Birding at South Platte Park

Please join us for a relaxing morning as we explore birds at the south end of South Platte Park. This part of the park has multiple opportunities to view birds that are drawn to lakes and rivers. In mid-September, we can expect to see some of the birds that live here year-round, like the Mallards, Wood Ducks, and Herons. There should also be a number of waterfowl arriving to spend the winter in the area or who are just migrating through, like the Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, and Hooded Merganser. We will also be looking for Swainson’s Hawks and Osprey who have bred in the area and will soon depart for their wintering grounds.

The plan is to walk 3 miles on mostly level trails that are hard packed dirt and gravel. There is an area of about ½ mile, where we will walk on uneven ground and through grass and weeds to get closer to the river. It is possible to bypass this area and remain on the hard path.

Birdwatchers of all levels are invited with beginner birders encouraged to join, and this field trip is accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Meeting location: South Platte Park C-470 Trailhead, 5198 W. South Platte Reservoir Access Road. We will meet in the large parking lot near the vault toilets.
The only restroom is at the beginning of the outing. It is a vault toilet with an accessible stall.

It will be the middle of September on the cusp of fall, so be ready for varying weather conditions.

Trip Leaders: Julia Gwinn and Cindy Breidenbach. We will email all participants with final trip details a few days prior. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at jgwinn53@aol.com or thebreidenbachs1@comcast.net.

Advance registration, including signing of the liability waiver, is required. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed.

Please Note: If you have registered and no longer can attend the program, please contact the Denver Audubon Office at (303) 973-9530 as soon as possible.

Photo credit: Julia Gwinn