SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, WET MOUNTAIN VALLEY, LAKE DEWEESE SWA, 8 AM – 4 PM: This continues to be one of the most popular trips on the schedule, year after year, thanks to organizers and leaders, Dave Silverman, Rye, Jane Pedersen, Durango, and Leon Bright, Pueblo. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to attend. Novices will find plenty of help from experienced birders who are happy to help identify birds and give tips on how to gain the most enjoyment from the trip. Several people usually bring scopes and allow others a close-up look. Participants may bird all day or however long they wish. All-day birders will probably see over 100 species.
To get to the meeting place, Lake DeWeese SWA (don’t forget your Habitat Stamp), travel to Westcliffe and head north on State Hwy 69. At the north edge of town, turn right on the
Lake
road and continue about four or five miles. Follow the pavement through the settlement until you reach the lake and parking area. The group will first scan the lake for waterfowl and shorebirds then check the riparian area below the dam for songbirds.
On the drive back to Westcliffe and lunch in the city park there, the group will view nearby short-grass prairie for sparrows and other birds of that habitat. In the afternoon the group will go a few miles north to check feeders and natural areas in the lower montane habitat.
Since this trip attracts a large number of participants, CARPOOLING IS ESSENTIAL DURING THE FIELD TRIP. Contact Dave, 719-489-3565 or silvireo@hotmail.com,
Leon
, 719-561-1108 or urraca2@comcast.net and Jane, janelcsw@aol.com.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, NATURE AND RAPTOR CENTER, 8 – 11 AM: The 4th Saturday Birdwalk begins at the parking lot of the
Nature
Center
, on
11th Street west
of
Pueblo Blvd.
Join an Audubon member for an easy stroll along the river trail. This is an excellent outing for families and beginning birders are especially encouraged to attend. There is no charge for the birdwalk, but there is a $3.00 parking fee. Contact Donna Emmons at 369-9704 or 676-5666 or the
Nature
Center
at 549-2414 or www.gncp.org