Pitkin County Open Space Birding | Jaffee Park

In partnership with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails

Join ACES for a morning of birding in the spectacular lower gorge of the Roaring Fork River at Jaffee Park! Fall migration continues as warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and others move through our valley; meanwhile, many local resident birds gather into foraging flocks that are spectacles of activity and color. Here, in the deep river corridor, warblers and other songbirds feast on insect hatches, dippers and kingfishers feed in the river, and raptors soar overhead. The group will walk an out-and-back route upstream on an old trail paralleling the river with views and access to the rushing water along the way. The walking surface will be mostly smooth and generally level, with a couple of optional, short, steeper sections to access the river. The turn-around point will be below the Shale Bluffs, where the river has carved its way dramatically through this sedimentary formation, creating pools, cobble bars, side channels, and other interesting micro-habitat nooks. Fall foliage and the wild beauty of the river compliment this birding experience!

This class requires advanced registration to ensure appropriate planning for the field experience. Participants must register by 5pm on the day prior to the outing.

Meeting location will be communicated in advance to registered participants.