Adopt a species and enjoy a gourmet interlude with nature!
We had a great time wining and dining and searching for threatened species last year during our first Species of Concern-a-thon, so please consider joining us for a trip this year. Pledges support Boulder County Audubon efforts to preserve habitat for birds of special concern. Board members provide gourmet food and refreshments for each trip. Participants receive updates on nesting status of these locally threatened species. Thanks for your support!
Adoptable Species of Concern and Schedule of Trips:
- American Bittern (isolated and restricted) and Green Heron with Petrea Mah. Sunday, May 23, 6-10 a.m. Relax in the early morning quiet and listen for the intriguing call of the American Bittern as we stroll among Walden and Sawhill ponds. Observe the silent work of Great Blue Herons on nests with their young while keeping an eye out for rare Green Herons. Waterbirds abound here, and their cries and songs will provide perfect mood music for a brunch created by a professional chef. 303-494-4121; petreamah@comcast.net. Suggested pledge: $40. Limited to 10 participants.
- Bobolinks (isolated and restricted) and other rare finds, with Linda Andes-Georges, Saturday, May 29, 6-11 a.m. One of the best singers of the "blackbird" family, and one of the spiffiest with its backwards tuxedo and creamy beret, the Bobolink’s range generally goes no farther west than Boulder County. Enjoy a catered (nibbles and sparkly refreshments) trip to search for this species of concern in Boulder's sweet grassy meadows, amid the song of meadowlarks and migrating sparrows. andesgeorges@comcast.net. Suggested pledge: $40. Limited to 12 participants.
- Bald Eagle (isolated and restricted) with Steve Jones.
Sunday, May 30, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We'll get clear views
of nesting Bald Eagles in Weld County, then continue to
Barr Lake for a sumptuous brunch and a walk along the
marsh boardwalk. We will also review the history and status of Bald Eagles in Boulder County and eastern Colorado. 303-494-2468; curlewsj@comcast.net. Suggested
pledge: $50. Limited to 8 participants. - Red in Beak and Claw with Linda Andes-Georges, Saturday, June 19. This night-and-day raptor hunt is a family friendly field trip (if the kids can be very quiet and sneaky and stay up until 9 p.m), beginning with a catered dessert at 6 p.m. and a short discussion of the target birds. We'll end with a search for the Ghost Owl (or Silver Owl: in our County, usually called the Barn Owl). We will try to find a nest of Swainson's hawks, and also Great-horned Owlets (big fluffy chicks). We will keep our eyes open for other interesting twilight species, such as nighthawks and even bats. This time we'll be the hunters, not the prey! Registration limited to 8, in order to preserve our ability to sneak around quietly. A waiting list will be kept in case of cancellations. Trip leader: Linda Andes-Georges. Suggested pledge: $40.
- Flammulated Owl (isolated and restricted) search with Steve Jones. Sunday, June 20, 6-10:30 p.m. After a gourmet picnic at dusk, we'll stroll down a remote foothills canyon to listen for poorwills, nighthawks, and reclusive Flammulated Owls. Expect vibrant wildflower displays as we explore the streamside plant communities where these little owls thrive. Note: we hear these owls during about two-thirds of these surveys, usually catching only fleeting glimpses of them as they fly over. 303-494-2468; curlewsj@comcast.net. Suggested pledge: $40. Limited to 12 participants.
- Burrowing Owl (isolated and restricted) with Chris and
Deb Abrahamson. Saturday, June 26, 4-8 p.m. On an
early summer evening, we'll explore three or four Burrowing
Owl colonies in Weld and Adams counties. Last
year we saw more than 40 Burrowing Owls on this trip.
This year's juvenile owls should be visible as they begin
their fledging antics. We'll enjoy a picnic dinner at
nearby Barr Lake State Park followed by a boardwalk
ramble to view songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. 303-
565-9742; cabrahamson@hotmail.com. Suggested pledge: $45. Limited to 10 participants. NOTE (May 7): This trip is now full but Chris is keeping a waitlist.
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