SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 4TH ANNUAL BUTTERFLY COUNT, PUEBLO MOUNTAIN PARK , Beulah, 9 am - Noon :  Mark Yaeger is conducting the Count a little later this year in hopes of seeing some different species.  This moderate hike on Park roads is easy and lots of fun.  Don't worry if you are unsure of your identification skills - that's Mark's job!  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy your mountain park during the compilation. 

Meet at Mountain Park Environmental Center (Horseshoe Lodge) in Pueblo Mountain Park , Beulah.  Check the Park's website - www.hikeandlearn.org - for directions and information about other fun, family-oriented activities. You may contact Mark at 545-8407 or 543-2724.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, WET MOUNTAIN VALLEY, LAKE DEWEESE SWA, 8 AM – 4 PM :  Jane Pedersen, Dave Silverman and Leon Bright will once again – for the 26^th consecutive year! – organize this very popular trip.

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 at Lake DeWeese SWA, travel to Westcliffe and head north on State Hwy 69.  At the north edge of town, turn right on the lake road and continue 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 shortgrass 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 the trip attracts a large number of participants, CARPOOLING IS ESSENTIAL DURING THE FIELD TRIP.  Contact Dave at 719-489-3565/silvireo@hotmail.com, Leon at 719-242-7394/urraca2@comcast.net and Jane at janelcsw@aol.com.