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, June 15, 6 am – 1:30pm-ish
Castlewood Canyon State Park
This state park along Hwy. 83 near Castle Rock is a good place to look for birds of the western plains. Mountain Bluebirds fill the nest boxes, swallows dive overhead, and meadowlarks fill the air with song.
Meet at the Woodman Park ’n Ride to carpool, and don’t forget your lunch. The state park has an entrance fee if you haven’t purchased an annual pass. Contact trip leader Debbie Barnes-Shankster, [email protected], with questions and to sign up.
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
Trip Full. There is a waiting list.
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.
Sunday, July 14, 6 am – 1:30 pm
Mueller State Park
Escape the mid-summer heat with this morning trip to Mueller State Park. Possible species include sapsuckers, Clark’s Nutcrackers, Mountain and Western Bluebirds, Red Crossbills, Cordilleran Flycatchers, and American Three-toed Woodpeckers, and many more.
Meet at the Red Rocks Safeway, 3275 West Colorado Avenue, to carpool, and don’t forget your lunch. The state park has an entrance fee if you haven’t purchased an annual pass. Contact trip leader Debbie Barnes-Shankster, [email protected]hoo.com, with questions and to sign up.
Saturday, July 27, 7 – 10 pm (approx.)
Evening at FCNC
Friday, August 9, 6 am — late afternoon
Mount Evans Photo Trip
This all-day trip up Mt. Evans is especially designed for photographers. We’ll be looking for Ptarmigan with young, along with other high altitude birds. Other wildlife typically present includes yellow-bellied marmots, pikas, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. There are also abundant wildflowers, especially at the Mt. Goliath Botanic Gardens and at Summit Lake. The parking lot at the top is at 14,130 feet, making this the highest paved road in North America. There is a $10 toll per vehicle unless someone has a federal parks pass.
Along with your camera gear, be sure to pack a lunch and snacks, water, and sun protection, and wear layers so you’re prepared in case of rapidly changing weather. Contact trip leader Debbie Barnes-Shankster, [email protected], for carpool information or other details and to sign up.
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.