DESCRIPTIONS

We recommend you select all of your choices on this website page and then visit the registration site

View Festival Schedule

Color Key: Festival Event, Field Trip, Workshop, Seminar

Binoculars recommended

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Th1: 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Adams Open Space, Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as F6 & S9) Adams Open Space is a hidden gem located behind the Fountain city library. Jimmy Camp Creek runs through the 40-acre property so there’s no telling what might be attracted to the cattails and cottonwoods. Mississippi Kites breed in the area and Wild Turkeys are also frequently seen here.

The wide trails are well maintained and there is a new bridge over the creek. Warblers, woodpeckers, and various flycatchers are all possibilities of what you might see. As an extra bonus, there is a bird feeder behind the library which usually offers a variety of local bird life.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain City Library parking lot, northeast corner (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Th2: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Fountain Creek Nature Center, Big Sit

A Big Sit enables birders to discover all the birds that might be moving through an area over a few hours. It also tends to be pretty relaxing and social. Enjoy a leisurely birding experience at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Bring an easy-to-carry chair, food, and drinks and see what birds come to the feeders or fly overhead.

Depending where the leader decides to set up, shade may or may not be available. A hat is advised.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Th3: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Fountain Creek Nature Center, Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as S13 & Su11) 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. Spring migration is among the most exciting times at Fountain Creek Regional Park, always offering at least a few surprise avian visitors.

Possible bird species include: Green Heron, Virginia Rail, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Summer and Western Tanagers, Bullock’s Oriole, and a variety of sparrows, vireos, and eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Sem1: 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm. Birds of the Pikes Peak Region – Virtual

Please join us for a Zoom presentation of “Birding in the Pikes Peak Region,” a slideshow and talk geared for beginning birders and those new to the Pikes Peak Region. Your presenter will be Jessica Miller, Supervisor of Fountain Creek Nature Center.

Jessica will share with you photos, experiences, and anecdotes about birds she has discovered throughout the seasons and ecosystems of the Pikes Peak Region. The presentation will be approximately 30 minutes long with time for questions afterwards.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet in the comfort of your own home.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 100 participants.

Friday, May 19, 2023

F1: 6:00 am – 10:00 am. Bear Creek Regional Park – East, Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as Su1) A new trip this year is to eastern Bear Creek Regional Park (on the east side of 21st Street). Walk along Bear Creek and on the Regional Trail to see what birds thrive in the area. The beavers are active in this section of the park so you will experience a variety of birding habitats. There is a shrub-lined “pond” and a flowing stream lined with mature cottonwoods and elm trees. In contrast, the area along the regional trail is a more open, meadow-like grassland habitat. You never know what species will be migrating through.

Possible bird species include: Gray Catbird, Mallard, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, woodpeckers, Swamp Sparrow, and Cordilleran Flycatcher.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy
Meet at the far East parking lot, behind the Garden Plots (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F2: 6:00 am – 11:00 am. Chico Basin Ranch, Guided Bird Hike & Bird Banding Demo

(This is the same trip as S1 & Su2) Come visit Chico Basin Ranch, an 87,000-acre family run, working cattle ranch that operates on the high prairie 30 miles southeast of Colorado Springs. Its sprawling ranges of short-grass and sand-sage prairie, spring-fed lakes, creeks, and pools are home to diverse populations of birds, pronghorn, deer, fish, prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, and much more. Visit the bird-banding station, then go on a guided bird walk. If you have one, bring a walkie-talkie so the cars can communicate as they travel.

Possible bird species include: Various ducks and geese, Horned Lark, Northern Harrier, Lark Bunting, Swainson’s Hawk, woodpeckers, prairie sparrows, and a variety of eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 10 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:00 am or at Hanover Fire Station #1 (map) at 7:00 am.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F3: 6:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Nature Conservancy’s Brett Gray Ranch, Guided Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as S4 & Su3) The 49,000-acre Brett Gray Ranch offers spectacular birding on the eastern plains of Colorado. It has a variety of habitats: dry prairie, short-grass prairie, riparian woods, marsh, cottonwood bosque, and open water. Because of these characteristics, it is a migrant trap for many species of birds at this time of year. Fuel B’s, Inc. in Ellicott is the last and only restroom stop for this trip.

Possible bird species include: Various ducks and geese, Lark Bunting, Northern Harrier, Horned Lark, Swainson’s Hawk, prairie sparrows, and a variety of eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for intermediate to advanced birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate. High clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle may be helpful.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:00 am. The 1:00 pm ending time includes return travel time to the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Birding will end around noon.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

F4: 7:00 am – 10:00 am. Big Johnson Reservoir & Bluestem Prairie Open Space, Big Sit

Birds are always moving, flying, hiding, and hopping. A Big Sit enables birders to discover all the birds that might be moving through an area over a few hours. It also tends to be pretty relaxing and social.

Enjoy a leisurely birding experience at Big Johnson Reservoir and the Bluestem Prairie open Space. Bring an easy-to-carry chair, food and drinks and see what species visit the reservoir or fly overhead.

A scope would be helpful to see the birds on the reservoir. There is no shade so sunscreen is important as well as a hat, long sleeves and close-toed hiking boots.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Bluestem Prairie Open Space (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F5: 7:00 am – 10:00 am. The Fountain Valley School, Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as S8 & Su9) The Fountain Valley School is a small boarding school campus in the middle of 1,500-acres of open short-grass prairie. A fairly extensive wetland lies at the south edge of the campus, providing good habitat for white-tailed deer, coyotes, and various species of birds including Virginia Rail, raptors, sparrows, and blackbirds. A small Ponderosa pine forest on the north side of the campus has been home to owls and hawks. In recent years, an active bald eagle nest has been located nearby. Who knows? We might get lucky and see ’em all.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy/moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map). We will caravan from the nature center to the school. At the property, we will drive to different birding locations.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F6: 7:00 am – 10:00 am. Adams Open Space, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as Th1 & S9) Adams Open Space is a hidden gem located behind the Fountain city library. Jimmy Camp Creek runs through the 40-acre property so there’s no telling what might be attracted to the cattails and cottonwoods. Mississippi Kites breed in the area and Wild Turkeys are also frequently seen here.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain City Library parking lot, northeast corner (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

F7: 7:00 am – 10:30 am. North Cheyenne Canon, Bird Hike

Join birders for a beautiful morning hike in scenic North Cheyenne Canon in southwest Colorado Springs. North Cheyenne Creek runs along the bottom of the canon and draws many bird species to the water and cooler temperatures. Habitats in the canon vary from riparian to foothills scrub to ponderosa pine and mixed coniferous forest.

A variety of bird species can be expected including Western Tanager, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Steller’s Jay, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Violet-green Swallow, Warbling and Plumbeous Vireo and Turkey Vulture.

We will meet at the historic Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center to visit the hummingbird feeders and enjoy the Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds which breed in the area. This hike is rated moderate as there will be some elevation gain and hiking on uneven terrain.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult.
Meet at Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

F8: 7:00 am – 10:30 am. Kettle Creek Lakes, Bird Walk

Another new field trip. Located on United States Air Force Academy property, there’s no telling what bird life may be using the three lakes. Stocked with trout for fishermen and often used by hunters to train their dogs, we will hopefully find some birdlife to enjoy. With wide gravel trails this walk will predominantly follow an old railroad right of way. We will go off trail so closed-toe shoes and long pants are recommended.

Possible bird species seen include Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Cliff Swallows and hopefully different warblers.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at the Kettle Creek Lakes parking lot. No good Google map available—from I-25 take exit 150 (North Academy) and go west. Drive towards the south Academy entrance and take the first right. There is no street sign but you turn right at the Pass & Registration building and go to the end of the road. If you reach the south gate of the Academy, you missed the turn.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F9: 7:00 am – 11:00 am. Clear Spring Ranch Park, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as S6 and Su6) This county-managed, 970-acre park is situated along Fountain Creek, providing visitors the opportunity to witness the importance of the creek’s riparian corridor for migrant and resident birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be plentiful. This area can be very buggy; bring bug repellent.

Possible bird species include: Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Great Horned Owl, Brown Thrasher, and numerous migrant warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and sparrows.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy; primarily walking on level trails and dirt roads.
Meet at the Clear Spring Ranch parking lot (map). Go south on I-25, take exit 123, turn left and go under I-25. Follow the signs to the parking lot, do not enter the farmer’s property.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F10: 7:30 am – 11:00 am. The Nature Conservancy’s Aiken Canyon Preserve, Guided Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as Su4) 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.

Possible bird species include: Virginia’s Warbler, Juniper Titmouse, Lazuli Bunting, and Ash-throated Flycatcher.

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

F11: 7:30 am – 11:00 am. Kane Ranch Open Space, Bird Hike

Kane Ranch Open Space is one of El Paso County’s newest parks and open spaces additions. This short-grass prairie habitat includes a prairie dog town and dry cottonwood creek bed.

This new, remote area has not been birded much yet, but we hope to see Burrowing Owls, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, raptors, sparrows, and other prairie species. This easy trail is relatively flat, but be prepared for no shade.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

F12: 7:30 am – 11:00 am. Mueller State Park, Guided Bird Hike

With over 115 resident and migratory bird species, Mueller State Park in Teller County offers excellent opportunities to view such species as Williamson’s Sapsucker, Canada Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Mountain Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Evening Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch, Green-tailed Towhee, and many others. Join us for a 3 to 4 mile morning hike through mixed coniferous forest, mountain meadows and wetland communities to look for avian activity and listen for serenading male songbirds.

Dress for the weather, it may be cool at the beginning but it could warm up quickly depending on where and how far we walk. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, field guide, water and whatever snacks you may need.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate – Depending on how far we travel to locate bird activity this will be a 3 to 4 mile hike on several different trails. There will be some steep climbs and uneven terrain so sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles are recommended. Although the pace will be slow, be aware that you will be hiking at elevations around 9,500 feet elevation.
Meet at the Mueller SP Visitor Center parking lot (map).
Cost: Activity fee is included in registration, but cars must have a $10/vehicle daily state parks pass, annual Colorado state parks pass ($80), or DV (Colorado Disabled Veteran) vehicle license plate.
Limited to 15 participants.

F13: 8:00 am – 10:00 am. Garden of the Gods, Prairie Falcon Sit

Garden of the Gods city park has tall red hogbacks over 300 feet high providing unique habitat for many birds. Prairie Falcons call this area their home with an eyrie surrounded by nesting White-throated Swifts. Stop by this sit-in to view our residential Prairie Falcons along with many other birds and wildlife. Bighorn sheep commonly frequent the park along with other animals such as mule deer.

This accessible location is known as the Chuckwagon Pavilion found on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. It is approximately 100 yards south from Parking Lot #2. A smooth, paved concrete path provides great access to the viewing location. The trail is estimated to be mostly a gentle 5% or less average grade. Accessible restrooms, parking and a scenic overlook are available at the trailhead.

Possible bird species include: White-throated Swift, Prairie Falcon, Northern Flicker, Spotted Towhee, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-headed Grosbeak, and more.

Appropriate for everyone & families.
Physical difficulty: Easy – short, level walk on a sidewalk.
Meet at the Chuckwagon Pavilion, inside the Garden of the God Park. About 100 yards down the trail from the North Main Parking Lot #2 (Perkins Central Garden Trailhead) (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 40 participants.

F14: 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Foothill Flowers

Cheyenne Mountain State Park, located just a few minutes south of Colorado Springs off Highway 115, has over 27 miles of trails that wind through prairie grasslands, oak shrublands, and pine forests. Pat Cooper, long-time Parks volunteer and Native Plant Master, leads this wildflower excursion to find and identify what’s blooming in the foothills ecosystem. In addition to identification, Pat will discuss characteristics of individual plant families and touch on the ethnobotany of some of the more interesting species. Lastly, she will share a brief history of the two families that occupied the ranch property before it became Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, pencil, notebook and dress for the weather. Bring your camera along for great photo opportunities. Children 10 and older welcomed.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 10 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate to difficult. The trails are steep, and elevations in the park range between 6,000 and 9,500 feet.
Meet at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Visitor Center (map).
Cost: Activity fee is included in registration, but cars must have a $10/vehicle daily state parks pass, annual Colorado state parks pass ($80), or DV (Colorado Disabled Veteran) vehicle license plate.
Limited to a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 15 participants.

F15: 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Bear Creek Nature Center, GPS/Geocaching 101

Join long-time Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteers and retired educators Lynda Grove and Debra Ackley as they provide basic instruction on how to use a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit to navigate to hidden geocaches.

Geocaches will include a bird-themed challenge to solve. No equipment or expertise required and the course is over easy terrain.

Appropriate for all ages.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Bear Creek Nature Center. We will begin indoors and then go outside so dress for the weather (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration,
Limited to a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 15 participants.

F16: 10:00 am – Noon. Fountain Creek Regional Park, Bug Watching Walkabout

Join the Mile High Bug Club as they look for all manner of insects, spider and their kin, from pollinators to predators to leaf-eaters and scavengers. There is scarcely any place you cannot find insects, but this guided safari of the small will help you develop search images.

Be prepared to be surprised, in a good way, by the astonishing diversity of the six- and eight-legged creatures that share the landscape with you.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Sem2: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Feeding is for the Birds, Wild Birds Unlimited Store

Spend an hour with the owners of the Wild Birds Unlimited store, the festival’s major sponsor, learning what is the best food for our local avian friends. Our birds live at different altitudes and ecosystems so their food requirements vary as well.

Appropriate for everyone.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
Meet at the Wild Birds Unlimited store (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 20 participants.

Sem3: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. White-tailed Ptarmigan Research – Virtual

Though many intrepid explorers hike Colorado’s high elevation mountains, only a lucky few get to view the magical bird of the alpine—the White-tailed Ptarmigan. In almost a constant state of molt, White-tailed Ptarmigan use their remarkable camouflage to disappear from predators and humans alike. Come learn about these incredible birds and gain an appreciation of how they survive and thrive in the harsh alpine tundra of Colorado.

Amy Seglund, from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will take you on a journey to describe both the natural history of ptarmigan and discuss the results of her research findings that have spanned the past decade. Her research has helped provide a better understanding of the distribution and health of the species in Colorado, in addition to identifying threats that may impact populations into the future.

Join us for a fascinating presentation.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet in the comfort of your own home.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 100 participants.

Sem4: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Live Birds of Prey, Fountain Creek Nature Center

Learn about hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures through a live birds of prey program with the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center. This presentation includes two different birds of prey, what adaptations raptors have, predator/prey relationships, the natural history and personal stories of the birds presented, and the work done to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey.

Join Diana Miller, whose fascination and passion for birds of prey started the day she met Buddy, a Great Horned Owl in 1985. For more than 30 years she has dedicated her career to the pursuit of quality rehabilitation care for wildlife, especially birds of prey.

Appropriate for everyone and families with children age 8 and older.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: $5.00.
Limited to 60 participants.

W1: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Photographing Birds Workshop

Join this workshop with photographer Leslie Holzmann. She will go over camera settings, lighting, composition, and provide numerous tips to make your bird photos the best ever. If weather permits, following Leslie’s presentation at Fountain Creek Nature Center, we’ll venture outside to practice some of the techniques that were discussed.

Appropriate for all festival participants, age 12 and older.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 40 participants.

F17: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Garden of the Gods, Guided Bird Walk

Besides the interesting geological formations, the Garden of the Gods Park offers a variety of bird species. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the park while looking and listening for the different birds which call this location home.

A highlight species is the Prairie Falcon which historically nests in the well-known Kissing Camels formation. This is a birding walk and the geology of the park will not be highlighted.

Appropriate for everyone and families with children age 8 and older.
Physical difficulty: Easy—short, level walk.
Meet inside the Garden of the Gods Park at the North Main Parking Lot #2 (Perkins Central Garden Trailhead) (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F18: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Fountain Creek Regional Park, Guided Bird Walk

Fountain Creek 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. Spring migration is among the most exciting times at Fountain Creek Regional Park, always offering at least a few surprise avian visitors.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Sem5: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Mountain Lions

David Neils has spent the last two decades studying mountain lions in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Canada and Chile. He has developed a system using four natural factors that allows him to pinpoint mountain lion activity anywhere. His goal is to share what he’s learned to help everyone have a richer experience every time you step into nature.

Join David as he prepares participants for the follow-up field trip at Aiken Canyon Preserve to look for evidence of this elusive big cat.

Select Sem5 during registration to attend the talk ONLY.

Appropriate for participants 8 years and older.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Bear Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration if only attending the talk.
Limited to 30 participants.

F19: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Bat Research Seminar and Walk

Join this excursion to learn about and watch bats! Dr. Aaron Corcoran will first give a talk on his 20 years of bat research. Topics included are the co-evolution of bats and insects, moths that jam bat sonar, bat-bat jamming, stealth echolocation behaviors and recent work studying the causes of bat deaths at wind turbines.

This will be followed by an excursion to watch and listen for bats using ultrasonic bat detectors and infrared cameras. The bat walk will last about an hour and involve less than a mile of hiking around the trails surrounding Fountain Creek Nature Center.

With luck, we will see and hear several species of bats in a range of habitats and discuss their respective ecological niches and behaviors.

Appropriate for participants 12 and older.
Physical difficulty: Easy. Dress for the weather—layered, warm clothing, wear sturdy hiking boots, bring a headlamp and a spirit of adventure.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) for an indoor presentation and then walk outside listening for bats as they hunt.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

F20: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Bear Creek Regional Park, Bug Black Lighting with The Mile High Bug Club

Cap off the festival’s first day with a relaxing, sit-and-wait event for moths, beetles, and other insects attracted to black lights after dark. You will be amazed and delighted by the beauty and diversity of nocturnal life that reveals itself.

Appropriate for all festival participants.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Bear Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

S1: 6:00 am – 11:00 am. Chico Basin Ranch, Guided Bird Hike & Bird Banding Demo

(This is the same trip as F2 & Su2) Come visit Chico Basin Ranch, an 87,000-acre family run, working cattle ranch that operates on the high prairie 30 miles southeast of Colorado Springs. Its sprawling ranges of short-grass and sand-sage prairie, spring-fed lakes, creeks, and pools are home to diverse populations of birds, pronghorn, deer, fish, prairie dogs, coyote, badgers, and much more. Visit the bird banding station, then go on a guided bird walk. If you have one, bring a walkie-talkie so the cars can communicate as they travel.

Possible bird species include: Various ducks and geese, Horned Lark, Northern Harrier, Lark Bunting, Swainson’s Hawk, woodpeckers, prairie sparrows, and a variety of eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 10 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:00 am or at Hanover Fire Station #1 (map) at 7:00 am.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S2: 6:00 pm – Noon. Horse Creek Ranch, Bird Hike

The riparian woodlands along Horse Creek provide crucial breeding and migration stopover habitat for a rich diversity of birds. This 6,600-acre, family-owned cattle ranch on the short-grass prairie hosts numerous ponds and more than 40 natural springs.

Possible bird species include: Common Nighthawk, Great Horned Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Lark Sparrow, and a variety of flycatchers, thrushes, and eastern and western warblers. Fuel B’s, Inc. in Ellicott is the last and only restroom stop for this trip.

Appropriate for intermediate to advanced birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate (uneven, off-trail, and possibly wet hiking).
Meet at Loaf-N-Jug gas station, 6857 Space Village Ave, Colorado Springs, 80915 (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 10 participants.

S3: 6:00 am – 1:00 pm. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Ovenbird/Hermit Thrush Bird Hike

Join park volunteer Debbie Barnes-Shankster on a four-mile hike (round-trip) to listen and look for Hermit Thrushes, breeding Ovenbirds, Virginia’s Warblers, and other park residents and spring migrants.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 12 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate to difficult. The trails are steep, and elevations in the park range between 6,000 and 9,500 feet.
Meet at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Visitor Center (map).
Cost: Activity fee is included in registration, but cars must have a $10/car daily state parks pass, annual Colorado state parks pass ($80), or DV (Colorado Disabled Veteran) vehicle license plate.
Limited to 15 participants.

S4: 6:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Nature Conservancy’s Brett Gray Ranch, Guided Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as F3 & Su3) The 49,000-acre Brett Gray Ranch offers spectacular birding on the eastern plains of Colorado. It has a variety of habitats: dry prairie, short-grass prairie, riparian woods, marsh, cottonwood bosque, and open water. Because of these characteristics, it is a migrant trap for many species of birds at this time of year. Fuel B’s, Inc. in Ellicott is the last and only restroom stop for this trip.

Possible bird species include: Various ducks and geese, Lark Bunting, Northern Harrier, Horned Lark, Swainson’s Hawk, prairie sparrows, and a variety of eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for intermediate to advanced birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate. High clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle may be helpful.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:00 am. The 1:00 pm ending time includes return travel time to the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Birding will end around noon.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

Sem6: 6:30 am – 7:30 am. Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center, Hummingbird Banding, Session 1
Sem7: 7:45 am – 8:45 am. Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center, Hummingbird Banding, Session 2

Join Fred and Tena Engelman for an opportunity to observe early migrating hummingbirds. They have been studying hummingbirds for more than 20 years and are authorized to capture and band hummingbirds by federal and state permits.

Each hummingbird is carefully identified, banded, weighed, and measured prior to release. You will be able to learn interesting facts regarding Colorado’s hummingbird species and likely have an opportunity to photograph these amazing birds in the hand.

Sem8: 9:00 am – 10:00 am. Hummingbirds
After viewing the banding, attend a hummingbird natural history presentation and Q&A session from 9:30-10:30 outside on the veranda at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. This activity is a must-see for any hummingbird enthusiast.

Although the researchers expect to encounter few migrating hummingbirds this early in the season, the banding sessions will give participants an opportunity to observe typical field research techniques and obtain information on the physical condition of early migrants.

Prerequisite: Must have registered for either Sem6 or Sem7
Appropriate for everyone.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 10 participants per banding session.

S5: 6:30 am – 11:30 am. Hanna Ranch, Guided Bird Hike

This trip will feature the birds of the Fountain Creek migratory corridor as well as extensive marsh and short-grass prairie habitats. The important role that large ranches play in the conservation of bird populations can be seen firsthand on the 12,000-acre Hanna Ranch in southern El Paso County. We will explore the various habitats of the ranch, looking for migrant and breeding bird species, including Green and Great Blue Herons, Marsh Wren, Sora, Virginia Rail, Orchard Oriole, Brown Thrasher, and many raptor, flycatcher, sparrow, and warbler species.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Difficult – the route is all off trail walking on uneven terrain.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:30 am.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

S6: 6:30 am – Noon. Clear Spring Ranch Park, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as F9 & Su6) This county-managed, 970-acre park is situated along Fountain Creek, providing visitors the opportunity to witness the importance of the creek’s riparian corridor for migrant and resident birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be plentiful. This area can be very buggy; bring bug repellent.

Possible bird species include: Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Great Horned Owl, Brown Thrasher, and numerous migrant warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and sparrows.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy – primarily walking on level trails and dirt roads.
Meet at the Clear Spring Ranch parking lot (map). Go south on I-25, take exit 123, turn left and go under I-25. Follow the signs to the parking lot, do not enter the farmer’s property.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S7: 6:30 am – Noon. Corral Bluffs Open Space, Guided Bird Hike

Corral Bluffs Open Space is a Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) property located east of Colorado Springs consisting of over 700-acres. It is a rugged and beautiful landform running along both the north and south sides of US Highway 94. Higher than the surrounding plains, Corral Bluffs provides a unique geographic perspective. Be prepared as this hike will take us through undeveloped open space—no trails! Therefore, this is classified as an intermediate hike, with varied terrain ranging from rocky slopes, to arroyo crossings, to prairie grassland and sandy creek beds.

Possible bird species include: Greater Roadrunner, Scaled Quail, Golden Eagle, Sage Thrasher, Peregrine Falcon, Canyon Towhee, and various sparrow species.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, ages 10 and up.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Meet at Loaf N Jug gas station, 6857 Space Village Ave, CS, 80915 (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S8: 7:00 am – 10:00 am. The Fountain Valley School, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as F5 & Su9) The Fountain Valley School is a small boarding school campus in the middle of 1,500-acres of open short-grass prairie. A fairly extensive wetland lies at the south edge of the campus, providing good habitat for white-tailed deer, coyotes, and various species of birds including Virginia Rail, raptors, sparrows, and blackbirds. A small Ponderosa pine forest on the north side of the campus has been home to owls and hawks. In recent years, an active bald eagle nest has been located nearby. Who knows? We might get lucky and see ’em all.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy/moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map). We will caravan from the nature center to the school. At the property, we will drive to different birding locations.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S9: 7:00 am – 10:00 am. Adams Open Space, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as Th1 & F6) Adams Open Space is a hidden gem located behind the Fountain city library. Jimmy Camp Creek runs through the 40-acre property so there’s no telling what might be attracted to the cattails and cottonwoods. Mississippi Kites breed in the area and Wild Turkeys are also frequently seen here.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain City Library parking lot, northeast corner (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S10: 7:00 am – 11:00 am. Fountain Creek Regional Park – Area 7, Big Sit

Birds are always moving, flying, hiding and hopping. A Big Sit enables birders to discover all the birds that might be moving through an area over a few hours. It also tends to be pretty relaxing and social. Area 7 is one of the “birdiest” areas of Fountain Creek Regional park so there is potential to see a high number of birds.

Bring an easy-to-carry chair, food and drinks and see what birds come by or fly overhead. Bug repellent is suggested and dress for the weather.

Possible bird species include: Virginia’s Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Blue Grosbeak, Northern Waterthrush, Lazuli Bunting, and Mississippi Kite.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy but there is some walking from the parking lot to the “sit” area while carrying a chair and other items.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 7:00 am. We will drive to the parking area and then walk to the “sit” location.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 20 participants.

S11 8:00 am – 11:00 am. Manitou Lake Recreation Area, Guided Montane Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as Su12) Enjoy the high country while looking for some of the over 170 bird species that have been sighted around Manitou Lake, marsh, riparian and ponderosa-woodland habitats. This mountain lake is six miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado on Hwy. 67.

Possible bird species include: Sora, Red-naped Sapsucker, MacGillivray’s Warbler, White-faced Ibis, and Red Crossbill.

Appropriate for beginning to intermediate birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate. Flat walking, but 7,500 ft. elevation and moderate distance.
Meet at the southern end of the Manitou Lake parking lot (map) at 8:00 am.
Cost: $8/car entrance fee ($4.00/car with valid, annual national parks pass).
Limited to 15 participants.

S12: 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Garden of the Gods, Swifts, Falcons, & Geology Walk

Visit a Colorado Springs jewel, Garden of the Gods city park. Huge sandstone rock formations provide the backdrop for a variety of creatures from nesting White-throated Swifts and Prairie Falcons to a herd of Bighorn Sheep. Come learn how all of these elements combine during a walk looking for birds, animals and plants, while also discovering how geology shapes this beautiful park.

This accessible guided walk is along the Perkin’s Central Garden Trail. It is a smooth 1.5 mile long, concrete path with about 88 ft. of elevation gain. It falls into a mostly gentle grade category with an estimated 5% or less average grade. Accessible restrooms, parking, and scenic overlook available at the trail-head.

Possible bird species include: White-throated Swift, Prairie Falcon, Northern Flicker, Spotted Towhee, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Black-headed Grosbeak.

Appropriate for everyone and families with children age 8 and older.
Physical difficulty: Easy – short, level walk.
Meet inside the Garden of the Gods Park at the North Main Parking Lot #2 (Perkins Central Garden Trailhead) (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S13: 8:30 am – 11:30 am. Fountain Creek Regional Park, Guided Bird Walk

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

S14: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. The Nature Conservancy’s Aiken Canyon Preserve, Mountain Lion Hike

This hike, through mountain lion habitat, will focus on learning where, when and how to look for mountain lion activity. We’ll discuss why mountain lions are elusive, yet predictable, and enjoy discovering tracks of mountain lions, coyotes, fox and elk.

The preserve is composed of a mosaic of habitat types, including shrub lands, tall-grass prairie meadows, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mixed coniferous woodlands. Dress for the weather, wear a hat and sunscreen/sun protection, make sure to wear sturdy boots for hiking, and have plenty of water.

Select S14 during registration to attend BOTH the talk and guided hike. You will automatically be enrolled in the prerequisite, Sem5. Please do not double register.

Participants must be at least 8 years old.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult.
Meet at Aiken Canyon Preserve (map) at 8:30 am.
Cost: $20.00 includes Sem5: Mountain Lions, and guided hike.
Limited to 10 participants and they must attend the Friday evening mountain lion talk (Sem5).

W2: 10:00 am – 11:30 am. “eBird – A Tool for All Birders: The Essentials”

Returning this year is local birder Mel Goff’s class to help you learn about the world’s premier, free internet-based platform that allows you to find more birds, track your bird lists and photos and explore sightings from around the neighborhood to around the world. eBird is an easy to use program that provides you with the opportunity to explore the world of birds through the eyes of hundreds of thousands of birders who have contributed more than 60 million checklists to the eBird database.

Plan your next birding vacation, find your next target bird, chase a rarity, and set your next birding goal—all while taking part in the world’s largest citizen science birding project. This presentation will help you learn more about eBird whether you are new to birding or an expert. Participants should feel free to bring laptops, tablets, or cellphones to see eBird’s features firsthand.

Appropriate for everyone who uses a computer.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
Meet at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife classroom (map). You access the classroom at the rear of the building.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 60 participants.

S15: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm. Chico Basin Ranch Headquarters, Lunch & Ranch Ecology

Come enjoy lunch, followed by a discussion about the rich diversity of wildlife on the short-grass prairie, an overview of the ranch’s history, and modern ranching practices at Chico Basin Ranch. Please make sure to fill out the dietary restrictions section when you register for this event. We cannot otherwise guarantee your needs will be met.

Appropriate for everyone.
Physical difficulty: Moderate.
Meet at Chico Basin Ranch Headquarters (map).
Cost: $15/person for lunch.
Limited to 30 participants.
Lunch will be served at noon.

Sem9: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. “Fun Facts You Don’t Know About Colorado Wildlife”

Join Jeremy Agnew, a long time Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteer/instructor, for a presentation on little-known facts and trivia about common Colorado bugs, birds and other wildlife. Discover why fauns have no odor, why grandpa’s shaving brush was made from badger hair, why skunk spray is used in perfume, and why members of the deer family don’t have top incisor teeth.

Wildlife adaptation, behavior and natural history provide many curious and unique opportunities to enrich our connection to the natural world.

Appropriate for everyone and families.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 50 participants.

W3: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. “eBird – A Tool for All Birders: Tips & Tricks from Trip Reports to Vacation Planning”

Since Mel’s eBird class was so popular last year, he is offering a similar one in the morning and is expanding to offer a second, more in-depth class in the afternoon.

Appropriate for everyone who uses a computer.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
Meet at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife classroom (map). You access the classroom at the rear of the building.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 60 participants.

Sem10: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Gardening for Wildlife – Virtual

Learn how to turn your yard into a haven that attracts and benefits our native wildlife and provides the shelter and food for future generations using native plants.

Appropriate for everyone.
Physical difficulty: Easy – indoors.
View from the comfort of your own home.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 100 participants.

Sem11: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Raptor Identification

Do you want to figure out which hawk is in your backyard? How about the hawk along the highway? Debbie Barnes-Shankster has been studying raptor identification for 16 years and has developed a program to help separate the various species.

This is an in-person workshop at Fountain Creek Nature Center.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 60 participants.

BB: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Birds, Brews & Bites Happy Hour, Bear Creek Regional Park Pavilions (map)

Food, drinks, music, prizes and socializing

Food, Drinks, & Fun!
Mile High Bug Club w/live Insects
PPCC Wild Things w/live Animals
Festival Artwork for Auction
Organization tables
Live Music by Tidal Breeze Jazz Arts
Door Prizes and more!
Cost: Included with festival registration
Limited to 130 participants

We will have sandwich trays from Colonel Mustard’s Sandwich Shop (there will be a vegetarian option but no gluten-free option), veggie trays, and assorted bags of chips and cookies, as well as Phantom Canyon Beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

See which bird species have been seen during the festival and mingle with other festival participants.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Su1: 6:00 am – 10:00 am. Bear Creek Regional Park – East, Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as F1) A new trip this year is to eastern Bear Creek Regional Park (on the east side of 21st Street). Walk along Bear Creek and on the Regional Trail to see what birds thrive in the area. The beavers are active in this section of the park so you will experience a variety of birding habitats. There is a shrub-lined “pond” and a flowing stream lined with mature cottonwoods and elm trees. In contrast, the area along the regional trail is a more open, meadow-like grassland habitat. You never know what species will be migrating through.

Possible bird species include: Gray Catbird, Mallard, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, woodpeckers, Swamp Sparrow, and Cordilleran Flycatcher.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy
Meet at the far East parking lot, behind the Garden Plots (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su2: 6:00 am – 11:00 am. Chico Basin Ranch, Guided Bird Hike & Bird Banding Demo

(This is the same trip as F2 & S1) Come visit Chico Basin Ranch, an 87,000-acre family-run, working cattle ranch that operates on the high prairie 30 miles southeast of Colorado Springs. Its sprawling ranges of short-grass and sand-sage prairie, spring-fed lakes, creeks, and pools are home to diverse populations of birds, pronghorn, deer, fish, prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, and much more. Visit the bird banding station, then go on a guided bird walk. If you have one, bring a walkie-talkie so the cars can communicate as they travel.

Possible bird species include: Various ducks and geese, Horned Lark, Northern Harrier, Lark Bunting, Woodpeckers, Swainson’s Hawk, prairie sparrows, and a variety of eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 10 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:00 am or at Hanover Fire Station #1 (map) at 7:00 am.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su3: 6:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Nature Conservancy’s Brett Gray Ranch, Guided Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as S4) The 49,000-acre Brett Gray Ranch offers spectacular birding on the eastern plains of Colorado. It has a variety of habitats: dry prairie, short-grass prairie, riparian woods, marsh, cottonwood bosque, and open water. Because of these characteristics, it is a migrant trap for many species of birds at this time of year. Fuel B’s, Inc. in Ellicott is the last and only restroom stop for this trip.

Possible bird species include: Various ducks and geese, Lark Bunting, Northern Harrier, Horned Lark, Swainson’s Hawk, prairie sparrows, and a variety of eastern and western warblers.

Appropriate for intermediate to advanced birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate. High clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle may be helpful.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map) to caravan at 6:00 am. The 1:00 pm ending time includes return travel time to the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Birding will end around noon.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

Su4: 6:30 am – 11:00 am. The Nature Conservancy’s Aiken Canyon Preserve, Guided Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as F10) 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.

Possible bird species include: Virginia’s Warbler, Juniper Titmouse, Lazuli Bunting, and Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult.
Meet at Aiken Canyon (map) at 6:30 am.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su5: 6:30 am – 11:30 am. Venetucci Farm and Pinello Ranch, Guided Bird Walk

Venetucci Farm dates back to the late 1800s and has been a Colorado Springs landmark since the 1940s when the Venetucci family began giving away pumpkins to school children. It boasts a variety of habitats, including willow thickets, riparian forest, and open farm fields. Because the farm borders Fountain Creek, a variety of birds associated with water visit the site, as do many migrant and breeding songbirds.

Pinello Ranch covers over 200-acres and is located just north of Venetucci Farm. With over half a dozen ponds and with riparian habitat bordering Fountain Creek, this is truly a wildlife oasis.

Possible bird species include: Bullock’s and Orchard Orioles, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Vesper Sparrow, American Avocet, Double-crested Cormorant and a variety of ducks.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 15 and older (12 if accompanied by an adult).
Physical difficulty: Moderate.
Meet at the big red barn at Venetucci Farm (map). Enter through the south gate, accessed by turning into the entrance for St. Dominic’s Church and then turning right (north) with the green water tower on your right.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su6: 6:30 am – Noon. Clear Spring Ranch, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as F9 & S6) This county-managed, 970-acre park is situated along Fountain Creek, providing visitors the opportunity to witness the importance of the creek’s riparian corridor for migrant and resident birds. In addition to the riparian forest, the park hosts extensive grasslands, where sparrows, raptors, and other species can be plentiful. This area can be very buggy; bring bug repellent.

Possible bird species include: Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Great Horned Owl, Brown Thrasher, and numerous migrant warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and sparrows.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy; primarily walking on level trails and dirt roads.
Meet at the Clear Spring Ranch parking lot (map). Go south on I-25, take exit 123, turn left and go under I-25. Follow the signs to the parking lot, do not enter the farmer’s property.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su7: 6:30 am – Noon. Pueblo – Arkansas River, Bird Walk

Another new trip this year goes along the Arkansas River in Pueblo county. Where there is water, there are birds. This route is a very popular destination for local birders. You will be on the lookout for migrating warblers as well as the many resident birds found here year-round.

Dress for the weather, bring snacks, water, sunscreen , etc. This area can be very buggy; bring bug repellent.

Possible bird species include: Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Great Horned Owl, Brown Thrasher, and numerous migrant warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and sparrows.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy; primarily walking on level trails.
Meet at the Fountain Creek Nature Center (map). The group will caravan to the Pueblo Nature Center and walk/bird a trail along the Arkansas River.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su8: 6:30 am – Noon. Jimmy Camp Creek Open Space, Guided Bird Hike

Sharon Milito surveys Jimmy Camp Creek property

Spring migration is a wonderful time of year to visit this 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.

Possible bird species include: Canyon Towhee, Rock Wren, Sora, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin’Kingbird, Western Tanager, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Lark Sparrow.

Appropriate for all levels of birders, age 10 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate/difficult; off-trail hiking.
Meet at Loaf N Jug gas station, 6857 Space Village Ave, CS, 80915 (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su9: 7:00 am – 10:00 am. Fountain Valley School, Guided Bird Walk

(This is the same trip as F5 & S8) The Fountain Valley School is a small boarding school campus in the middle of 1,500-acres of open short-grass prairie. A fairly extensive wetland lies at the south edge of the campus providing good habitat for white-tailed deer, coyotes, and various species of birds including Virginia Rails, raptors, sparrows, and blackbirds. A small ponderosa pine forest on the north side of the campus has been home to owls and hawks. In past years, an active bald eagle nest has been located nearby. Who knows, we might get lucky and see ’em all.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy/moderate.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map). We will caravan from the nature center to the school. At the property, we will drive to different birding locations.
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su10: 7:00 am – 11:00 am. Glen Eyrie , Guided Bird Walk

Historically home to the Utes and later the founder of Colorado Springs, General Palmer, Glen Eyrie is a tucked-away gem along the foothills of Pikes Peak. This 720-acre property hosts dramatic sandstone formations and the mouth of Queen’s Canyon, from which Camp Creek flows.

Among the pinyons, junipers, and spruces of Glen Eyrie, a variety of birds can be expected, including Wild Turkey, White-throated Swift, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, and Virginia’s Warbler.

Appropriate for beginning and intermediate birders ages 12 and older.
Physical difficulty: Moderate.
Meet at the Blair Bridge Open Space parking lot (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 12 participants.

Su11: 7:00 am – 11:00 am. Fountain Creek Regional Park, Guided Bird Walk

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy.
Meet at Fountain Creek Nature Center (map).
Cost: Included with festival registration.
Limited to 15 participants.

Su12: 8:00 am – 11:00 am. Manitou Lake Recreation Area, Guided Montane Bird Hike

(This is the same trip as S11) Enjoy the high country while looking for some of the over 170 bird species that have been sighted around Manitou Lake, marsh, riparian and ponderosa-woodland habitats. This mountain lake is six miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado on Hwy. 67.

Possible bird species include: Sora, Red-naped Sapsucker, MacGillivray’s Warbler, White-faced Ibis, and Red Crossbill.

Appropriate for beginning to intermediate birders.
Physical difficulty: Moderate. Flat walking, but 7,500 ft. elevation and moderate distance.
Meet at the southern end of the Manitou Lake parking lot (map) at 8:00 am.
Cost: $8/car entrance fee ($4.00/car with valid, annual national parks pass).
Limited to 15 participants.

Su13: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Chico Basin Ranch – Pueblo County, Big Sit

Chico Basin Ranch is a migratory trap and a premier birding location in southern Colorado. Enjoy a leisurely birding experience at the headquarter willows in Pueblo County on the ranch. Bring an easy-to-carry chair, food and drinks and see what birds come to the trees or fly overhead.

There will be intermittent shade throughout the morning so a hat or small umbrella may be useful. It may also be buggy so bring bug repellent just in case. Close-toed shoes and long pants are suggested.

Appropriate for all levels of birders.
Physical difficulty: Easy – birding from a chair.
Meet at Hanover Fire Station #1 (map).
Cost: Included in festival registration.
Limited to 20 participants.

View Festival Schedule

Color Key: Festival Event, Field Trip, Workshop, Seminar

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Friday, May 19, 2023

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Sunday, May 21, 2023

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