Winter Birding in South Platte Park

Please join us for a relaxing winter morning as we explore birds at the south end of South Platte Park. This park is a hidden gem with multiple opportunities to view birds that are drawn to lakes and rivers. In mid-January, we can expect to see a lot of the birds that live there year-round including Red-tailed Hawks, Kestrels, and Belted Kingfishers as well as migratory ducks and waterfowl, including the Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teals, American Wigeons, and Hooded Mergansers. We will also have our eyes open for Pied-billed Grebes, Western Grebes, and American Coots.

Birdwatchers of all levels are invited with beginner birders encouraged to join.

The plan is to walk 2 to 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. This trip is accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Expect cold wintery weather conditions so plan to dress accordingly.

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.

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.