Open Space Fall Bird Migration Field Trip | Upper Roaring Gorge

In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails

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.

About the Instructor:

Rebecca Weiss is a Naturalist specializing in birding, botany, and interpretive program development. She came to ACES as a Summer Naturalist in 1993, and later directed the Naturalist Field School and worked with ACES’ Naturalist Programs. She guides for ACES’ Birding Program outings and is a professional writer and consultant. Rebecca is the author of Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. She holds a BS in Biology and a MA in Environmental Education, and loves exploring the natural world with her husband, Austin, and their children, Anders and Elsie.