Harriers, flycatchers, and various sparrows forage at the edges of expansive grassy meadows intersected by willow thickets and creeks on the open space at Ranch at Roaring Fork. Stands of cottonwoods provide the structure and high canopy preferred by vireos and nuthatches, while waterfowl, herons and kingfishers use the ponds, waterways and riverfront shores. Fall also brings occasional highlights to this landscape such as merlins or Townsend’s warblers. This outing is a hiking experience on the extensive trails in this bird-rich section of the valley. We will explore at a “birding pace” and enjoy what awaits!

Meeting spot will be communicated with registered participants, but will be at or near Ranch at Roaring Fork in Carbondale.

This class requires advance registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience.

Birders of all experience levels are welcome!

About the Instructor:

Rebecca Weiss is a birding guide and naturalist with thirty years of experience in the Aspen area and Colorado’s mountain regions. She is author of the local guidebook, Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley and the primary guide for ACES’ Birding Program. She is a certified interpretive guide and holds a BS in Biology and a MA in Education. Rebecca’s professional background includes bird banding, field research, and conservation writing as well as outdoor education, program administration, and guide training. Past employers and affiliations include the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Outward Bound, and the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab.