BCAS Articles
April Nature Almanac: March Snows Nourish Fields of Wildflowers
When 2-5 feet of snow fell on Boulder County's foothills and mountains during the second week of March, local wildflower-lovers jumped with joy.
Teen Naturalists: Arthropods at the Butterfly Pavillion
Entomologist Francisco Garcia took the group into the collection room to show us how the staff at the Pavilion manages and cares for a large collection of arthropods from all over the world.
Conservation Corner Updates
Updates on 79th Street Tennis Facility, East Boulder Creek Site Management Plan, NOCO Places, and the Boulder County Weed Management Plan.
Catios as Outdoor Enrichment for Indoor Cats
The significance of enriched environments for indoor cats cannot be overstated. Catios, or cat enclosures, provide a sanctuary where cats can indulge their curiosity and natural behaviors in a controlled environment.
March Nature Almanac: Soaring Into Spring on a Turkey Vulture’s Wing
A hulking black bird associated with carrion is not what most people think of as a harbinger of spring. Nevertheless, the return of Turkey Vultures brings excitement to winter-weary Colorado birders.
February Nature Almanac: Cavity-Nesting Ducks Take to Front Range Woodlands
Fifty years ago, some of us would have driven miles to see courting mergansers, and Wood Ducks were considered uncommon in Boulder County. What has changed?
East Boulder Creek Management Plan - County Commissioner Update
On Thursday, January 25, in a victory for the wildlife and habitats in Prairie Run Open Space, the Commissioners directed County staff to change the plan to remove all trails and amenities from the species-rich northeast section of the area, which means that area will not be opened to public access, and to prohibit dogs on the entire property.
BCAS and CARRI Investigating Local Kestrel Population Decline
Collective data indicate a long-term and widespread decline of American Kestrel populations, including in Boulder County. To supplement investigations occurring in different parts of the U.S., Boulder County Audubon is teaming with and supporting the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute to investigate the local decline in our American Kestrel population.
Boulder Bobcats
Many people get excited about mountain lions, but you may want to keep your eyes peeled to see a bobcat.
Final Comment Opportunity! County Commissioners Public Comment and Approval: East Boulder Creek Site Management Plan
Boulder County Commissioners are accepting public comments prior to and at their upcoming meeting at 9:30 on January 25. You can provide written comments until Wednesday January 24 at noon, and/or register to speak in person or on Zoom at the meeting.
January Nature Almanac: It’s a Mouse, It’s a Bird, It’s a BROWN CREEPER!
The herky-jerky climbing actions of this bird makes us think of a little mouse scrambling up a tree. A glance in the field guide confirms its identity as the appropriately named Brown Creeper.
Teen Naturalists Winter Raptor Survey Results
We did achieve a new high for raptors on this particular survey; capped by a ferruginous hawk who soared in from the north and circled over the parking lot.
Christmas Bird Counts are for Everyone
Christmas Bird Counts welcome new birders. Ashley Meadows, with Audubon Rockies, wrote about being a new birder on her first Christmas Bird Count as part of the Boulder circle. Ashely also shares tips for enjoying any Christmas Bird Count.
December Nature Almanac: Sage—A Symbol for the Season but not for Seasoning
All the various sage species (Artemisia sp.) emit a mouth-watering scent, but they are not the herb for seasoning meats.
Citation of Oakleigh Thorne II – BCAS Lifetime Achievement Award
Wonder and respect for the Earth have been lifelong guideposts for Dr. Oakleigh Thorne II. Across a career of seven decades, he has worked to mobilize people and communities to protect natural places.
November Nature Almanac: Courtship!
“Why are Great Horned Owls hooting so much”. Courtship is the simple answer, even if it seems premature during these first cold days and nights of the winter season.
City Open Space Board of Trustees: Will YOU help guide the City’s Open Space System into the future?
Chances are that you’ve enjoyed OSMP trails and the native wildlife OSMP supports! Are you ready to give back and take a more active role in guiding its future? If so, consider applying for appointment to the Open Space Board of Trustees.
Owl Banding with Scott Rashid
“We’ve got one in the net…let’s move!” We were there at a BCAS Interludes with Nature workshop to observe small mountain owls up close as they were captured and banded for research purposes.
Your Voice is Needed! Final Survey: East Boulder Creek Site Management Plan
Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS) is creating a management plan for the East Boulder Creek (EBC) site. You can provide valuable feedback in Survey 3 by October 29.