ACES – Pitkin County Open Space Birding 9/10/2025

Birding in the gorge of the Roaring Fork River is always a special treat, and the reach of the river going upstream from Jaffee Park is especially interesting because of the rugged course of the river below the shale bluffs and the rich ecosystems there. We began with a few western wood-pewees, chickadees, and robins, finding increasing bird activity as we walked upriver. Steller’s jays flew across the river and among the tall trees on both sides. Dippers sang and called from the river, a few of which were juvenile birds with buff-edged plumage. By mid-morning when the thermals had developed, we observed kettling turkey vultures that gained altitude in a rising column of warm air and they flew off in various directions. A couple of red-tailed hawks were active between the river canyon and the uplands on both sides of the valley. We found just one yellow-rumped warbler, a species that is usually present in good numbers as they fly-catch from the riparian canopy. Our last bird was an olive-sided flycatcher, identified by its large size, dark gray plumage, and bright white throat and “shirt.” Fall migration continues to bring interesting species through our area; join us on upcoming Tuesdays for more birding through the fall season!