The gorge of the Roaring Fork is an oasis of native habitat on open space properties that run the length of the river as it passes Red Butte and flows downstream through the deeply cut river gorge. Late August brings flocks of migrating songbirds through this area where they feed in food-rich mountain shrubland and riparian habitats. We will explore a loop route that descends into the gorge, follows the river, and climbs back up on gentle switchbacks. We will focus on female and juvenile hummingbirds, warbling vireos, tanagers, various warblers and sparrows, woodpeckers, kingfishers, dippers, herons, and more!
This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing.
Meeting location will be communicated in advance to registered participants.
In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails
Join us for a morning of birding in the spectacular lower gorge of the Roaring Fork River at Jaffee Park! Fall migration continues as warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and others move through our valley; meanwhile, many local resident birds gather into foraging flocks that are spectacles of activity and color. Here, in the deep river corridor, warblers and other songbirds feast on insect hatches, dippers and kingfishers feed in the river, and raptors soar overhead. We will walk an out-and-back route upstream on an old trail paralleling the river with views and access to the rushing water along the way. The walking surface will be mostly smooth and generally level, with a couple of optional, short, steeper sections to access the river. Our turn-around point will be below the Shale Bluffs, where the river has carved its way dramatically through this sedimentary formation, creating pools, cobble bars, side channels, and other interesting micro-habitat nooks. Fall foliage and the wild beauty of the river compliment this birding experience!
This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing.
Meeting location will be communicated in advance to registered participants.
In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails
Pockets of fall migration bird activity are exciting to find in the open landscape of the Moore Open Space, where clusters of native shrubs in perimeter areas and stands of trees provide excellent foraging and cover. Join us for a morning field trip to explore this special area that is a hotspot for mixed flocks of migrating songbirds.This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing.
Meeting location will be communicated in advance to registered participants.
Our Fall Migration Birding Series are in partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails and highlight and explore the diversity of bird life at different open space properties throughout the fall.
Please contact Aspen Center for Environmental Studies if you have any questions.