Windstar Ranch
Date: Monday, May 20, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Park & Ride at the intersection of Highway 82 and Snowmass Creek Road/Capitol Creek Road (across Snowmass Creek Road from the Conoco). Google Maps; https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ke4g2Y9bCAN4FTb57.

Trip leader: Chris Daniels
Reservation: email Chris at chris.daniels@gmail.com

Description: This is a mellow hike along an old roadbed and trail at the Windstar Ranch in Snowmass. There is some up and down with about 500’ of elevation gain over our 4.5-mile loop. The varied, fantastic habitat includes juniper, oak, aspen, a riparian stream, a pond and sage meadow. Forty-five species have been documented here during a single spring outing and include Wilson’s Snipes; Plumbeous Vireos; Bushtits; Rock Wrens; Blue-gray Gnatcatchers; Brewer’s, Lark and Vesper Sparrows; Virginia’s Warblers; Bullock’s Orioles and more. View Field Trip Guidelines

Basalt Mountain Ditch Trail
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Location: Basalt Mountain parking lot (or in Carbondale at 6:30 a.m.)

Trip Leaders: Mary Harris and George Waaler
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: This is a very fun and birdy walk through a mix of habitats. We’ll try to top our record of 35 species in 3 hours! From the large parking area, we walk mostly downhill about 2.5 miles then uphill about .5 mile on the way back. We’ll look for Western Tanagers, Dusky and Olive-sided Flycatchers, House Wrens, Cassin’s Finches, Lincoln’s Sparrows, Violet-green and Tree Swallows, MacGillivray’s and Yellow Warblers and Plumbeous Vireos. Let Mary know if you need a binocular. View Field Trip Guidelines

Sutey Ranch
Date: Friday, May 24, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Meet at Sutey Ranch parking area off Garfield County Road 112. Contact trip leader for detailed directions if necessary.

Trip leader: Mark Fuller
Reservation: email Mark at fulcon@comcast.net

Description: Sutey Ranch is a former homestead that is now the site of a variety of habitats including open meadows, pinyon/juniper woodlands and sagebrush flats. We will follow old ranch roads and irrigation trails on a circuit of approximately 1.5 miles around the main area where we will see swallows, sparrows, jays, raptors, flycatchers and nuthatches. The walking will be fairly flat with some gentle ups and downs. The area can get quite warm, so dress accordingly and bring plenty of water! View Field Trip Guidelines

Spring Bird Count!
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: To be determined according to which group you choose. Trip leader may change the meeting time.

Trip leader: Depends on your group
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: This important, and fun, citizen-science count has been a Roaring Fork Audubon tradition for 39 years. This count is open to all valley residents and friends. Count areas will depend on how many leaders we have up and down the valley. If you are interested, please sign up; and we will work out the logistics. As far as birds we may find; almost anything is possible! View Field Trip Guidelines

Janeway and Avalanche Road Mixed Habitats Near Redstone
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Carbondale’s large dirt parking lot on Colorado Avenue between Town Hall and the Colorado Place Condos or at Avalanche Road

Trip leaders: Mary Harris and George Waaler
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: The first portion of this trip is part of RFA’s survey of the Crystal River corridor. We hope to stop a proposed development in important mammal-migration and bird-breeding and migration areas. We will start by walking north along the riparian area on a short, one-mile-round-trip trail looking for breeding American Kestrels, multiple woodpecker species, Virginia’s Warblers, Band-tailed Pigeons, Lazuli Buntings and more. We will then head up the dirt road stopping along the way in the changing habitats. Multiple habitats mean many species, especially in spring. This is a good opportunity to study the differences between Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers; and we may see Cassin’s Finches, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Tanagers, American Robins and Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. Let Mary know if you need a binocular. View Field Trip Guidelines

Triangle Peak Trail near Woody Creek
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: From Aspen, drive on Highway 82 towards Glenwood Springs and turn right on Gerbaz Way (4.5 miles past Brush Creek Road). Turn right onto Lower River Road. The small parking area is immediately on the left.

Trip leader: Chris Daniels
Reservation: email Chris at chris.daniels@gmail.com

Description: A steep hike up a trail and roadbed will lead us into excellent habitat for a variety of warblers starting with Black-throated Gray, then Virginia’s, MacGillivray’s, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned. We may also encounter Dusky Towhees, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and more. Wear sturdy shoes and warm layers, and bring water and snacks. Expect a hike climbing a steep roadbed with loose gravel for 2.5-3 miles and 2,000’ of elevation gain (for a 5- to 6-mile round trip) as we climb through different habitats listening for and spotting birds. Many people appreciate hiking poles for the way down this trail. This is a great opportunity to explore the south-facing habitats in the Roaring Fork Valley. View Field Trip Guidelines

Glassier Open Space
Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Parking lot at beginning of Hooks Spur Road in Basalt

Trip leader: Mark Fuller
Reservation: email Mark at fulcon@comcast.net

Description: This trip will start on the Rio Grande trail and traverse ranch meadows up to the oak scrub and pinyon/juniper woodlands at the base of The Crown. We are likely to see a variety of meadow and woodland birds including meadowlarks, swallows, buntings and raptors. Sandhill Cranes, Saw-whet Owls and Bobolinks have been seen in this area recently; so anything it possible! View Field Trip Guidelines

Glenwood Springs, Grizzly Creek, Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers and 3 Mile and 4 Mile to Babbish Gulch
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: 7:30 a.m.

Meeting location: Veltus Park, Glenwood Springs

Trip leader: Kendall Christianson
Reservation: email Kendall at kjcchickadee53@gmail.com

Description: We will go to Veltus Park, Grizzly and No Name Creeks, along the river in Glenwood and lunch (BYO) at my house and then 3 Mile Road and 4 Mile Road to Babbish Gulch. View Field Trip Guidelines

Wagon Wheel Trail
Participate in Roaring Fork Audubon’s ongoing survey in our attempts to protect the great natural habitat along the Wagon Wheel Trail toward McClure Pass.

Date: Monday, June 3, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Carbondale’s large dirt parking lot on Colorado Avenue between Town Hall and the Colorado Place Condos

Trip leader: Mary Harris and George Waaler
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: See why this trail needs protection from proposed development. After meeting in the parking lot, we can carpool and drive along 133 almost to the Marble turnoff. We will shuttle to the top of McClure’s Pass and stroll back down about 2.5 miles. Time permitting, we will make stops on the way back to Carbondale. We may see Western Tanagers, Dusky Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Orange-crowned Warblers and more. We have found Purple Martins, Olive-sided Flycatchers, Lazuli Buntings and Black-chinned Hummingbirds in this habitat. Let Mary know if you need a binocular. View Field Trip Guidelines

Difficult Wetlands, Road and Campground
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Parking area at entrance to Difficult Campground on Highway 82

Trip leader: Catherine Hagen
Reservation: email Catherine at seaweedzg@hotmail.com

Description: Cottonwood, aspen, conifer and willow habitats attract Great Blue Herons (nesting), hawks, woodpeckers, swallows, vireos, flycatchers, thrushes, sparrows, warblers, wrens and more. View Field Trip Guidelines

Private Property near El Jebel
Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting location: El Jebel, NAPA Parking Lot

Trip leader: Mark Fuller
Reservation: email Mark at fulcon@comcast.net

Description: This private property in El Jebel includes a number of ponds and a variety of shrub, forest and recently-burned habitats. We will look for a variety of waterfowl and forest and riparian species including raptors, wading birds and warblers. This trip is subject to change due to the private nature of the property. View Field Trip Guidelines

Bear Gulch
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Carbondale’s large dirt parking lot on Colorado Avenue between Town Hall and the Colorado Place Condos

Trip leaders: Mary Harris and George Waaler
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: This quiet trail has an annual visit of only 2.2 persons a day and is under threat of development into a high- use bike trail. This is why it’s part of RFA’s ongoing survey project, and we would like you to join us. The animal species that require this habitat gem need to be protected. The birds that breed here include a mix of Watch List Species: Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds; Lincoln’s Sparrows; Swainson’s Thrushes; Western Tanagers; Steller’s Jays; Lazuli Buntings; MacGillivray’s, Yellow-rumped, Yellow and Virginia’s Warblers and many more. Let Mary know if you need a binocular. View Field Trip Guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Sweetwater
Date: Monday, June 24, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting location: To be determined

Trip leaders: Dee Malone and Mary Harris
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: Sweetwater Lake is one of the last best places in Colorado. A natural lake at the base of steep cliffs that are surrounded by a mosaic of aspen, Douglas fir, sage and oak shrublands creates a diverse landscape for a rich community of birds. RFA has been surveying this hidden gem for more than two years. We have documented nesting Bald Eagles; Peregrine Falcons; Ospreys; White-throated Swifts; Gray Catbirds; Virginia’s and Yellow Warblers; Fox, Song and Vesper Sparrows; Violet-green Swallows; Rock Wrens; Great Blue Herons and a mix of waterfowl and shorebirds. It is also habitat for Golden Eagles; American Goshawks; and Cooper’s, Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawks. We are working with the local residents to help protect their way of life and the essential breeding habitat for many species. Unfortunately, Sweetwater Lake is threatened with development of a large campground facility that would bring hundreds of users to this now quiet refuge for wildlife, many of them boating directly under nesting Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles. RFA will provide binoculars and a scope. There will be light walking, and all logistics will evolve as trip date nears. Sweetwater Lake is about 1.5 hours from Glenwood Springs. Email Mary or Dee (delia.malone@gmail.com) with any questions or concerns. View Field Trip Guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Burlingorge Trail
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Aspen Airport Business Center. Turn north at Highway 82 light. Take immediate right turn and follow past Louis Swiss Bakery to gate across road. Park on road where permitted.

Trip leader: Catherine Hagen
Reservation: email Catherine at seaweedzg@hotmail.com

Description: This is a descent to the river through scrub oak, cottonwood, aspen, conifer and willow habitats and can attract Great Blue Herons, hawks, swallows, Western Tanagers, American Dippers, vireos, flycatchers, sparrows, warblers, wrens and more. View Field Trip Guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Basalt Mountain Ditch Trail
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Location: Basalt Mountain parking lot (or in Carbondale at 6:30 a.m.)

Trip Leaders: Mary Harris and George Waaler
Reservation: email Mary at smnharris@gmail.com

Description: This is a very fun and birdy walk through mixed habitats. We’ll try to top our record of 35 species in 3 hours! From the large parking area, we walk mostly downhill about 2.5 miles then uphill about .5 mile on the way back. We’ll look for Western Tanagers, Dusky and Olive-sided Flycatchers, House Wrens, Cassin’s Finches, Lincoln’s Sparrows, Violet-green and Tree Swallows, MacGillivray’s and Yellow Warblers and Plumbeous Vireos. Let Mary know if you need a binocular. View Field Trip Guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Yule Creek
Date: July 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Town of Marble Mill Site parking area.

Trip leader: Dee Malone
Reservation: email Dee at deliamalone@earthlink.net

Description: Our walk to Yule Creek begins on the very steep Yule Creek Trail through spruce-fir forest topping out after about one mile to the Yule Creek Valley where broad willow carrs dominate the glacially sculpted valley. A mosaic of habitats provides the template for a wide diversity of bird species from Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Pine Grosbeaks in the spruce-fir forests to Wilson’s Warblers in willow carrs and more! View Field Trip Guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Independence Pass Ptarmigan
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meeting location: Independence Pass parking lot

Trip Leader: Chris Daniels
Reservation: email Chris at chris.daniels@gmail.com.

Description: We will take our chances on finding White-tailed Ptarmigans at Independence Pass. White-tailed Ptarmigans are the only birds in North America that spend their entire life cycle in the alpine tundra. They’re notoriously hard to find due to their excellent camouflage, and Independence Pass is one of the best places in Colorado to try for them. Expect a 3- to 4-mile hike on uneven trail above tree line at high altitude (entirely above 12,000’). Wear warm layers and sturdy shoes; and bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and poles if you wish. We will stop at Difficult Campground on the return to Aspen for some different birds. View Field Trip Guidelines at the bottom of this page.