All Dave’s hikes are free and open to everyone. Follow instructions below to sign up. Since hikes fill up quickly and often have a waiting list, please let Dave know right away if you need to cancel a reservation.
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The Hawk Walk PROGRAM FULL
Saturday December 13, 9 - 11:30 am
Join community naturalist Dave Sutherland to watch majestic winter migratory birds of prey wheel and hunt over the prairie as we hike near Boulder Reservoir. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, guidebooks, and any level of experience. Meet at the aptly-named Eagle Trailhead (map search approx address 5797 51st Street Boulder) just west of Boulder Reservoir, north of Jay Road. Be prepared for cold windy conditions and amazing sights. Please bring strap-on traction for footwear (e.g. micro-spikes or yak-tracks) since the trail may be very slick and icy. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome, but beginners are cherished. Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/hawk-walk-a-winter-morning-with-boulders-birds-of-prey/
Solstice Star Party
December 18 / 19 / 20, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
NOTE: The program will be offered once, on the night with the best weather forecast. Registered participants will get email updates about the night selected.
The poet Robert Frost wrote, “You know Orion always comes up sideways. Throwing a leg up over our fence of mountains.” At the Winter Solstice, this most recognizable constellation glitters with distant stellar jewels like the spectacular Orion and Horsehead Nebuale. We’ll check out Saturn’s rings (edge-on to the earth right now) and maybe Uranus and Neptune, plus a supernova remnant that is all that’s left of a massive star that blew itself apart. Meet at Joder Ranch, a few miles north of Boulder (directions supplied when you register). Be prepared to have your mind blown. Program will be canceled if there is 50% cloud cover or more at the starting time. Bring warm clothes and gloves, and a red flashlight. Email Dave to sign up: dsutherland4747@gmail.com Limit: 20
Owl Moon: Kids’ Story Time & “Owling” for Families
Saturday January 3, 4:45 – 5:45 PM
Reservations open Monday December 22 at 9 am
Jane Yolen’s beautiful book Owl Moon tells the story of a young child who joins their dad to search for owls in a dark and spooky moonlit forest. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland to read the story aloud at sunset, then go look for owls in the gathering dusk as the full moon rises over the forest. We’ll learn about owl eyes, owl ears, owl feathers, and lots more! This is an easy hike suitable for families and kids of all ages! Sponsored by Environment for the Americas. Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/january-owl-moon-kids-story-time-owling-for-families/
Boulder’s Snowbirds
Sunday January 4, 9 – 11:30 am
Reservations open Monday December 22 at 9 am
Do all the best birds fly south for the winter? No way! Some of our most beautiful—and comical—residents stay here all year long. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead a winter bird watching expedition on Enchanted Mesa so you can meet these little feathered marvels. Bring binoculars, bird guides, and be prepared for cold windy conditions and amazing sights. Please bring strap-on traction for footwear (e.g. micro-spikes or yak-tracks) since the trail WILL BE very slick and icy. We will meet at a secret uncrowded neighborhood access point to the busy Chautauqua area with free parking on the street. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome, but beginners are cherished. Limit: 20 participants.
The Hawk Walk
Saturday January 24, 9 am -11:30 am
Reservations open Monday January 12 at 9 am
Join community naturalist Dave Sutherland to watch majestic winter migratory birds of prey wheel and hunt over the prairie as we hike near Boulder Reservoir. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, guidebooks, and any level of experience. Meet at the aptly-named Eagle Trailhead (map search approx address 5797 51st Street Boulder) just west of Boulder Reservoir, north of Jay Road. Be prepared for cold windy conditions and amazing sights. Please bring strap-on traction for footwear (e.g. micro-spikes or yak-tracks) since the trail may be very slick and icy. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome, but beginners are cherished. Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/events/month/2026-01/
Birdwatching for Beginners
Saturday January 31, 9 - 11:30 am
Reservations open Monday January 19 at 9 am
Many would-be birders are intimidated by identical little gray birds with similar names. Learn some easy tricks to tell them apart and also tips for picking the best binoculars and bird books. Birders of all abilities welcome, but it’s primarily aimed at beginners. Bring binoculars and bird guides if you have them. Be prepared for cold windy conditions and amazing sights. PLEASE BRING strap-on traction for footwear (e.g. micro-spikes or yak-tracks) since the trail may be very slick and icy. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Meet at the neighborhood access point to Shanahan Ridge on Lehigh Street (SKIP bus service) Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/events/month/2026-01/