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, February 1, 7 am – 1 pm
Catamount Ranch Open Space
The Elder-Fehn Trail is a 5 mile loop in Catamount Ranch Open Space in Teller County. At an elevation ranging from 9,590′ – 9,960′, this trail is challenging but still manageable to most hikers as it winds and rolls its way through dense pine and spruce stands and open meadows that allow for great views of Pikes Peak, The Crags, and The Devil’s Playground.
Our targets will include species that occur at elevation in winter such as Steller’s and Canada Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Cassin’s Finch, Evening and Pine Grosbeak, American Three-toed Woodpecker, assorted nuthatch species, and more. Rosy-Finches could also be possible along the road leading to the trailhead.
This trip is limited to 10 participants. Be sure to dress appropriately, as temperatures can vary drastically between Colorado Springs and higher elevations. Snowpack is possible, so footwear with added traction is advised. Remember to pack a lunch or snacks and water, as we will likely be on the trail for some time.
This trip will depart from the Safeway parking lot on Colorado Ave at 7 am with a return time of 1pm, or sooner if we choose not to complete the full trail. If you have any questions or like to RSVP, feel free to email Tyler Stewart at [email protected].
Saturday, February 1, 8 – 11 am
FCNC Junior Bird Club
This program is sponsored by Fountain Creek Nature Center, and is listed here for your convenience: Nature lovers ages 8 to 17 can join us for our 3rd meeting in the series to enhance their bird knowledge and ID skills. Tyler Stuart of the Aiken Audubon Society will help our Junior Birders learn different birds by their songs and calls. We’ll make a craft, as well! Program is $5 per meeting. Prepaid registration required.
Saturday, February 15, 10 am – noon
Valentine’s is for the Birds
This program is sponsored by Fountain Creek Nature Center, and is listed here for your convenience: Join us on a bird hike for beginners of all ages, then show your love for our feathered friends by making a bird seed ornament to take home. $5 per nature center member, $6 per nonmember. Prepaid registration required.
Saturday, February 22, 7:30 a.m. ~ 11:30 a.m.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Join us in February for a walk through Red Rock Canyon Open Space where we will be on the look out for our winter resident birds and maybe some unexpected visitors! Target birds will include White-winged Dark-eyed Junco, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Shrike, and maybe a Northern Goshawk, if we’re lucky. Plan for about four hours of walking with a fair amount of moderately strenuous uphill travel. Feel free to come and go as you wish. Bring your binos, water, snacks, and don’t forget your hiking shoes. Limited to 20 participants—we’ll split into groups if needed. To sign up, e-mail Clark Jones at [email protected].
Saturday, March 7, 6 am – 2 pm
Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area (trip full; waiting list available)
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 birds typical for late winter in the Pikes Peak foothills and riparian habitats. Possible species include Scaled Quail, Wild Turkey, American Dipper, Bewick’s and Canyon Wrens, Juniper Titmouse, Canyon Towhee, Golden Eagle, and numerous woodpecker, bluebird, 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 am and returning no later than 2 pm. Maximum: 10 participants. Contact trip leader Tyler Stuart at ty[email protected] for more information and to add your name to the waiting list.
Saturday, March 14, 7:30 am – 3 pm
Lake Pueblo State Park
Join us for this Aiken Audubon early spring outing to Lake Pueblo State Park. Waterbirds will certainly be a major focus—we’ll scan for loons, ducks, grebes, gulls and more from the lake’s best vantage points—but we’ll also be alert for resident and early migrant raptors and land birds in the park’s desert habitats, as well as wooded areas such as the Rock Creek Canyon area. Our actual itinerary will be flexible based on recent reports, weather conditions and time, but it should be a fun day of easy birding (no long hikes planned) and we’ll have scopes to share for better views of those more distant waterbirds and raptors.
We’ll plan to spend the full morning and a few hours of the afternoon in or near the park, so pack a lunch, water and such and remember to bring along warm layers in the event of chilling early spring breezes.
Please contact trip leader Kip Miller at [email protected] to register. Group size limited to 15. We’ll meet at the Safeway parking lot at South Academy and Hwy 115 (6520 S Academy Blvd.) at 7:30 a.m. for carpooling. Please note an $8/vehicle daily fee (or Colorado State Parks annual pass) is required for entry to Lake Pueblo State Park.
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 Options
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.