Aiken Audubon Society

Hummingbird Homecoming - offered by Fountain Creek Nature Center
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 80817
Hummingbird Homecoming
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
With their speed, grace, agility, tiny size, and love of flowers, hummingbirds have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless people. Learn about their migrations, adaptations, and influence on cultures. You’ll discover our Colorado species and how to invite them to your yards, plus favorite viewing locations nearby. Recommended ages 10+.
$5/nonmember, $4/member. Prepaid registration required at www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Join Joe LaFleur for a Wilkerson Pass Bird Walk, June 22 9a-10a
2024-06-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center, 26696 US-24, Lake George, CO 80827
Join Joe LaFleur for a FREE guided bird walk for about one mile along the interpretive trail. Meet at the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center.
This interpretive center features many exhibits that retrace 10,000 years of local history and natural history. Prehistoric peoples who first crossed into South Park to hunt are the earliest known users of Wilkerson Pass.
Dress for CO weather and bring your water and snacks!
More questions? Contact Better Birdwatching – 719 301 8801 or joe@betterbirdwatching.com

Join Aiken and Joyce Michael on a trip to Smith Creek Ponds! June 18th 8-10a!
2024-06-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Smith Creek Natural Area
Date: Tuesday, June 18th, 8 am-10 am.

Trip Description:

This 2 mile trail is an easy hike through Smith Creek Natural Area, encompassing a pond, riparian and coniferous habitats. The elevation is 7000 ft. Possible species are Sora, Belted Kingfisher, swallows, American and Lesser Goldfinch, Great Blue Heron, Ring-necked duck, Vesper, Chipping and Song Sparrows, nesting Bullock’s Orioles, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Black-Headed Grosbeak, flycatchers, chickadees, nuthatches, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Spotted Towhee and many more.

Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant, a hat, and binoculars.

This trip is limited to 12 since the trail is single file. If you’d like to reserve a spot, please email mhelton016@gmail.com. At that time, please advise if you would need a pair of binoculars!
The meeting information will be provided once you reserve your spot!

A little about Joyce:
I have been interested in birds since I was young and have sporadically done backyard birding and on vacations during my career. When I retired almost 7 years ago, I began birding in earnest. By participating in guided bird hikes, I have gone from a novice to a more knowledgeable (by no means expert) birder. I appreciate all who give of their time leading hikes and doing other jobs for Aiken and I would like to start giving back.

Join Joe LaFleur for a Cripple Creek Bird Walk! June 15th, 9-1030a
2024-06-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Pony Gulch Homestead
FREE guided bird walk to Pony Gulch, about two miles on fairly steep terrain, down to a small creek and pond.
Meet at the Information Train Car in Cripple Creek.

Location: Cripple Creek, CO
Length: 2.1 miles out and back

Pony Gulch Homestead is a moderately difficult out-and-back trail that passes by a number of historic sites. The trail is used by hikers, backpackers, and folks on nature trips. Elevation gain is just over 760 feet. The best time to hike Pony Gulch Homestead is from April until November. Note that this trail is not marked well, especially at the beginning of the hike. Look for cairns, and follow them.

Dress for CO weather and bring your water and snacks!

More questions? Contact Better Birdwatching – 719 301 8801 or joe@betterbirdwatching.com

Birding 101 with Aiken Audubon - Register with El Paso Nature Center
2024-06-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
Birding 101 with Aiken Audubon

Date: Thur & Sat, June 13 & 15
Time: 6-8pm (Thur) & 8am-12pm (Sat)
Audience: 18+
Cost: $10 per person/$8 per member

Meeting Details

06/13/2024 –06/13/2024
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Days: Thu, Sat
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Nature Center
Colorado Springs, CO, 80906
(719)520-6387

Join Aiken's Grant Recipient, Jennifer Redmond, for Kestrel Banding!
2024-06-10 08:30 - 10:30 | Bluestem Prairie Open Space, 6254 Goldfield Dr, Colorado Springs, CO, 80911, United States
Jennifer Redmond, an Aiken Audubon Grant recipient, will be banding the Kestrel nestlings from the Bluestem Open Space nest box project, June 10th at 830a!

If you’d like to join us for this rare treat, please email mhelton016@gmail.com with your name and phone number. There are 8 slots available for the first responders!

The confirmed attendees will meet at Bluestem Open Space and then drive through the open space to the two nest boxes. We will not publicize the exact nest box locations.

Background on Jennifer and the project:
I am a 2023 Aiken Audubon Grant recipient. We currently have three active boxes. Two are in Bluestem Open Space and one is in Corral Bluffs Open Space. I am partnering with the City of Colorado Springs Open Space to monitor the boxes. We will be banding the nestlings from the boxes at Bluestem in the early morning of Monday, June 10th. We will band the two nestlings at Corral Bluffs during the last week of June.

Join Joe LaFleur at Florissant Fossil Beds, June 8th
2024-06-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Florissant Fossil Beds, 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO, 80816, United States
June 8, Saturday, Florissant Fossil Beds Natl. Monument, Florissant, CO
9:00-10:00 AM– Guided bird walk for about one mile on trails through a variety of habitats like Ponderosa Pine woodland, shrubland and grassland. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:00-11:00 AM– Audiovisual Program. Learn to identify common birds by sight and sound. Meet at the Visitor Center.
$10 per person access fee, ages 15 and under admitted free.

Walk led by Joe LaFleur, author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com

Little Grouse Mountain with Diana Beatty on June 1st!
2024-06-01 08:00 - 14:00 | Little Grouse Mountain, CO-67, Colorado 80813
Join Diana Beatty and Aiken for a walk to Little Grouse Mountain on June 1st.
Plan to meet at the Safeway parking lot on W Colorado and 31st at 8am and we’ll go up to Little Grouse Mountain outside of Victor. We’ll visit the troll Rita the Rock Planter and bird some of the trail there. Pack your own snacks/lunch, and we’ll aim to be back at the Safeway around 1:30- 2 pm.
Carpooling is heavily encouraged due to parking limitations. Leashed good boy/girl dogs will be allowed.
No registration is needed. Trails are rocky and a bit uneven. Dress for Colorado high altitude weather!

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for a day at Chico Basin
2024-05-27 05:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Please note that you’ll need to register 7 days in advance of the walk by accessing:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/aikenaudubon/1234890

Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. 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. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.

Target birds for the day: Too many to name!! Here’s a list of all birds reported across the ranch in April, May, and Jun for the past 20 years. You’ll see many unique residents and some wonderful possible rarities.

We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. Check the weather forecast for Fountain and Pueblo to get an idea of how to dress appropriately. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby most of the time. We will eat lunch at picnic tables in the shade at the banding station. 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 may be uneven but mostly quite flat. Long pants are recommended.

MEETING OPTIONS:
5:30am – meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center to carpool/caravan and to stop along Hanover Road to look for Burrowing Owls & Mountain Plovers (Porta-potty at FCNC)
6:30 a.m. – Meet at the Hanover Fire Station on South Peyton Highway. We will bird here while we wait for any late comers to arrive. We can leave a few cars here to carpool/caravan the rest of our time in the ranch. (NO bathroom here)
6:55 a.m. – Ok sleepy heads, this is our last meeting time 🙂 This is when we’re leaving the Hanover Fire Station.

This trip is limited to the first 11 birders who register with Aiken Audubon’s ticketing site – The trip cost is $15 per person. A few days before the trip, Jessica will email everyone to coordinate meeting and driving plans.

Hike Aiken Canyon Preserve with Author Norm Lewis | May 23 - Walk is Full!
2024-05-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Walk is now full! Thank you for your interest!
Author Norm Lewis (“Best Front Range Birds Hikes”) will be leading a trip to Aiken Canyon Preserve on Thursday, May 23rd.
If you are interested in participating, please email Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com) to register.
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.

Aiken Monthly Meeting May 2024 | An Evening in Ecuador
2024-05-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
***PLEASE NOTE, this month’s meeting is on the 4th Wednesday of the month***
Join Colorado author Norm Lewis for An Evening in Ecuador! Norm will share photos and stories from his travels to South America.
Norm will have copies of his book, “The Best Front Range Bird Hikes” available for purchase and signing after the meeting. Books will be available for $20; please bring cash or check.
Norm grew up in Indiana and holds a B.S. in Geology from Indiana University and an
M.S. in Geology from Northern Arizona University. He was introduced to birding by his
brother Jerry in 1984, and was hooked from the very first bird, which happened to be a
yellow warbler.
Norm is a past president of Denver Field Ornithologists and Colorado Field
Ornithologists. He has led birding outings for the Denver Museum of Nature and
Science for thirty years. He has a one-man birding touring company called Aerie
Adventures, and has taken groups all over North America, and to Ecuador, Costa Rica
and Panama.
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) 6:30pmMeeting announcements 7:00pmProgram Presentation 7:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81073197552?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 810 7319 7552
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Photo credit: Cathy Brown

Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival
2024-05-16 06:00 - 2024-05-19 12:30
Hold the dates for Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival.
www.pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org
Early Bird registration opens March 23

May 11th: Starsmore Visitor Center's Annual North Cheyenne Cañon Humming Bird Festival
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Visit https://coloradosprings.gov/starsmore for more information

Photo from Songbird Orchids

Join Aiken & Kelly Liddell for a special morning of birdwatching
2024-05-10 08:00 - 10:00
Kelly Liddell will be sharing her own 5 acres of birding paradise to 10 lucky individuals!
Join us on Friday, May 10th, from 8-10a to see Kelly’s private landscape. On a normal day, she can see 12-20 species and has recorded 70 species on her property! Lewis’s Woodpecker, Western Bluebird, 3 Jay species and 3 nuthatch species are just a few that Kelly mentioned.
Her Woodmen address will be provided after the 10 people have registered. I will be sending out the details as soon as the group is known!
Please rsvp to mhelton016@gmail.com . Please include your phone number, too.

Join Aiken & Jessica Miller for a day at Chico Basin!
2024-05-06 05:30 - 14:00 | Chico Basin Ranch, 22500 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO, 80928, United States
Please note that you’ll need to register 7 days in advance of the walk by accessing:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/aikenaudubon/1234885

Venture out to El Paso County’s #1 eBird hotspot, Chico Basin Ranch. 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. This trip is ideal for those that have never visited the ranch, but all levels of birders are welcome.

Target birds for the day: Too many to name!! Here’s a list of all birds reported across the ranch in April, May, and Jun for the past 20 years. You’ll see many unique residents and some wonderful possible rarities.

We will utilize our full allotted time on the Ranch – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring snacks, lunch, and lots of water. Check the weather forecast for Fountain and Pueblo to get an idea of how to dress appropriately. We will be in shade much of the time, but still plan for sun protection. Porta-potties will be nearby most of the time. We will eat lunch at picnic tables in the shade at the banding station. 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 may be uneven but mostly quite flat. Long pants are recommended.

MEETING OPTIONS:
5:30am – meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center to carpool/caravan and to stop along Hanover Road to look for Burrowing Owls & Mountain Plovers (Porta-potty at FCNC)
6:30 a.m. – Meet at the Hanover Fire Station on South Peyton Highway. We will bird here while we wait for any late comers to arrive. We can leave a few cars here to carpool/caravan the rest of our time in the ranch. (NO bathroom here)
6:55 a.m. – Ok sleepy heads, this is our last meeting time 🙂 This is when we’re leaving the Hanover Fire Station.

This trip is limited to the first 11 birders who register with Aiken Audubon’s ticketing site – The trip cost is $15 per person. A few days before the trip, Jessica will email everyone to coordinate meeting and driving plans.

This Trip is FULL - Birds & Brews - Kane Ranch Open Space followed by Peaks & Pines Brewery
2024-05-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Kane Ranch Open Space
This Trip is Full! You can still email Jessica if you’d like to waitlist. Sunday, May 5

Kane Ranch Open Space (9am) & Peaks & Pines (12pm)
– We’ll search the dried cottonwood creek bottom and prairie for a variety of migrating songbirds, birds of prey, burrowing owls, curve-billed thrashers, and ladder-backed woodpeckers.
– This will be an easy-moderate hike. We’ll be on relatively flat terrain and may go three miles at a birder’s pace. There will be little shade.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Fountain forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head into Fountain for beers at Peaks & Pines and keep our eyes on the sky for Mississippi Kites while we’re there!
Please rsvp to Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com! Specific details will be sent with your confirmation closer to the walk date.

Join Joe LaFleur at Mueller State Park - May 4th
2024-05-04 08:30 - 10:30 | Mueller State Park, 21045 CO 67, Divide, CO, 80814
May 4, 2024 – Saturday
Mueller State Park, Divide, 8:30 AM
Hike: Bird Walk and Brief Discussion on Bird Identification. Meet at Elk Meadows TH
Migrating birds are returning, while some have overwintered at Mueller, still others are passing through to summer breeding grounds further north. Come see and hear these along with a general nature hike. 1.5 mile slow-paced walk. Led by volunteer naturalist Michael along with Special Guest Joe LaFleur (local birding expert). You will be provided with some additional hints on bird identification.

Birding By Book | "Woman, Watching"
2024-04-29 17:30 - 19:00
Aiken Audubon’s Birding by Book is a book club for those who love birds AND books! The club meets to discuss selected book titles and create community among birders in the Pikes Peak area.
Read “Woman, Watching: Louise de Kiriline Lawrence and the Songbirds of Pimisi Bay” by Merilyn Simonds at your leisure, then join us on Monday, April 29th for book club discussion.
Seating is LIMITED, and a reservation is required.
RSVP by emailing BirdingByBook@gmail.com.

Join Joe LaFleur at Rock Ledge Ranch - April 27
2024-04-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
This trip is FULL.
Saturday, April 27, Garden of the Gods
8:30-10:00 AM- Bird Walk to Rock Ledge Ranch.
Meet at flagpole at Visitor Center.
Rock Ledge Ranch is the best birding area at Garden of the Gods, with its varied landscaping of trees and shrubs and water sources available.
Binoculars suggested.
For more info: joe@betterbirdwatching.com, 719-301-8801

CANCELED DUE TO RAIN! Starsmore / Cheyenne Canyon with Cinnamon Bergeron! April 27 at 8a
2024-04-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906, United States
Join Aiken and Cinnamon Bergeron on Saturday, April 27th at 8a. Meet in the Starsmore Visitor Center parking at 8a.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk two or so miles over uneven, slightly hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. The trails may be wet; consider your footwear.
– There is a bathroom at our trailhead.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Melanie (mhelton016@gmail.com) know.
— No registration is required.

Birds & Brews - Rock Ledge Ranch followed by Red Leg Brewing NOW FULL
2024-04-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Rock Ledge Ranch, 3199 Chambers Way, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
This trip is now full! Sunday, April 21
Rock Ledge Ranch (9am) & Red Leg Brewing (12pm)

– We’ll peruse the orchard, meadows, woodlands, and rock formations in search of a variety of migrants and resident birds. If time permits, we’ll walk into Garden of the Gods for birds like White-throated Swifts, Prairie Falcons, and Canyon Wren.
– This will be an easy/moderate hike – We’ll be on relatively flat terrain and may go three miles at a birder’s pace. One short area of trail is somewhat steep.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head over to Red Leg Brewing, about 4 minutes away.

Please rsvp to Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com! Specific details will be sent with your confirmation closer to the walk date.

Joint Trip with DFO – Clear Spring Ranch April 20th – go to DFOBirds.org to register!
2024-04-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Joint Trip with DFO – Clear Spring Ranch April 20th – go to DFOBirds.org to register!

April 20 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

Clear Spring Ranch Regional Park (El Paso County)
4/20/2024 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Megan Miller megan.k.miller2473@gmail.com or 7207759710
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
Clear Spring Ranch is located at exit 123 on I-25. Go west and follow a dirt road across train tracks and turn left in a large dirt road area. Continue forward and turn right through the green gate. Follow the road until it terminates at a parking lot with a picnic area.
VIEW MEETING PLACE ON GOOGLE MAPS
This trip is limited to the first 15 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Riparian
All-day moderate trip with first half at Clear Springs Ranch Regional Park (east side of I-25 at Exit 123). Then we will drive north to Fountain Creek Regional Park for lunch and walking the park. We should find a nice variety of species and will be looking for early migrants as well as residents. Bring lunch, snacks, lots of water, bug spray, and sun screen. Expect 4-5 miles of mainly flat land walking. Done by 2:00 p.m.

Aiken Monthly Meeting April 2024 | Swift Fox Research in WY
2024-04-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Join us, along with Heather O’Brien of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for our April program.
The evening’s program will discuss swift fox life, history and ecology; along with survey methods, trends and current swift fox research projects taking place in WY.
Heather is the statewide nongame mammal biologist for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, based in Casper. She received her B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996, and her M.S. degree studying white-tailed deer densities and herbivory from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2005. Her areas of interest include population estimation and ecology, behavioral ecology, fence and road ecology as it relates to wildlife movement, and conservation of sensitive species.
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
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85774063518?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 857 7406 3518
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Photo copyright Mark Gocke – WGFD

Manitou Lake Bird Walk with Joe LaFleur!
2024-04-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Saturday, April 13
9:00-10:00 AM- Manitou Lake Bird Walk
Join wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur for a bird walk at Manitou Lake, one of the best birding spots in Teller County. The park features a boardwalk through the wetlands on the south side of the lake. Access fee is $10 per vehicle.
​For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com, www.betterbirdwatching.com

Joint Trip with DFO - Clear Spring Ranch April 6th - go to DFOBirds.org to register!
2024-04-06 07:00 - 14:00 | Clear Spring Ranch, Loren Lane, Fountain, CO, 80817, United States
Registration opens 3/16 at 12p!
Clear Spring Ranch Regional Park (El Paso County)
4/6/2024 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Leader: Megan Miller megan.k.miller2473@gmail.com or 7207759710
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Directions
Clear Spring Ranch is located at exit 123 on I-25. Go west and follow a dirt road across train tracks and turn left in a large dirt road area. Continue forward and turn right through the green gate. Follow the road until it terminates at a parking lot with a picnic area.
VIEW MEETING PLACE ON GOOGLE MAPS
This trip is limited to the first 15 registrations.
Habitats to bird: Agricultural, Riparian
All-day moderate trip with first half at Clear Springs Ranch Regional Park (east side of I-25 at Exit 123). Then we will drive north to Fountain Creek Regional Park for lunch and walking the park. We should find a nice variety of species and will be looking for early migrants as well as residents. Bring lunch, snacks, lots of water, bug spray, and sun screen. Expect 4-5 miles of mainly flat land walking. Done by 2:00 p.m.
1 person has registered for this trip. There are 14 spaces left.

Manitou Lake Bird Walk with Joe LaFleur!
2024-03-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Manitou Lake CO-67, CO-67, Colorado Springs, 80903, United States
Saturday, March 30
9:00-10:00 AM- Manitou Lake Bird Walk. Meet at park entrance, $10 per vehicle.
Manitou Lake is one of the best birding spots in Teller County. The park features a boardwalk through the wetlands on the south side of the lake. Walk led by Joe LaFleur, author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County. For more info: 719-301-8801, joe@betterbirdwatching.com.

Aiken Canyon with Collin Hildreth - Sunday - March 24, 2024 at 8a
2024-03-24 08:00 - 12:00 | Aiken Canyon, 3350 Turkey Canon Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Join Aiken and Collin Hildreth at Aiken Canyon for an approximately 3-4 hour walk on Sunday, March 24th. Meet in the parking lot, map below.

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 8 am.
Dress for Colorado weather.

If you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars, please email mhelton016@gmail.com as soon as possible so that we can have a loaner pair for you on the day of the hike.

Aiken Monthly Meeting March 2024 | Collaboration is the Way of the Future to Save Working Lands
2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, 80907
Grassland birds have suffered an unparalleled decline over the past half century, stemming from widespread development of North America’s grasslands. This calls for Audubon’s action. To combat the negative effects of grassland degradations—and to keep grass on the landscape—Audubon has developed the Conservation Ranching Initiative. Join us at our March monthly meeting to hear from Chrissy McFarren, owner, Director & Ranch Mentor of Badger Creek Ranch as she shares about her conservation work on the ranch. Badger Creek Ranch is the 100th ranch to receive a Bird-Friendly Habitat Certification through Audubon Conservation Ranching.
Chrissy strives to inspire the public about how working lands need all of us and we need these working lands. It is a symbiotic relationship. The lands provide us with beauty, solace, freedom, food, recreation, and the ability to help with climate change by sequestering carbon. And, in return for these gifts, it’s up to us to roll up our sleeves and get to work in whatever way we can. This is a movement that needs all of us.
Chrissy McFarren is owner, Director & Ranch Mentor of Badger Creek Ranch. She is passionate about ranching and farming and deeply humbled to be a steward of the land. She loves creating healthy environments for all the animals (domestic and wild) that call the ranch home. Her personal mission is to be of service to the grass roots movement of regenerative agriculture, public education and improving our food systems.

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
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 864 5296 7352
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Image credit: Badger Creek Ranch

Birds & Brews- Ute Valley Park followed by Trinity Brewing
2024-03-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Ute Valley Park, 5465 7 Oaks Dr,, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 , CO, 80919, United States
Sunday, March 17
Ute Valley Park (9am) & Trinity Brewing (12pm)
– We’ll enjoy cool rock formations and great views as we search the woodlands and meadows of Ute Valley Park for birds like Cassin’s Finches, Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaires, and Nuthatches.
– This will be a moderate hike – we may walk three or so miles over uneven, hilly terrain at a birder’s pace. Depending on weather conditions the week before, the trails could be snowy or muddy.
– Bring binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the Colorado Springs forecast. If you need to borrow a pair of binoculars, let Jessica know when you RSVP.
– Afterwards we’ll head over to Trinity Brewing, about 7 minutes away.

Please rsvp to Jessicaisbirding@gmail.com! Specific details will be sent with your confirmation closer to the walk date.

Birding by Book | "Red-Tails in Love"
2024-02-26 17:30 - 19:00
Aiken Audubon’s Birding by Book is a book club for those who love birds AND books! The club meets to discuss selected book titles and create community among birders in the Pikes Peak area.
Read “Red-Tails in Love” by Marie Winn at your leisure, then join us on Monday, February 26th 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.
