Field Trips

If you are looking for current Field Trips you would like to participate in, please see the Calendar Page.

Field Trips General Information

Find info about upcoming field trips in the Calendar.

All field trips are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public. All experience levels are welcome. Bring snacks or lunch, water, binoculars, and spotting scopes. RSVP strongly encouraged.

Field Trip Reports

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2024 Field Trip Reports

Sunday, January 14

Bobcat Ridge Survey

Leader: Denise Bretting

A hardy group of 6 participated in the January 2024 survey. Temperatures ranged from -4 to 1 degrees. But conditions were lovely for a winter hike, and we saw 13 species, including a passel of American Tree Sparrows!

Saturday, January 20

Rigden Reservoir

Leader: Robert Beauchamp

Ten brave souls weathered the chilly temps on Saturday, January 20th during the Rigden Reservoir Bird Walk. The reservoir was 100% frozen with only one Canada Goose on the ice, so the group birded the riparian area along the Cache la Poudre river, which was still flowing with open water. The group observed 19 species; highlights included Goldeneye and Hooded Mergansers. We were treated to an American Dipper and two Wilson Snipe, all foraging together in a shallow area. It was fun to watch the dipper plunge into the river looking for food. The big treat of the morning was a female Long-tailed Duck mixed in with the Goldeneye.

goldeneye at Rigden Reservoir

2023 Field Trip Reports

Highlights from 2023 Recent Bobcat Ridge Surveys

Even though our monthly bird surveys at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area were interrupted several times this year by muddy trail conditions and flooding issues, we still saw some interesting birds there in 2023.

Our species counts for the seven surveys conducted at Bobcat Ridge this year range from a low of 13 to a high of 44. The 2020 Cameron Peak Fire took its toll – about 85% of the area was burned to some degree – and it’s been interesting to see how the vegetation and bird species and populations have returned or changed.

Interesting species seen this year are American Three-toed Woodpecker (November), Merlin (also Nov.), seven species of sparrows in September, not including towhees or a single Song Sparrow. One or more Northern Harriers have been seen lately. Dozens of American Tree Sparrows were counted in December and January, and dozens of Lark Sparrows are typically seen in August. Sage Thrashers are regular migrants in the fall. We often find Northern Shrikes in the winter. Canyon Wrens are a little harder to find (not sure why), as well as nuthatches and chickadees.

The property was purchased by the City of Fort Collins in 2003. Even before the property was open to the public, regular bird surveys (now sponsored by both the City and Fort Collins Audubon Society) have been conducted there. Results are sent to the City and in more recent years, are also reported on eBird.

Our survey usually takes from three to four hours. Our “regular” route is about 4.5 miles long – we follow part of the Loop Trail, but have a short moderately steep section on the Power Line Trail. These surveys are open to those of any birding level – more eyes and ears are always welcome. And registration is not capped or limited to FCAS members, as we can spread out along the trail as we go. So long as the trails are open, we conduct these surveys in almost any weather conditions. Come join us some time!

2022 Field Trip Reports

Feb. 7, Arapahoe Bend Natural Area.

Monday February 7

Leader: Nolan Bunting

It was a quiet trip with not many birds. Highlights included Common Goldeneyes, Black-capped Chickadees, a Red-tailed Hawk, and a flying Greater Scaup.

2021 Field Trip Reports

Riverbend Ponds

Saturday November 13

Leader: Nolan Bunting

Twelve species, but over 600 birds. Highlights for the trip were by far the number of hybrids with-in the flock. This included three Canada/Cackling X Ross’s/Snow Geese, and a Ross’s X Snow Goose hybrid. There were also shovelers, teal, coots, and other waterfowl. Good migration location.

Fossil Creek Reservoir

Sunday, November 7

Leader: Sirena Brownlee

Twenty-six species, including Goldeneye, Buffleheads, and American White Pelicans. The waterfowl were very active, and the weather was perfect.

Loveland Lakes area

Sunday, October 24

Leader: Nick Komar

A fantastic trip around the many water features of Loveland. The greatest highlight of the trip was a rare Arctic Tern migrating through Horseshoe Reservoir on its way south to Antarctica.

Well Gulch Trail-Lory State Park

Saturday, October 16

Leader: Nolan Bunting

Eleven species; highlights included a Great Horned Owl being scolded by a Prairie Falcon and flock of Black-billed Magpies. The trail was quiet at the start of the hike picking up as the sun rose into the gulch.

Dixon Reservoir/Pineridge Natural Area

Date: Saturday, Sept. 18,

Leader: Sirena Brownlee.

Saw 23 species; high-lights included Blue-gray Gnat-catcher and three species of war-blers.

Pinewood Reservoir/Ramsay Shockey Open Space

Date: Friday, Sept. 24,

Leader: Denise Bretting

Well Gulch Trail, Lory State Park.

Saturday, Oct. 16,

Leader: Nolan Bunting

Saw 11 species; high-lights included a Great Horned Owl being scolded by a Prairie Falcon, and flock of Black-billed Magpies. The trail was really quiet at the start of the hike, picking up as the sun rose into the gulch.

2018 Field Trip Reports

Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: June 2, 2018

Observers: Patricia Cohn, Barbara Jones, Irene Fortune, Diane Kristoff, Christine and Richard Sparks, and Ron Harden

On June 2, FCAS members enjoyed a beautiful morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The group visited the high altitude tundra, down through the sub-alpine and into the montane forests, after starting at the lower altitude Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

On the tundra, no Ptarmigan were found, but Brown-capped Rosy-Finches were watched foraging, as were American Pipit, White-crowned Sparrow, and Horned Lark. Descending in altitude, the succession of first sightings were: Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Robin, Mountain Bluebird, Common Raven, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Tanager, Turkey Vulture, Warbling Vireo, House Wren, Western Wood-PeWee, Steller's Jay, Dusky Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Mountain Chickadee, Red-naped Sapsucker, Pine Siskin, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Wild Turkey, Red-tailed Hawk, Tree Swallow, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Black-billed Magpie, and White-breasted Nuthatch.

2017 Field Trip Reports

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: December 10, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 12

Highlights: The weather on this day was spectacular, and a good hike was enjoyed by all. But a long stretch of calm weather throughout the area may have kept winter migrants at bay, after most of the fall migrants had already flown south, so the bird diversity was unusually low. The usual host of corvids, chickadees, and nuthatches were as entertaining as always. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41017453.

Loveland Area Lakes

Date: November 18, 2017

Leader: Michael Costello

Other attendees: 5

Highlights: This group visited many area lakes in a single day in pursuit of ducks, geese, gulls, and whatever else was present. Over the course of the day they saw all five of the geese species that are seen annually in Larimer County (Cackling, Canada, Greater White-fronted, Ross’s, and Snow) and a variety of duck species. They also found six(!) gull species at Horseshoe Reservoir, including a rare Glaucous-winged Gull, as indicated on this checklist of observations: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40593827.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: November 12, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 13

Highlights: Two Golden-crowned Kinglets may have been the highlight of this survey. Other species observed included a Golden Eagle, three Red Crossbills, and a flock of Bushtits. As usual at Bobcat Ridge, a large group attended, giving people a chance to make or renew friendships with fellow birders. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40483287.

Fossil Creek Reservoir

Date: October 14, 2017

Leader: Sirena Brownlee

Other attendees: 8

Highlights: High winds made for poor viewing conditions, but fortunately there was a good diversity of species hunkered down in nearshore areas, including Northern Pintails and Redheads. A checklist is not available online.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: October 8, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 7

Highlights: The timing was perfect to see Mountain Bluebirds (35 of them!) migrating down from higher elevations. Pygmy Nuthatches (20) were also abundant. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39850344.

Eagle’s Nest Open Space

Date: September 16, 2017

Leader: John Shenot

Other attendees: 4

Highlights: Bad weather – rain, and lots of it – preceded this field trip. Fortunately, the rain stopped before the hike started, though it was unseasonably cold and menacing clouds filled the sky. Those who took the chance were treated to a Bald Eagle flying low overhead, a Common Nighthawk flying below the observers, a calling Golden Eagle, and another bout of pounding rain that nearly made the trail impassible. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39221405.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: September 10, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 17

Highlights: Several unexpected species turned up today. Most surprising, without question, was an Eastern Phoebe. This was the first time this species has been observed on one of our monthly surveys at this location. Also observed were two Lark Buntings, which are more typically seen in the extensive grasslands east and north of Fort Collins. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39120932.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: August 13, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 11

Highlights: Attendees on this field trip enjoyed seeing a group of 8 Wild Turkeys, a Calliope Hummingbird, and some 40 other bird species. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38647704.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: July 9, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 12

Highlights: If variety is the spice of life, this was a very spicy day – 60 bird species were observed in one morning. Among the many highlights were a Prairie Falcon, Virginia’s Warblers, Cordilleran Flycatchers, and Grasshopper Sparrows. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38067264.

Pawnee National Grasslands

Date: June 17, 2017

Leader: Bill Miller

Other attendees: 11

Highlights: This annual field trip is often a scorching hot affair, but this time it was actually pretty cool. So that would be nice, except it also turned out to be less “birdy” than previous trips to the Pawnee. The Burrowing Owls were not emerging from their burrows, but the group did see three Ferruginous Hawks as the highlight of the day. A checklist is not available.

Lily Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: June 13, 2017

On June 3, 13 FCAS participants enjoyed a beautiful morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. They visit-ed Lily Lake on the east side of the park, then walked the Matthews/Reeser Trail along Lake Estes in Estes Park.

Bird species observed were: Song Sparrow, Ringnecked Duck, Wilson's Warbler, Hammond's Flycatcher, Sora, Chipping Sparrow, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Common Raven, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Tanager (heard), Mallard, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Along with the bird species seen, Muskrat, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, and Colorado Chipmunk also were viewed.

Ring-necked Duck by Ron Harden

Ring-necked Duck by Ron Harden

Violet-green Swallow by Ron Harden

Violet-green Swallow by Ron Harden

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: June 11, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 16

Highlights: The group on this trip managed to find a Broad-tailed Hummingbird on a nest, a difficult and rewarding task! They also observed three of our most colorful foothills species – Bullock’s Orioles, Lazuli Buntings, and Yellow-breasted Chats. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37850945.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: May 14, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 21

Highlights: Ahhh, spring migration! After years of monthly surveys at this location, this survey group was the first ever to observe a Great Crested Flycatcher. They also observed a Lewis’s Woodpecker, a ridiculous number (20!) of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and more than 50 other species. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36864183.

Running Deer and Cottonwood Hollow Natural Areas

Date: May 12, 2017

Leader: Sirena Brownlee

Other attendees: 9

Highlights: Attendees on this Friday afternoon field trip enjoyed a Happy Hour or two. The group saw Cinnamon Teal, dozens of White-faced Ibis, American Avocets, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36777025.

Colorado State Forestry Service Nursery

Date: May 6, 2017

Leader: John Shenot

Other attendees: 16

Highlights: What a difference a week makes! After our last snow-packed field trip, this one was warm and sunny. The group got great looks at three species of hawks (Red-tailed, Broad-winged, and Cooper’s), and heard Sora calling from a small marshy area. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36589873.

Sunrise Ranch

Date: April 29, 2017

Leader: John Shenot

Other attendees: 1

Highlights: This trip did not go as planned. An unexpectedly heavy snowstorm arrived overnight and continued through the early part of the day. Most of the likely attendees had the good sense to stay home, and Michael Costello, who was to lead the trip, greeted just two people – then announced that he had severe back pain and couldn’t lead. The two attendees discussed going home, as the snow continued to fall, but decided to tough it out. John, who was familiar with the Ranch trails, filled in as guide. Eventually, the weather cleared up and the two intrepid birders got a rare treat, watching a Peregrine Falcon chase (unsuccessfully) a Willet over Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36392114.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: April 9, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 20

Highlights: This month’s survey encountered the “usual suspects” for this location at this time of year, and not much else. One theory is that the abundant Western Meadowlarks (55 of them?!), scared away or ATE a bunch of rare species that would have been seen had the group come one day earlier. It’s just a theory. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S35846598.

Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area

Date: March 18, 2017

Leader: John Shenot

Other attendees: 10

Highlights: The weather was spectacular, the Western Meadowlarks were singing their hearts out, and the ducks – 11 species of ducks – were abundant. Great Blue Herons had settled into their rookery near the east blind. Spring was definitely in the air! A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S35254709.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: March 12, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 14

Highlights: In Colorado, you often hear about bluebird skies. Well, I don’t think this is what the phrase means but it sure is cool: the group on this field trip observed about 200 Mountain Bluebirds, plus a couple of Western Bluebirds thrown in for good measure. High winds probably reduced the chances to see other birds, but 200 bluebirds? Seriously? That’s a good day!!! A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S35135977.

Jackson Reservoir State Park

Date: February 25, 2017

Leader: Austin Hess

Other attendees: 3

Highlights: The weather was much more winter than hoped-for early spring, but as usual this hotspot did not disappoint. The group found around 30 Bald Eagles, a Cedar Waxwing pair with the male feeding the female, a Rough-legged Hawk, a nice duck diversity, around 30 Wild Turkeys (outside of the State Park), and 3 early migrant American White Pelicans. A complete checklist of observations inside the park is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S34788232.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: February 12, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 18

Highlights: As in January, the highlight of this month’s survey was once again an American Woodcock that continued to be seen throughout January and February. Well, that was the rarest bird anyway. High numbers of corvids also made the outing special: dozens of Steller’s Jays and even more Clark’s Nutcrackers, along with a scattering of Common Ravens, American Crows, Blue Jays, Black-billed Magpies, and Woodhouse’s Scrub-jays. Hitting double digits (10) on Cassin’s Finches rounded out the day. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S34325721.

Running Deer and Cottonwood Hollow Natural Areas

Date: January 28, 2017

Leader: John Shenot

Other attendees: 9

Highlights: Things were a little slower than usual at this natural area, due to less open water that is normal even for January. Still, the group got superb views of adult and juvenile Bald Eagles, and a Northern Shrike proved to be a “life bird” for some of the attendees. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S33986560.

Bobcat Ridge Monthly Survey

Date: January 8, 2017

Leader: Denise Bretting

Other attendees: 10

Highlights: Finding 29 species in one location can be a challenge in January, but despite the great variety of birds there can be no mistaking the highlight of this trip. The group was treated to views of an American Woodcock, for which there are very few historical records in Northern Colorado. This is the third January in a row that Woodcocks have been seen at Bobcat Ridge. Two individuals were observed. A complete checklist of observations is available here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S33548079.

See Ptarmigan for more information.