Aiken Audubon Society

Clear Spring Ranch with Kip Miller - September 27th!
2023-09-27 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Denver) | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Clear Spring Ranch Weekday Birding: Wednesday, September 27, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for a late September morning exploring this county-managed, 970-acre park along Fountain Creek for both migrant and wintering birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be found. Total walking distance may be up to three miles, but at an easy birding pace and on level trails and gravel roads.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the Clear Spring Ranch parking lot. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size limited to 12. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller Manitou Lake (9am) followed by BierWerks (11am)
2023-09-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Sunday,September 24
Manitou Lake (9am) followed by BierWerks (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, especially during migration! On our way home we’ll stop by BierWerks Brewery in Woodland Park to enjoy German ales and lagers.
– This is an easy/moderate 2 mile hike along mostly flat, uneven trails.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Woodland Park forecast. Lederhosen not necessary.
– At the entrance, a $10 fee per vehicle is charged. Option to carpool/caravan from Old Colorado City area at 7:15am.
– RSVP by emailing trip leader Jessica Miller at jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Chico Basin with Linda Hodges - September 21st - FULL for the trip and waitlist!
2023-09-21 07:30 - 13:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
The Chico trip and waitlist are now FULL. Thank you.

Join Aiken & Linda Hodges on Thursday, September 21st!
Fall migration will be in full swing in September at Chico Basin Ranch! We’ll stop at the banding station, then look for warblers and flycatchers coming through as well as Scaled Quail, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Canyon Towhees and Northern Mockingbirds. One of the joys of the Chico migrant trap is you never know what will show up! Details to follow, but plan on a timeframe of 7:30 to noon or 1:00. High-clearance vehicles will be needed, as will your $10 for the Chico entrance fee. Contact Linda Hodges at hikerhodges@gmail.com to register.
22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80928

Aiken Monthly Meeting and Silent Auction Sept. 2023 | Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders
2023-09-20 17:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Silent Auction, Tacos & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 5:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm
We took a break this summer and we’re ready to get back to birding with you this fall! September is the beginning of our monthly meeting presentation series for 2023-2034, and we are very excited to announce Tiffany Kersten will be joining us!
Our September meeting will also include a silent auction to help raise money for our Aiken Audubon programs and research grants we help fund around the Pikes Peak region. We hope you will join us!
Tiffany Kersten didn’t set out to do a Big Year, but after a series of unanticipated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the Lower 48 States, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. Her goal was to see 700 species, and to raise awareness of women’s safety in the outdoors. She ended up surpassing her goal and setting a new record, of 726 species. In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure.
Tiffany Kersten is a Wisconsin native. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Northland College, and has spent over a decade as an environmental educator, teaching about bird migration with the Cape May Bird Observatory, monitoring shorebirds on Cape Cod, banding Honeycreepers in Hawaii, and finally landing in South Texas where she worked at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuged and then managed the McAllen Nature Center. After completing her Lower 48 States Big Year in 2021, she founded her own company, Nature Ninja Birding Tours. She guides primarily in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and offers international tours as well.
This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office located at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back (east side) of the building. The main door will be locked.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 880 6374 5877
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Aiken Audubon Silent Auction
2023-09-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join us for our inaugural Aiken Audubon Silent Auction on Wednesday, September 20th!
The first monthly meeting of our 2023-2024 program year will be held at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at 4255 Sinton Rd. in Colorado Springs. A silent auction and taco bar are special additions to this month’s meeting. A special kick-off to a great year ahead!
Proceeds from the silent auction will help fund Aiken Audubon educational programs, avian research grants and local conservation efforts.
Arrive at 5:30pm to enjoy a taco bar with fellow birders and the opportunity to browse and bid on numerous silent auction items to include:
Birdy Gift Baskets
Gift Certificates
Art
Birding Tours
Wine
and more…
To see a complete list of auction items, click here; Aiken Audubon Auction Item List
Bidding will take place from 5:30-7:00pm. All bidding will close promptly at 7:00pm prior to meeting announcements and the presentation of our guest speaker Tiffany Kersten. If you would like to bid over Zoom, please join us online at 5:00 over Zoom! We’ll provide instructions for how to bid when the auction opens. Bidding will begin at 5:30pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 880 6374 5877
Passcode: [REDACTED]
There is no cost for the taco bar, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Food & seating are VERY LIMITED so please arrive early. No RSVP needed.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS for making this auction possible!

Angler’s Covey Fly Fishing Shop
Antelope Ridge Mead
Birding Man Adventures
Buckley’s Homestead Supply
Coaltrain Wine & Liquor
Don’s Garden Shop
Ivywild Blooms
John Drummond
Linda Hodges
OCC Brewing
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
Poor Richard’s Books & Gifts
Ruben Rodriguez
Songbird Orchids
Wild Birds Unlimited

Fountain Creek Nature Center with Diana Beatty, September 19th!
2023-09-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join us for a bird walk at Fountain Creek Nature Center on September 19, 5-7 pm, led by Diana Beatty.
Fountain Creek Regional Park is a natural migration corridor and the major watercourse of the Pikes Peak region. Come explore the ponds, streams, wetlands, forest, and grasslands of this 450-acre county park to discover its birds and other wildlife.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
If you’d like to borrow a pair of binoculars, please let mhelton016@gmail.com know in advance.

Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).

Rock Ledge Ranch with Kip Miller - September 13!
2023-09-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Rock Ledge Ranch Weekday Birding: Wednesday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.
Located adjacent to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Rock Ledge Ranch can be a surprisingly good location for observing migrant songbirds during spring and fall migrations. Today we’ll spend a few hours slowly working around the grounds checking the wooded areas, as well as the farm and open areas for birds pausing to rest and refuel on their way south. We may walk a mile or so, but slowly and on easy terrain.
Kip Miller will lead this outing. Meet at the south end of the Garden of the Gods overflow parking area. (Directions will be provided to all registrants.) Group size will be limited to 12 participants. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Kip at hlbirdguide@gmail.com.

Join Aiken & Diana Beatty at Fountain Creek Nature Center - September 12
2023-09-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Join us for a bird walk at Fountain Creek Nature Center on September 12, 5-7 pm, led by Diana Beatty.
Fountain Creek Regional Park is a natural migration corridor and the major watercourse of the Pikes Peak region. Come explore the ponds, streams, wetlands, forest, and grasslands of this 450-acre county park to discover its birds and other wildlife.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
If you’d like to borrow a pair of binoculars, please let mhelton016@gmail.com know in advance.

Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).

Fall Bird Count with Fountain Creek Nature Center
2023-09-09 07:30 - 10:30 | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Fall Bird Count
Saturday, September 9, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Join the annual tradition and help record the number of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during fall migration. $5/person donation.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: available at https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/
Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817; 719-520-6745; www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Birding By Book | "The Private Lives of Public Birds"
2023-08-28 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 “The Private Lives of Public Birds” at your leisure, then join us on Monday, August 28th for book club discussion.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.
Visit the Aiken Audubon website, and follow us on Facebook for upcoming announcements.

Birds & Brew Adams Open Space & Peaks N Pines Brewing
2023-08-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Adams Open Space, 298 S Main St, Fountain, CO, 80817
Sunday, August 13

Adams Open Space (9am) followed by Peaks N Pines Brewing (12pm)
– We’ll stroll along Jimmy Camp Creek’s wetlands, riparian woodlands, and cottonwood forest in search of a variety of birds that enjoy this hidden little park.
– Meet at the Fountain Library (230 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817). The Library is closed on Sundays, so no bathrooms are on site.
– Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. This trail is relatively flat and easy. Dress for the Fountain, CO forecast.

Please RSVP to Jessica at Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

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

Bear Creek East’s trails are through rolling foothills and along the creek, which are great for all-season birding.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on slightly rolling terrain.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

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

No registration is required.

Bathroom facilities are available in the administration building.

Birds & Brew - Mueller State Park & Paradox Brewing
2023-07-09 07:15 - 14:00 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
Sunday, July 9
Mueller State Park (8am) followed by Paradox Brewing (12pm)
– We will hike through the montane forest and meadows and past a couple ponds to find a variety of birds. This will also be a great wildflower walk!
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes.our route will take us 4 miles over moderate terrain. Dress for the Divide, CO forecast.
– Carpool/caravan option from OCC Safeway (3275 W Colorado Ave) at 7:15am. Keep in mind that unless you have an annual pass, a $10 vehicle charge will apply at the entrance.

Please RSVP to Jessica at Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com

Flammulated Owls with Brian Linkhart - Trip is Full - Waitlist Only
2023-07-07 18:30 - 22:30 | CO
We are excited to tell you about an upcoming bird walk on Friday, July 7th at 630p – Flammulated Owls!

Professor Brian Linkhart will lead this fantastic tour on behalf of Aiken. This is often good timing for being able to see owlets and maybe even see them access their nests!
We will need to cap it at 12 people, so if you’re interested email Melanie Helton at MHELTON016@gmail.com. Melanie will register the first 12 people that respond. Each person (email) may only register for 2 people.

We will meet at the Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF) and the hike details will be provided to you once you’ve been confirmed. Please note that we will be hiking in the dark through some rugged terrain and angled slope without headlamps or flashlights. If this doesn’t excite you, please don’t register!
We kindly request a $25 donation per person, cash or check made payable to Aiken; 100% supports Dr. Linkhart’s ongoing research. If you are in need of partial scholarship to cover this donation, please let me know.

I will be checking-in with the twelve confirmed individuals a few days beforehand to confirm. Please list your best contact information within the registration request (email and phone number) for each individual. I will work a waitlist to ensure that we have a full group!

Thank you for being a member of Aiken!

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

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

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

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

Birds & Brew - Bear Creek Nature Center & OCC Brewing
2023-06-25 08:00 - 13:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Sunday, June 25
Bear Creek Nature Center (8am) followed by OCC Brewing (11am)

– Explore the riparian creek bottom, scrub oak woodlands, and open meadows of Bear Creek Nature Center’s Nature Trail. We’ll also see who’s coming to the bird feeders. Afterwards we’ll head over to OCC Brewing for a variety of libations (Peregrine Pale Ale, anyone?) and a great brunch menu.
– The Nature Center will be closed, so no bathrooms on site.
– Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. There are some steps along the trail. Dress for the Colorado Springs forecast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See Pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org for more information!

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

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

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

*photo credit: John Bruder

Birds & Brews with Jessica Miller - Rock Ledge Ranch
2023-05-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Sunday, May 14
Rock Ledge Ranch (9am) followed by Red Leg Brewing Company (12pm)
– Rock Ledge Ranch offers a lovely mix of riparian woods, foothills pine and oak, and open fields. We will venture northwest into Garden of the Gods park to look for prairie falcons and white-throated swifts. Expect a nice variety of migrants and summer residents throughout! Afterwards we’ll head a few minutes up the road to Red Leg Brewing.
– Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. We will be on relatively even terrain and will walk no more than 3 miles. Depending on weather conditions leading upto the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. Don’t have binoculars? Let Jessica know you would like to borrow a pair.
– Restrooms available at the beginning, midway, and end of the hike.
– Meet at the kiosk on the east side of Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site by the dog park, 38.873553, -104.871207. Depending on construction, entering this area from the main entrance from Gateway Rd. may be more convenient.

Please RSVP to Jessica Miller if you plan to attend. Jessica Miller <jessicaisbirding@gmail.com>

You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the walk.
Aiken Audubon offers field trips to interested persons as a means to enjoy birds and nature. All participants do so in the spirit of enjoying the outing.
As a participant, I will:

Stay with the group.
Notify the leader (or the driver of the vehicle in which I am riding) of any plans to leave the group.
Make sure the person who sat next to me in the car is there when we leave the area.
Not undertake any endeavor that will endanger my health as I know it.
Observe all applicable rules of conduct, policy, regulation and law, whether on public or private lands.
Adhere to the ABA Birder’s Code of Ethics.

The volunteer leaders will try to take reasonable precautions to provide for the safety of the participants. In the event of an accident, any emergency care is the financial responsibility of the participant.
I understand that I am primarily responsible for my own well-being, and hold harmless Aiken Audubon Society and its volunteers from any claim that may arise, including any contraction of illness, such as COVID-19.

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

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

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

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

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

Please consider carpooling to the event as parking is limited!

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

Chico Basin Ranch with John Drummond
2023-05-03 07:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Join Aiken & John Drummond for a bird trip to Chico Basin on Wednesday, May 3rd. We will meet at Tejon Park & Ride (S Tejon St & Ronald Reagan H, Colorado Springs 80905) at 730a, carpool and then will return to Tejon around 2p. If you’ll be traveling from Pueblo, we will make arrangements to meet you at the ranch entrance.
Pack a snack, lunch and water; we’ll break for lunch around 1230p.
BCR banding station will be in operation, too!
Attendance will be limited to the first 16 people to register – email mhelton016@gmail.com with your interest. Entrance to the ranch is $10 per person. We will be carpooling from Tejon. If you are interested in driving, please let me know when registering, along with how many people you can include in your vehicle.
Chico Basin Ranch is a family-managed cattle ranch owned by the Colorado Land Board and operating on the high prairie of eastern Colorado. They use age-old ranching practices, progressive grazing management, and innovative business strategies to maintain healthy lands and a profitable, rewarding livelihood.
The ranch is a major flyway for migratory birds, due to abundant springs, lakes, and other bird habitat, and is well known as one of the prime birding locations in the state. Over 330 species of birds—some rarely seen in Colorado—have been sighted on the ranch.
The ranch operates a bird banding station during the spring and fall in partnership with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. In addition, school groups, birding groups, and other educational programs are hosted throughout the year.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. We will hike 2 miles and drive in-between. Depending on weather conditions leading up to the trip, trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, camera and/or spotting scope and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you would like to borrow binoculars, please let me know in advance.
– There is a porta-potty by the banding station and another by their headquarters.

You will be asked to sign an Aiken waiver prior to our trip.
Once you’re confirmed, I will send a link to sign the Ranch waiver sheet online beforehand.

Afternoon Birding at Kettle Lakes
2023-04-30 13:30 - 16:00 | Kettle Lakes, Airfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80920
Not an early bird? Frustrated that every birding trip starts while you’re still snoozing? Then this trip is for you! Join Aiken board members Anna Joy Lehmicke and Tally Kerr for an afternoon of birding at Kettle Lakes, near the Air Force Academy entrance. We’ll hope to find a variety of waterbirds on and around the lakes, as well as migrant and resident songbirds in the surrounding trees and brush. Plan on a leisurely 2-3 mile walk on easy terrain (roads and groomed trails). Please RSVP below – group size will be limited to 12 people. More details, including meeting location, will be sent out just prior to the trip.
Photo: Patricia Henschen

Birding 101: Bear Creek Nature Center
2023-04-27 18:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Join us for a two-part session for Beginning Birders! Aiken Audubon leaders will teach about bird identification, behavior and habitats, birding ethics, and choices for binoculars, scopes, and field guides. This is the spring version of the Birding 101 course Aiken taught last fall. So, if you took the course in the fall, there will still be plenty to learn. But if you missed our fall course, don’t fret, all the information we will be presenting is relevant to those just getting started birding. This event is offered through Bear Creek Nature Center and El Paso County Parks and registration is To register, click here (activity #101000-72). The registration fee is $10 and supports El Paso County Parks. You will need to create an account with El Paso County Park’s website to register if you do not already have an account. We hope you’ll join us!

Join Audubon Rockies Thursday, April 27
2023-04-27 12:00 - 13:00 | CO
Audubon Rockies is hosting an event Thursday, April 27, at noon MT that may be of interest: Conservation photographer Dave Showalter will be joining us for an epic visual journey through the vast Colorado River watershed as he discusses his new book, Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado. You can find more info and register for free here. You can also view the trailer here.

Aiken Monthly Meeting April 2023 | The Amazing Sounds of Birds
2023-04-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
What bird uses its voice to echolocate inside dark caves? Which bird sings a duet with itself? What bird sings the longest song? What bird has the largest vocabulary? In this presentation for general audiences, Nathan Pieplow answers all these questions and more, using some of the most remarkable audio from over fifteen years of recording birds in the field. This will be an in-person meeting (and broadcast on Zoom) held at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Office at 4255 Sinton Road 80907. The classroom entrance is on the back of the building – the main door will be locked.
Nathan authored the “Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Western North America” and is a professor at the University of Colorado – Boulder.
Join us this month in person or online via Zoom.
Snacks & Bird Talk (meet & mingle) 6:30pm
Meeting announcements 7:00pm
Program Presentation 7:15pm

Click to join meeting (passcode may be required if joining on your phone)
Meeting ID: 871 1317 5352
Passcode: [REDACTED]
