Better Birdwatching

10/05/2026

Read my early October Take a Hike article in the Pikes Peak Courier about Little Brown’s Creek Trail to the Antero/White saddle

The cooler fall temperatures are helpful when executing this long, steep and sweaty route that climbs along Little Browns Creek up to about 13,000 feet.

10/03/2026

Ready to sign some mountain birds books at the relay for life Cancer awareness event in Canyon City at Mountain View school, from 2 o’clock to 8:00 PM , come on by!

10/02/2026

Saturday October 10th, 9-11:00am.
Workshop Bird Walk & Program, Bailey
Featuring Wildlife Biologist & Author Joe LaFleur
Hosted by FUN & FUNKY ART GALLERIES and THE BOARDWALK TAVERN Bailey Colorado

Part 1 - Audiovisual Program 9-10am
One hour audiovisual presentation. Learn to identify common birds that are year round residents of Bailey.
Location: FUN & FUNKY #1 & THE BOARDWALK TAVERN
10 Old Stagecoach Rd. Bailey 80421
Part 2 - Bird Walk 10:00-11:00am
Walk for about 1 mile around McGraw Park and along Platte River. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound and also about the trees and plants where birds live. Meet at Keystone Bridge in McGraw Park.
Location: McGraw Memorial Park, 39 Wellington Lake Rd. Bailey 80421
We'll have parking space for about 15 vehicles for the presentation, but please consider carpooling if you can. Participants will be asked to vacate the parking lot and head to McGraw Park no later than 10:15 to make room for business customers.
Please do come back and take advantage of ALL of the perks and deals listed below!
(Perks and offers same day as workshop only)
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$25 Workshop fee includes:
FREE signed Mountain Birds Pocket Guide Book ($15 value)
FUN & FUNKY - Free bar of fudge or bag of taffy
BOARDWALK TAVERN - Token good for one b**r or basic beverage
SOUTH PARK CONEY ISLAND - 10% off of your meal price
MOORE LUMBER & HARDWARE Bailey - Buy One Get One 20lb bag ACE Brand Birdseed (just mention you were a participant)
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More info: [email protected] 719-301-8801

To register visit:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Du41TChz2/

09/29/2026

Saturday, October 3, 2:00-8:00 PM, Cañon City
Relay for Life Cancer Awareness Event
Better Birdwatching will be at the event from 2:00-6:00 PM signing Mountain Birds books.

WHAT: The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a unique celebration of life in honor and in memory of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It has been described as a “huge
compassionate support group”, a place where friends, family, and loved ones join to celebrate survivorship and to honor those who have lost the battle. Relay For Life involves teams of people who take turns walking or running around a track and a party-like atmosphere prevails as team members camp out for the duration of the event to enjoy music, food, fun, entertainment, and activities while building camaraderie with fellow teammates and participants. Money is raised through team commitment fees and an individual goal of $100 in donations secured from family, friends, companies, or corporations.

WHERE: Mountain View School 1313 College Ave, Canon City, CO, 81212

WHO: Everyone is welcome! Athletes and non-athletes join teams representing clubs, corporations, organizations, neighborhoods, and families at this fun, community-oriented event!

HISTORY: Relay For Life was the idea of Gordy Klatt, M.D. In 1985, Dr. Klatt ran and walked for 24 hours on a track in Tacoma, Washington, traveling about 81 miles and raised $27,000 for the
American Cancer Society. From there, Relay For Life was born and is now held nationwide, with more than 6000 communities participating!

WHY: The money raised helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy, and services – locally, statewide, and nationally!

SURVIVORS’ LAP: Cancer survivors from around the community are invited to take a victory lap and be cheered on by fellow participants. This is a true celebration of their courageous
battle!

LUMINARIA: A candlelight ceremony pays tribute to those who have been affected by cancer. Luminarias are purchased in honor of those who have survived their battle with cancer, for those
still fighting, and in memory of those who have courageously battled this disease, but lost. The luminarias are kept burning through the night to represent the healing power of the community and the importance of funding to find a cure.

For tickets visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/canon-city-schools-mountain-view/relay-for-life-fremont-and-custer-county-oct-3rd-2026/1268986828388318/

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2026

Saturday, October 3, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, Cañon City
FREE Audiovisual Program
Learn to identify resident birds by sight and sound that are likely to be seen in the Cañon City area year round. Meet at Cañon City Public Library, 516 Macon Ave., 719-269-9020. Program led by birding expert and author Joe LaFleur. LaFleur will be selling and signing his Mountain Birds books after program.

09/21/2026

Saturday, September 26, 8:30-9:30 AM, FREE Bird Walk
Wild and Kind Coffee Shop, 10550 Ute Pass Ave, Green Mountain Falls
FREE guided bird walk for about one mile around Gazebo Lake, along Fountain Creek and up the Red Butte Trail. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while also learning about the plants and trees where birds live. Meet at Coffee Shop.

09/19/2026

Ready to sell some mountain birds books at the Oktoberfest above the clouds in Woodland Park , at Memorial Park from 10 AM to 6 PM, come on by!

09/14/2026

Saturday, September 19, 10AM-6 PM
Oktoberfest Above the Clouds at Memorial Park in Woodland Park
Better Birdwatching will be at the event selling and signing Mountain Birds books .
Enjoy music, food, refreshments, and fun at the foot of America's Mountain
with a Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebration.

Bavarian style fun in the Mountains We can’t wait for you to join us at this year’s Oktoberfest celebration. Hosted in Woodland Park, Colorado we believe there is not a better place to celebrate and take in the natural beauty of an authentic Colorado mountain town. Nestled at the baseContinue Re...

09/12/2026

Read my September words on birds article in the pikes Peak Courier about the gray catbird

My favorite local birding spot is Manitou Lake. Many unique birds can be seen around the lake and if you hear meows coming from the wetland, it is surely a catbird and not a feline. I have seen the gray catbird a few times here and there around Teller County, even a migrant in the […]

09/08/2026

Read my early September Take a Hike article in the Pikes Peak Courier about the Horn Fork Basin.

Destination hikes provide motivation for hiking excursions, like a trip to a summit or alpine lake. While Bear Lake is the terminus for this route, the trek up Horn Fork Basin is a long and rewarding journey that becomes the destination. The wonderful trail into the basin is well maintained and begi...