Be sure to see the “Go Birding” page for information on meeting locations, what to bring, and other helpful hints.
Cancellation policy: Field trip leaders will make the decision and notify participants. We will also post the decision on this page.
Be sure to scroll all the way down to see field trips offered by other organizations!
Saturday, April 20
Chico Basin Ranch Birder Brunch
Chico Basin Ranch once again extends its hospitality to birders by offering a free brunch (from 9am to noon) and free admission (all day) to the ranch. Enjoy a terrific breakfast, and socialize with fellow birders and the Chico Basin team. This event is sponsored by Chico Basin and is listed here for your convenience. Learn more…
Sunday, April 28, 6 am –2 pm
Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area
Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area is a 2,200+ acre parcel of land in northeastern Fremont County. It is characterized by pinyon-juniper scrub, riparian woodland, mixed conifer forest, and dramatic canyons. Although we will primarily be birding on trails, expect to hike over difficult terrain. This will be a strenuous trip, but the scenery is worth it. Expect to find breeding and migrant birds typical for spring in the Pikes Peak foothills and riparian habitats. Possible species include Yellow-breasted Chat, Bullock’s Oriole, American Dipper, Bewick’s and Canyon Wrens, Juniper Titmouse, Canyon Towhee, Golden Eagle, and numerous woodpecker, flycatcher, and Corvid species.
Meet in the SW corner of the Safeway parking lot at 6520 S. Academy. We will carpool from there, leaving promptly at 6:00 am and returning no later than 2:00 pm. Limited to 10 participants. Contact Tyler Stuart at [email protected] with any questions and to reserve your spot.
Saturday, May 11, 7 – 11 am
FCNC Spring Bird Count
The Fountain Creek Nature Center invites beginning to advanced birders to count and record the numbers of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park during the height of spring migration. Cost is $5 per participant. RSVP to FCNC’s online registration: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/
Wednesday, May 15, times in blurb
Chico Basin Ranch
Join John Drummond to look for spring migrants that use Chico Basin Ranch as a stopping point on their journey north. Almost any type of warbler is possible. There will be bird banding in progress. This is a scouting trip for John’s trip with the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival the following weekend.
A 4WD vehicle is recommended if the roads are wet. Be sure to bring lunch, water, and sun protection.
Meet at 6:45 am at the Tejon Park & Ride, or 7:30 am at Hanover Fire Station. Limited to 15 participants. This is always a popular trip and fills up quickly. There is a $15 fee per person, or $10 each for groups of 10 or more. Contact Diana Beatty at [email protected] with questions and/or to sign up.
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19
Fifth Annual Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival
Discover new birds when you register for the local festival that promotes conservation and education, building upon the natural and agricultural heritage resources of the Pikes Peak Region. Choose from over 30 field trips and activities. More information and register at www.pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org.
Monday, June 3, 7 am – 9 am
Bird Watching at the Zoo
Join Lead Zoo Keeper Jenyva Fox on a morning hike around Cheyenne Mountain Zoo looking for wild native birds! Your admission for the day is also included, so enjoy your day seeing lots of native and exotic species! This trip will take place before the zoo opens, so you won’t be fighting the crowds.
This trip is designed specifically for Aiken Audubon members, and includes a 50% discount on the normal zoo admission fee. Trip is limited to 15 participants; sign up through Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s website: https://4187a.blackbaudhosting.com/4187a/Bird-Watching-03Jun2019
Wednesday, June 5, 6:30 am
Jimmy Camp Creek / Corral Bluffs
Jimmy Camp Creek is a 700-acre, city-managed park on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs. The ponderosa-juniper woodland, grassland, and riparian habitats that comprise this park are currently only accessible by guided hikes. More than 130 bird species have been recorded, along with mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bobcats, and jackrabbits. There are no established trails in the park, so plan on a moderately difficult 4 to 5-mile hike, depending on what we find. This trip is appropriate for all levels of birders, 12 and older. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required.
Possible bird species include: Canyon Towhee, Rock Wren, Sora, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin’s Kingbird, Western Tanager, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Lark Sparrow.
Meet at 6:30 am at the Loaf N Jug gas station, 6857 Space Village Ave. Contact Sharon Milito at [email protected] with questions or to sign up. Trip is limited to 15 people.
Friday June 7, 2018, 8 am – 1 pm
Birds, Butterflies and Blooms Lovell Gulch Nature Walk
David Elwonger will lead this nature walk in Lovell Gulch, in the Pike’s Peak National Forest, again this June. We will share our knowledge as we discover butterflies (usually 30+ species), flowers (with three species of orchid possible), and the local breeding bird species (usually about 30 species).
Possibilities include: Red-naped and Williamson’s Sapsuckers, Hairy Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; MacGillivray’s and Audubon’s Warblers; Olive-sided, Hammond’s and Cordilleran Flycatchers; Western Wood-Pewee; Steller’s Jay; Clark’s Nutcracker; Warbling and Plumbeous Vireos; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Black-headed and Evening Grosbeaks; Mountain Chickadee; three species of Nuthatch; Townsend’s Solitaire; Hermit Thrush; Western Tanager; Grey-headed Junco, House Wren and maybe some surprises).
One year, we found a Black Bear in a tree who cooperated with photo shooting. (I will try to arrange a reprise of his appearance this year, but this likely was a once in a lifetime appearance for him!)
We will mostly walk on trails into Lovell Gulch and back, about a 3 mile round trip with about 500′ elevation gain, with a few short steep sections. We may need to bushwhack a short distance to find the orchids (which are not along the trails).
Carpool to the Lovell Gulch trailhead meets at the northwest corner of the Woodland Park Walmart parking lot. Bring drinking water, a snack, rain gear, sweater for early morning chill, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Limit: 10 participants. Contact David with questions and to register at [email protected].
Monday, June 17, 7 am
Emerald Valley – Blooms, Bugs, & Birds
Join Eric and Heidi Eaton on Aiken’s annual search for the Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid, as well as numerous other wildflowers. We will see birds but they are not the top priority for this trip. Discover many insects as Eric and Heidi point them out throughout the day. Expect about three miles of hiking, half uphill, along a utility maintenance road.
Meet at 7:00 am in the Safeway parking lot at 1920 S. Nevada. We will carpool from there, leaving promptly at 6:00 am and returning no later than 2:00 pm. Limit of 12 people. Contact Heidi Eaton at [email protected] with any questions and to reserve your spot.
Friday, July 12, 6:30 pm – midnight
Flammulated Owls with Brian Linkhart
Join Colorado College professor Dr. Brian Linkhart on a one-of-a-kind trip to one of his Flammulated Owl study sites. After meeting Dr. Linkhart at the Manitou Experimental Forest HQ for an orientation, we will continue to the Manitou Experimental Forest and the owl nesting sites. Donations to support Dr. Linkhart’s research are strong suggested and appreciated.
Trip is limited to 12 (quiet) participants – no exceptions. If the trip fills up, there will be waiting list. If you have been on this trip before, please consider waiting to allow others to sign up first. Contact Anna Joy Lehmicke, [email protected], to sign up. More details on location and what to bring will be sent to confirmed participants.
Other trips are being planned; check back often!
Would you like to lead a field trip? No experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a friendly attitude. Contact Diana Beatty, [email protected], for more information on volunteering to lead a trip for Aiken Audubon.
More Trips
The Mile High Bug Club also hosts numerous field trips and cordially invites Audubon folks to join them. For information, visit their Facebook page, or contact Eric Eaton at [email protected].
Pueblo’s Arkansas Valley Audubon Society welcomes us on their trips. Check their website for the latest information.
Denver Field Ornithologists also sponsors many field trips each month. Check the right-hand bar on their website’s home page for a month-by-month listing.