Celebration at Bent’s Old Fort

     The Staff at Bent’s Old Fort and the Bent’s Old Fort Historical Association will join forces to present a full day of programs on April 12, beginning at 8:00 a.m. with an early morning bird walk lead by AVAS member Dave Johnson.

     At 10:00 there will be a demonstration of fly-fishing using antique equipment. At 1:00 the Pueblo Raptor Center will put on a demonstration using birds of prey under their care. At 2:00 there will be a topographic demonstration showing how the West was mapped in the 1840’s.   Of course, there is the spectacular Fort itself, which will be open from 9:00 to 4:00. Costumed historical interpreters will be available throughout the day. Guided tours will be given at 10:30 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. People choosing to remain after the bird walk will be asked to pay the regular entrance fee of $3.00 per adult, $2.00 per child ages 6-12. All national park passes are recognized.

APRIL FIELD TRIPS

by Margie Joy

     Spring migration will be well under way in April. AVAS has scheduled two field trips to give birders lots of opportunities to enjoy the show.

Saturday, April 12

Bent’s Old Fort and Points East

     AVAS will lead an early morning bird walk sponsored by the Bent’s Old Fort Historical Association from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (See the related story on page 3). This  is one of the few places in the state where the black rail has been spotted, and a good place to see other eastern Colorado specialties.

     Meet field trip leader Dave Johnson at the parking lot at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, located 7 miles east of La Junta on Colo. Hwy. 194.

   The bird walk only is open to the public and an entrance fee will not be required. Following the walk at the fort, the AVAS trip will continue east to the Fort Lyon State Wildlife Area and the north side of John Martin Reservoir. Bring your lunch if you plan to bird the entire day.

Saturday, April 26.

Bird & Bag, Valco Ponds State Wildlife Area

     Celebrate the birthday of John James Audubon by helping clean up our adopted wildlife area. Please meet Margie Joy at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot at Valco Ponds, just west of Pueblo on Hwy. 96. We will pick up trash (bags will be provided) and look for spring migrants until 11:00.

Colfax County (NM) Birding Trip

     AVAS member Dave Cleary of Maxwell, NM invites southern Colorado birders, both novices and experienced, to participate in his trip on April 19. He will visit Cimarrón Canyon, Eagle’s Nest Lake and Palo Flechado Pass.

     Meet at the Visitors’ Center Kiosk on US 64 in Cimarrón at 7:30 a.m. Bring a sack lunch for this full day outing.

     Notify Dave of your intention to go by calling (505) 375-2971.

FEBRUARY FIELD TRIP            

REPORT                                                               

                                                                                                                             [Harris’s Sparrow       SeEtta Moss]

     AVAS joined with the Aiken Audubon Society in sponsoring a field trip to the Canon City area on February 22. Participants ranged in age from 8 to a lady in her 80s and included two first time birders. Led by SeEtta Moss, the twelve participants birded the eastern section of the Cañon City Riverwalk, the Cañon City Valco Ponds, Tunnel Drive, the Gold Belt Tour area north of town and as well as a residential area. The weather and birds were cooperative with temperatures rising to the fifties and all target species seen with a total species count of 31.

     Highlights included a Lesser Goldfinch, a flock of about 35 turkeys, one Rufous-crowned Sparrow with good views by most participants and two Harris’s Sparrows who perched close together.  The Harris’s Sparrows, first-winter birds that have been seen since December, apparently felt they were hidden in a thicket and allowed quite close views by all participants.  Other notable birds seen were six or so each of both Common and Hooded Mergansers, one Hairy Woodpecker, four Redheads (ducks), three American Dippers, and about six Canyon Towhees.