars and a camera if you wish. Plan to walk 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 miles. Restrooms available enroute and at the park.
This trip is limited and registration will open at noon on 8/21/2026. on this webpage: https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/Register.aspx?TripID=22551. 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.
This trip is at the same time and place as another outing, the Fountain Creek Bird Count. Consider that opportunity if you don’t make it onto this one!

Austin Bluffs Open Space with Collin Hildreth
2026-09-12 06:30 - 11:00 | Austin Bluffs Open Space (38.909919, -104.789987)
Austin Bluffs is a relatively under-birded site on the north side of the city. We will hike along some interesting geography through foothills meadows and pine oak forests. Besides year-round residents and summer breeding birds, fall migrants may give us some surprises!
Difficulty: Moderate. We will hike ~3-4 miles over uneven trails.
Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. You might like to bring a snack and water.
No public restroom on site.
We will meet at UCCS Parking Lot 580, located at 5331 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (across the street from Trader Joe’s)

Photo: Lazuli Bunting / Melissa James / Audubon Photography Awards

Fountain Creek Regional Park Fall Bird Count
2026-09-12 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
This event is being hosted by Fountain Creek Nature Center. This event is free; any donations benefit the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers.
Join the annual tradition and help record the number of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during fall migration. After morning snacks, quick socializing, and group assignments, we’ll split up across the Regional Park to identify and count all the birds. All levels of birders are welcome, and binoculars can be borrowed for free from the Nature Center. This is a citizen science project and children under 7 years old may not enjoy the activity.
Spots are limited; sign up by emailing Jessica Miller, Nature Center Supervisor, at jessicamiller@elpasoco.com

Birds & Brews: Black Forest Section 16 & Black Forest Brewing
2026-09-13 08:00 - 12:00
Birds & Brews
Sunday, September 13, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Black Forest Section 16 (8am) followed by Black Forest Brewing (12pm)

This is a relatively under-birded trail through Ponderosa pines. Let’s visit in fall migration to add to eBird data and see if we can find any surprises! Afterwards we’ll head just up the road the Black Forest Brewing.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. This 4 mile loop-trail hike is along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Monument forecast.
– Space is limited. RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

2026 Social and Silent Auction
2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
Join us on Wednesday, September 16th for our Annual Social & Silent Auction!
As summer comes to a close and we look forward to fall migration, we hope you will join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and fundraising. 100% of funds raised will be used to support Aiken Audubon Society’s educational programs, monthly guest speakers, and research grants in 2027!
This year, the event will take place at the Public House at the Alexander – 3104 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Silent auction bidding will open promptly at 6:00pm, and close at 7:30pm. Online bidding will not be available.
Dinner will be provided by our generous event sponsor, Wild Birds Unlimited, with gluten free and vegan options available. The menu will feature a taco bar, including dessert and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages will be available for an additional purchase.
This is a ticketed event with limited seating. Tickets are $20 per person.
Tickets will be issued under the purchasers name, if you are gifting the tickets or someone will be attending in your place, please send them your confirmation email with the tickets.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Chico Basin Ranch - Group Birding Trip with Bruce Dunbar
2026-09-19 05:30 - 13:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
This trip is ideal for those that have never visited Chico Basin Ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. Together we will explore the three sites open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, The Headquarters pond, and Rose’s Pond. During our trip we will venture across county lines to scour vast prairie, woodlands, open water, wetlands, and riparian areas for a very wide variety of birds, including wonderful migrants. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby half of the time. Of course, bring your favorite birding gear like binoculars and a camera. (Don’t have binoculars? No problem – the trip leader can bring you some!) Wear comfortable walking shoes – we may walk 3 miles at a very slow birder’s pace. Our terrain can be uneven but mostly flat. Long pants are recommended. You’ll want to pack yourself drinks, snacks, and lunch.
We will meet in Fountain, CO by 5:30 a.m. to carpool/caravan east to Chico. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s a big morning, but worth it!
This trip is limited to 11 participants. Two weeks before the trip, the trip leader will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. RSVP by emailing trip leader Bruce at bdunbar225@gmail.com.

Chico Basin Ranch - Group Birding Trip with Jessica Miller
2026-09-21 05:30 - 13:30 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
This trip is ideal for those that have never visited Chico Basin Ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.
Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. Together we will explore the three sites open to birders – The woodlands where Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will be banding birds, The Headquarters pond, and Rose’s Pond. During our trip we will venture across county lines to scour vast prairie, woodlands, open water, wetlands, and riparian areas for a very wide variety of birds, including wonderful migrants. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby half of the time. Of course, bring your favorite birding gear like binoculars and a camera. (Don’t have binoculars? No problem – the trip leader can bring you some!) Wear comfortable walking shoes – we may walk 3 miles at a very slow birder’s pace. Our terrain can be uneven but mostly flat. Long pants are recommended. You’ll want to pack yourself drinks, snacks, and lunch.
We will meet in Fountain, CO by 5:30 a.m. to carpool/caravan east to Chico. We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s a big morning, but worth it!
This trip is limited to 11 participants. Two weeks before the trip, the trip leader will provide the link and password to participants to purchase their ticket to visit the ranch. The ranch access fee is $15 per person. RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com.

CMZoo EdVenture Excursion - San Luis Valley - October 5-9
2026-10-05 - 2026-10-09
This opportunity is not affiliated with Aiken Audubon, but we think you might be interested!
Registration closes September 1, 2026
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Colorado, from the vast San Luis Valley to waterfalls, prairies, and high-desert habitats. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to spot native wildlife, including songbirds, mule deer, and other species unique to the region. This adventure combines scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and some of Colorado’s most spectacular dark skies.

Monday, October 5 – Friday, October 9, 2026
$1500 per person
Transportation and Lodging included in cost
Sandhill Crane viewing at Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge
Easy and adventurous hike at Zapata falls
Blanca Wetlands exploration and ranger talk
Daytime exploration and stargazing at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Registration closes September 1, 2026

For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/custom-animal-experiences/bring-the-zoo-to-you/edventure-excursions/
Photo: Sandhill Crane, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado / Paul Sment / Audubon Photography Awards
