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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Birdwatching for Kids & Families
Sunday November 1, 10– noon
Give your kids a fun introduction to birdwatching with naturalist Dave Sutherland, who began his fascination with birds at age 3. We’ll learn how to identify birds in the field through fun activities during a bird walk along South Boulder Creek. Learn how to pick a good field guide and a great set of binoculars, as well as pro tips about places to find birds. Bring binoculars and bird guides if you have them, although some will be supplied. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone, ages 7 and up. Limit: 15. We will meet at the parking lot of Sawhill Ponds on 75th Street. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/birdwatching-for-kids-families-4/
Saturn’s Rings and the Stars of Autumn
November 6/7/8, 7:00 pm — until everyone gets cold and leaves
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.
As crisp autumn nights settle in, the rising planet Saturn and the stars of fall take center stage. Ancient drama plays out overhead with Andromeda, Pegasus, Perseus and Cassiopeia. In the south Sagittarius leads us to the heart of the Milky Way, while the Andromeda galaxy is visible overhead. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland and a telescope to peer into the distant reaches of space. Meet at the Joder trailhead north of Boulder. Note: If there is more than 50% cloud cover at the time the program begins, it will be canceled. To register for updates or for any questions, contact Dave Sutherland, dsutherland4747@gmail.com. This night program is offered through Boulder County Audubon Society.
Owl Moon: A Night Adventure into the World of Owls
Tuesday November 24, 5:30 – 7 pm Bring your holiday guests!
As the full moon rises over the prairie, leafless cottonwood trees become black twisted shapes against the sky. This is the world of the great horned owl -- a powerful and mysterious nocturnal predator. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead you into the moonlit world of owls on this easy nighttime hike. Meet at the Bobolink Trailhead on Baseline Road. Dress warmly and bring gloves. Bring flashlights just in case, but we shouldn’t need them. Also 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. Limit: 15 participants. Sign up from the Environment for the Americas web calendar here: https://environmentamericas.org/events/
Teen Naturalists: Behind the Scenes at the Butterfly Pavilion
Sunday November 15, 1 - 3 pm
Go behind the scenes at the Butterfly Pavilion to learn about their collection of live invertebrates and what it takes to care for and manage living exhibits. Besides spending time in the “Wings of the Tropics” free flight rainforest, you’ll see where Rosie the Tarantula and a host of other small critters live when they are not on display. Learn where the living butterflies come from and how they are shipped to the Pavilion from all over the world. Entomologists at the Pavilion will answer your questions about spiders, insects, whip scorpions, sun spiders and more; and talk about careers in science, education, invertebrate conservation and living museums. Boulder County Audubon Society will pay admission for all teen participants. Families are welcome to join but will need to pay their own admission. The pavilion stays open until 5pm. Teens and families are welcome to remain at the pavilion after the tour. To register or for any questions, contact Dave Sutherland, dsutherland4747@gmail.com. Boulder County Audubon Society Teen Naturalist outings are open to unaccompanied students in sixth grade and up, as well as younger students accompanied by parents. New participants are welcome at any time. Follow this link to learn more about Boulder County Audubon’s Teen Naturalist program. Trip Location: Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Limit: 15
Historic Roosa Cabin Open House!
Friday December 11, 11 am - 1 pm drop ins
For over a century, the mysterious little stone cabin has sat near Wood’s Quarry at the base of the Third Flatiron. Who built it and why? Who lived here? What’s on the inside? Join the cabin’s owner Regina Bock, and Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland, for an historical “Open House” to learn the answers (to the best of our knowledge) about this enigmatic little building and get a chance to see inside. No reservation necessary, just drop by between 11 am and 1 pm on the indicated day. See the map graphic for the cabin’s precise location, right on the Mesa Trail just a bit south of its junction with the Enchanted Mesa Trail. It’s about 1.5 miles one way from Chautauqua. There is no water, electricity or toilet at the cabin.
Fire Birds & Ice Birds
Sunday December 27, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Saturday January 2, 9:30 am – 12 pm
On January 9th, the. Boulder Philharmonic will perform Igor Stravinsky’s magnificent Firebird Suite - with aerial dance provided by Boulder’s Frequent Fliers. Get prepared for the extravaganza with Naturalist Dave Sutherland! Join a winter birdwatching trip and sample pre-recorded music from multiple composers that have captured the essence of birds in many different ways. Bring binoculars, bird guides, and be prepared for cold windy conditions and amazing sights and sounds. Please bring strap-on traction for footwear (e.g. micro-spikes or Yak-tracks) since the trail may be very slick and icy. Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome, but beginners are cherished. Meet at Sawhill Ponds parking lot. Limit: 15 participants each time. . This is a free pre-concert hike for the Boulder Philharmonic’s performances, jointly sponsored by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Boulder County Audubon Society. Please RSVP directly to Dave, dsutherland4747@gmail.com and indicate which date you wish to attend.