Everyone is Welcome!
All trips are free, except for dinner on the “Owling” trip and overnight and trip expenses for the “Bats, Birds, and Wildflowers” trip.
We always have a bird expert, often a plant or mammal expert, bird I.D. books, and often a spotting scope-depending on the walk. All birding levels are encouraged to join us!
All participants need to bring water, hats, comfortable shoes, binoculars, (we may be able to borrow binoculars for you if need be), lunch, and necessary clothing for walks in the mountains. Please be ready to car pool or make car pool arrangements when you call to confirm.
Please contact the trip leader at least 3 days before the trip. Of course, we will welcome you last minute if it is possible. Notes from previous Field Trip - Click Here
Exciting Fall/Winter Field Trips
2011
DECEMBER 17TH, Saturday - CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT! This important survey can be a great day for finding our valley’s hardy winter birds including Golden and Bald Eagles and possibly a Northern Shrike. We will meet at 7:00 a.m. -
location depending on which group you are in, and break for lunch and a mid-day warm up, then head back out for as long as we feel like it. You can do all day or any part.
Contacts: Mary Harris at 970 963-0319 or smnharris@gmail.com
or Linda Vidal at 970 704-9950 birder2008@gmail.com
There may be a potluck after the count. We’ll keep you apprised.
2012
We’re excited to announce that, international bird guide, Dick Filby, will be here this winter and has offered to lead a trip for us somewhere in the Roaring Fork Valley. Stay turned and we will let you know about the exact date in an e-mail update!
FEBRUARY 17TH Friday – 20th Monday – the GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
The GBBC is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in important citizen-science, counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent to help scientists investigate far-reaching questions. Make sure the birds in our community are well represented. Visit birdsource.org to find out more about how you can help the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Bird Studies Canada. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. See if you can engage the local schools or kids organizations!
MAY 19TH, Saturday – ROCK BOTTOM RANCH RECREATION PATH AND LUNCH WITH WESTERN TANAGERS ( We will watch weather and trail conditions to see if this trip needs to be re-scheduled.)
Mary Harris will lead this fun and easy trip along the two mile flat paved section of the Rock Bottom Ranch recreation path, near Carbondale. We usually find spring surprises on this walk! We’ll look for pinion, juniper, and sage birds coming off The Crown to the river, including the busy Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We should find some great riparian breeders such as the Cat Bird, Warbling Vireo, and Song Sparrow, as well as the migrants using the river as their corridor, such as the bright Yellow-rumped Warbler. After our walk we will drive to Mary’s house to eat our sack lunch on her patio table as we watch the colorful show of Western Tanagers, Bullock’s Orioles, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and others show up at the feeding stations. For dessert, we’ll check out the Great-blue heronry, and the osprey nest from the west patio.
We will meet at the west end, (closest to Carbondale), of the recreation path at 7:00 a.m. Bring your hat, lunch, and a back pack with water, fleece, and other springtime weather gear you may need. If you do not have binoculars, please let Mary know and she will try to find you some.
Please call by Thursday so we can arrange the shuttle. Mary’s number is 963-0319 or smnharris@gmail.com.
MAY 26TH – Saturday – SPRING BIRD COUNT! This important survey can be a wondrous day! You can do the entire day or any part, (if you dare risk missing a rare species). We break into groups and try to cover much of the Roaring Fork Valley. Last year we found 101 species and 1000’s of birds; some that had just arrived in our valley to breed after an incredible journey from South America.
We meet early, ready for all weather, and go for as long as we feel like it. To join us call Linda 704-9950 birder2008@gmail.com or Mary 963-0319 smnharris@gmail.com to make arrangements. We will then work on which location will be best for you. There will be a max of 12 people at a time in Spring Park Reservoir.
It is important to pack for all weather conditions and bring a sack lunch and water. (A hat and gloves can be welcome this time of year!) If you need binoculars, let the trip leader know and we will try to borrow some for you.
We will be using the Spring Bird Count to do an important and fun Bird-A-Thon Fund Raiser. Please join us!! Get your family and friends to commit to a “per species” price and we’ll see what we can come up with. The funds will help Audubon with local conservation efforts. We will send you a form letter to work from. All letters should go out by April/early May.
JUNE 9TH, Saturday –OWLING AND DINNER IN MARBLE at the Beaver Lake Retreat. This should be an exciting and fun trip! We will meet in the afternoon at the Redstone Inn and work our way to Marble, birding along the way, stopping at Placita and Bogan Flats. In Marble we will bird the high elevation ponds and hillsides. With evening approaching, we will treat ourselves to a delicious dinner at the Beaver Lake Retreat served by owner Vince’s wonderful staff.
This trip will have a charge of $30 for the dinner and must be reserved by June 2nd so we can let Vince know our dinner numbers in advance. Please bring your own wine or beer for dinner if you like. Call Mary Harris at 970 963-0319 or e-mail smnharris@gmail.com.
Meet in front of the Redstone Inn at 3:00 p.m. Make sure to bring a headlamp and good flashlight, as well as warm clothing, including hats and gloves. If you are interested in spending the night at the Beaver Lake Retreat, call Vince at 970 963-3608 or e-mail beaver@rof.net to make arrangements. The rooms run $89 for one and $98 for two.
JUNE 16TH, Saturday - BLUEBIRD NESTS! Nature’s Miniature Masterpieces
We have been offered a GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS FIELD TRIP. We have permission to bird Wildcat Ranch for the first time in years. Linda has maintained this Bluebird trail for over 25 years, and will share her knowledge and enthusiasm with us.
She will also teach you how to make your own Blue Bird nest box.
We will car pool, driving the “trail”, and bird the different habitats on the ranch, which Linda says, is the best nature preserve in the valley. We will try and touch on as many different habitats as we can.
We will meet at 7 A.M. at the entrance to Wildcat Ranch for those that live up valley, and the down valley folks can meet at the bottom of Crystal Springs road, (the road Linda lives on), and then we’ll car pool into the ranch. Pack a lunch, snacks, water, and clothing for changing weather conditions. If you do not have binoculars let Linda know and she will try to borrow some for you. We must have reservations by June 13th, from anyone that would like to join us for this special day. If you have any other questions please call or e-mail me. Linda Vidal 704-9950 or birder2008@gmail.com .
A special Thank You to the Board of Directors of Wildcat Ranch for allowing us access for this very special experience. Please feel free to have your children join us for the lessons about the next boxes.
JULY 7TH, Saturday - HAY PARK-OUTSIDE CARBONDALE, led by Mary Harris and Francine Liebel.
One of the beautiful proposed Hidden Gems areas, this is a great place for beginning and advanced birders. Wildflower lovers will be in luck, as we will have wildflower guide, Francine, along to help us appreciate the abundance of flowers this time of year.
We will look for nesting Green-tailed Towees, Mountain Bluebirds, Western Wood Pewees, White-crowned Sparrows, Pine Siskins, Juncos, and more.
The walk is about 1.5 mile up a semi-steep trail to a level meadow and aspen tree grove, and then back down. As always with birding and wildflower walks, we go very slowly, so anyone interested should pursue this trip. Pack all the usual mountain hiking necessities and a lunch. If you do not have a pair of binoculars, let us know and we may be able to borrow some for you.
We will meet in Carbondale at the CMC parking lot on Colorado Ave at 7th St. at 7:00 a.m.
For reservations, call or e-mail Mary Harris 970 963-0319 or smnharris@gmail.com at least 3 days in advance.
JULY 14TH, Saturday - RANCH at the ROARING FORK-OUTSIDE CARBONDALE,
led by Linda Vidal. (maximum of 12)
We all know that the very best birding habitat is riparian, and this field trip will be in some of the best riparian habitat in the entire valley. We will be walking the trails that take us around the subdivision and into the marshy areas, looking for our colorful “regulars” including, Western Wood Peewee, American Kestrel, and various water fowl, as well as the more rare migrants such as Marsh Wren, Sora Rail, and even a Willow Flycatcher that we found last year. The list could be quite extensive.
We will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Ranch office and car pool from there. Please make a reservation by July 11th and although the trip should be over by early afternoon, bring a lunch and all appropriate clothing. If you need binoculars, let me know and I will try to borrow some for you.
To reserve, or if you have any questions please call or e-mail me, Linda Vidal, at 970 704-9950 or birder2008@gmail.com. All RRF residents are invited to join us!
JULY 21st, Saturday – HIGH ELEVATION BIRDS, PLANTS, & PIKAS TOO!
Join Lisa Tasker, Plant Ecologist, and Liz Bokram on a hike from Maroon Lake to Crater lake, located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. On this high elevation 3 mile round-trip hike, we will examine the geography and plant life that attracts specific bird species to this area in the summer season. As we move above the aspen forest, the 14,000 foot peaks will tower over us. Once we reach the rocky scree we will keep our eyes…and ears…open for the pikas.
We will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Highlands Ski Area parking, where we will carpool to Maroon Lake. Be sure to pack all the usual mountain hiking necessities, (water, raingear, lunch, and hiking poles if you use them).
To reserve, or if you have questions, please call or e-mail Liz Bokram at 970 319-0385 or lizjohnb@msn.com
JULY 28TH , Saturday – BIRDS, BATS, AND WILDFLOWERS-OH MY!
Led by Mary Harris and Dee Malone. Join us on this adventurous overnight excursion to witness the out-flight of about 300,000 Mexican Free-tail Bats, and find birds and wildflowers along the way.
Warning – the scenery will be gorgeous. The birds will be great. The wildflowers will be amazing. The spa will be relaxing in the evening and the morning. And, the bats will be awesome. A JAM - PACKED, FUN - FILLED TRIP!
We will leave Carbondale at 7:00 a.m. from the Park and Ride at the intersection of Hwy 82 and 133, and pick up any up-valley participants along the way as we head over Independence Pass and stop to find high elevation birds and wildflowers. Delia Malone will be our plant expert during this peak wildflower season. The high elevation birds will be fledging young at this time as well!
We will make stops along the way for our sack lunch and anything interesting to the group. Dinner will be at a restaurant in Salida or Villa Grove depending on our progress.
We will check into the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa (www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com), and take advantage of their mineral hot springs before driving 8 miles to the Orient Land Trust, (www.olt.org), to watch the bats fly out. To reach the cave we will have a moderately strenuous 1.7 mile hike.
Trip Specifics -
Reservations for this trip must be made before March 1st and there is a 10 person maximum. To reserve your spot, contact Mary A.S.A.P. and then she will give you the information to reserve a room using our group rate.
970 963-0319 or smnharris@gmail.com.
The rooms are queen bed doubles and are $150 for two people. Breakfast and the hot springs are included. Other expenses will be lunch on the way back, and the dividing of gas. We will work with singles to match you up with a room mate.
Pack all overnight needs. Headlamp, good flashlight, binoculars, water, lunch for the first day, snacks, and appropriate clothing for night walking and high elevation birding, including hat and gloves. If you do not have binoculars, let Mary know and she will try to borrow some for you.
Birding Opportunities with Roaring Fork Conservancy
We are listing these other great opportunities to maximize everyone’s chance to get outside and appreciate our wonderful wildlife in the Roaring Fork Valley. There may be a Roaring Fork Audubon birding guide on these trips. We will notify you as the date gets closer.
Please make sure to come prepared, as for the Audubon trips.
MAY 8TH, Tuesday – OSPREY, GREAT-BLUE HERONS, & BALD EAGLES!
Join Jonathan Lowsky, wildlife biologist with Colorado Wildlife Science, and staff from Roaring Fork Conservancy for this evening adventure, as we tour two properties, off-limits to the public, in search of these large predators. Near the confluence of Cattle Creek with the Roaring Fork River, occurs one of the largest Great Blue Heronries in the Valley with over 20 nesting pairs. Here, where the river meanders widely, broad wetlands and cottonwood and ponderosa gallery forests have developed as a result of out-of-bank river flooding. For decades, Great Blue Herons have built their nests and raised young in this wetland refuge. More recently, Osprey have returned to this special riverine wetland to hunt and raise their young. We will see these bird species as well as numerous others that depend on these wetlands for food, nest sites and protective cover. Here, we will see hundreds of Red-winged Blackbirds establishing territories and vying for mates, Bank Swallows and Barn Swallows performing amazing acrobatics in their aerial pursuit of insect prey, Bullocks Orioles building their pendulous nests and the flamboyant Lewis’s Woodpecker raising their young in the cottonwood cavity nests.
We will also visit the Aspen Glen Bald Eagle nest to see if their young have hatched yet. We will be able to get quite close, so make sure to bring cameras.
Even in the midst of urban sprawl, wildlife can, if given the opportunity and the habitat, survive and even thrive. Join us for the amazing display of resilience and survival!
Meet at 5:30 p.m. Aspen Glen, Carbondale. Non-members: $5.00/Members: FREE
Registration is required and begins April 17th. Please call (970) 927-1290.
MAY 17TH, Thursday –HIGH ALTITUDE HERON WATCHING– Outside Aspen
James H. Smith Northstar Open space
Cost: FREE with underwriting from City of Aspen Parks & Open Space
Join Roaring Fork Conservancy and Aspen Parks for an evening of heron watching above 8,000 ft. One of the highest known colonies of nesting Great Blue Herons in Colorado call Northstar Open Space home. We’ll view the herons up-close with spotting scopes and binoculars. Please bring your own binoculars or spotting scope if you have them. Please dress appropriately, as this event will happen rain or shine.
Registration is required and opens April 26th. Please call (970) 927-1290.
Wildlife has long recognized the importance of the Northstar Nature preserve to their survival. Only recently, since the early 1990’s when a few citizen-scientists, including Linda Vidal, Heather Hopton, and Marcia Corbin, conducted wildlife monitoring studies at Northstar, did we humans come to appreciate the value of this landscape for wildlife. Their monitoring led to the protection of Northstar as a wildlife refuge for a large diversity of native wildlife including Great Blue Herons – an immense bird with a wingspan of nearly six feet. Northstar provides these herons with the food, nest sites, protective cover and the solitude they need to nest and successfully raise their young.
Great Blues arrive early in spring at Northstar to begin building their very large nests, laying eggs, and fledging their young. Witnessing these ancient rituals that ensure the species survival is truly an exciting privilege.
MAY 31ST, Thursday – MAROON CREEK WETLANDS – Outside Aspen
We will meet at the Aspen Golf Course Parking Lot at 7:00 a.m.
Cost is FREE with underwriting from City of Aspen Parks & Open Space
Registration is required and opens April 28th. Please call (970) 927-1290
Join Roaring Fork Audubon birders at Maroon Creek Wetland for a morning of viewing our feathered friends. Maroon Creek Wetland is a vibrant habitat for migratory birds during the early summer. Just some of the possibilities are Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Black-throated Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, American Dipper, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, and more. Also learn about the essential importance of the Maroon Wetland in Aspen’s storm water management program.
Appropriate for those 12 years and older. Please dress appropriately as this event will happen rain or shine.