Pitkin County Open Space Birding at North Star Preserve 06/19/25

---

Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6:30am-9:30am
Weather: Sunny
Location: North Star Preserve, Aspen, CO

The cool, clear morning at North Star was filled with the activity of birds. Swallows were easy to observe, but we worked hard to get views of other birds that forage in the leafy vegetation. Our hard work paid off with special observations of cedar waxwings eating serviceberries, a red-naped sapsucker drumming on a hollow tree, and juvenile spotted sandpipers foraging on the sandy beaches. We also focused on a selection of sparrows with the excellent diversity and abundance found in the habitats of North Star: Lincoln’s Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow. We enjoyed watching swallows preening, warblers carrying caterpillars, and great blue herons flying along the base of Richmond Ridge. Other side highlights included the many tracks of elk and moose, several mule deer in the meadows, and scent mounds made by beavers. We discussed the values of open space that we had experienced this morning, and the current public input opportunity as Pitkin County seeks feedback pertaining to North Star, noting the sandwich board on site and the QR code for the survey. Join us next week for Morning Birding at Rock Bottom Ranch!

Species List: