Walk the Wetlands

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 20 people) and complete the liability form when you register.* Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

The Walk the Wetlands event on the first Sunday of the month begins at the Denver Audubon Nature Center at 8:00 a.m. (Beginning 7 November, the Standard Time walks will begin at 9:00 a.m.) The group ventures along the South Platte River through open fields and deciduous woodland, and by ponds and marshes. The walk itself is about 3 miles and takes about 3.5 hours over dirt paths and relatively flat elevation. The time varies, primarily due to weather conditions, but the groups will return to the Nature Center by noon.

As we approach the fall season, many regular migrant songbirds that breed here in the park have already left. However, many migrant songbirds from the north, particularly sparrows, are passing through the park, lingering for a few days as a time to fatten up for the further journey south. Moreover, waterfowl such as ducks, gulls and terns, and shorebirds such as sandpipers and plovers are flocking to Chatfield Lake and the nearby ponds along the trails and river. Many songbirds, like Mountain Bluebirds and Townsend's Solitaires, are coming down from their breeding spots in the mountains to spend a more hospitable winter.

Check out the link to eBird to see the chart detailing specific birds seen along the trails here over the past four years in any particular month of the year:
https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=2017&eyr=2021&bmo=1&emo=11&r=L798588
Chatfield State Park is one of the largest staging areas for migrating and breeding songbirds in Colorado. Spring, fall, and much of the summer offer great looks at both migrating and breeding songbirds and waterfowl.

The walk is led by Audubon Master Birders, two to each group of ten registrants. Please note that this field trip is not accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Audubon Center & Trails is listed as a Hotspot on eBird under ‘Explore Hotspots.’ Check out the link to eBird to see the chart detailing specific birds seen along the trails here over the past four years in any particular month of the year: https://ebird.org/barchartbyr=2017&eyr=2021&bmo=1&emo=11&r=L79858
 

* If you have registered and discover that you will not be able to attend the walk, you must contact either the Denver Audubon Office (Rhonda Shank 303-973-9530) or the trip Leader (Bill Schreitz 410-533-1720) as soon as possible. There is a waiting list for those wanting to join the walk!

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-You will self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Jefferson County strongly recommends that all residents ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, return to wearing a mask in indoor public spaces to minimize risk and maximize protection.

Photo credit: Bill Schreitz.