BCAS Articles
October Nature Almanac: Stargazing - An Audio Experience
Stargazers gather in the Boulder countryside at night. They share the delight of gazing through a high-powered telescope at a distant nebula that reminds some viewers of colorful cotton candy dotted with stars. Some gather just for the opportunity of an area with little light pollution so they can see the stars, planets, and Milky Way with their own eyes.
Discover a unique wildlife and birding preserve in a pristine environment
There is a large National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Colorado that is only 3 hours and 15 minutes from Boulder that offers birders, nature enthusiasts and photographers a wealth of opportunity to experience an untouched and uncrowded environment. The “gem” of Jackson County is Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
Conservation Corner - September Updates
Updates on Boulder to Erie Regional Trail, North Foothills Bikeway, Hwy 36 Wildlife Crossings, NOCO Places, CPW, and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan!
September Nature Almanac: Aspen Leaves Glow and Glimmer, Whisper and—Maybe—Whimper as the World Gets Hotter
Early in September an occasional aspen tree turns into a lone golden candle, and by the fourth week entire hillsides glow in luminous tones of yellow, sometimes shading into salmon and red. Although members of a clone share the same genes and flaunt the same color...
August Nature Almanac: Skippers Flit through Mountain Meadows
The tiny skippers seem particularly at home in these sun-dappled clearings, where the males dart back and forth while trying to impress potential mates. Females perch calmly on logs…
July Nature Almanac: Ovenbirds Fill Foothills Canyons with Exotic Song
Beginning about 15 years ago, we began to hear Ovenbirds singing in most of our moist foothills canyons containing ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain maple. What brought them here, and could the maple leaves be providing a suitable substitute for oak leaves in their nests?
June Nature Almanac: Non-Native Smooth Brome May Crowd Out Native Wildflowers
Smooth brome was introduced into North America in grass seed imported from Eurasia. An early maturing species, smooth brome can form dense stands long before many native grasses have initiated spring growth.
Teen Naturalists: Moonlight Hike on Bobolink and Centennial Trails
Five of us walked 2 miles under a brilliant full moon, accompanied most of the way by the soothing sounds of chorus frogs and winnowing snipe.
May Nature Almanac: Listen, It’s Spring
All birds have a wide repertoire of sounds ranging from sweet melodies to raucous cries and soft chips and chirps.
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.