Colorado Springs Birdability Week Events!
October 24
Colorado Springs Birdability Week Events!
Join us Friday October 24 through Sunday October 26
Birdability Week 2024 – Colorado Springs
This October, join us in celebrating Birdability Week with a series of events that showcase the joy of birding while ensuring that every body and every ability feels welcome! Birdability works to create inclusive birding opportunities for everyone - welcoming those with physical disabilities, mental health challenges, people recovering from trauma, members of marginalized communities, and anyone with other accessibility considerations. Our weekend lineup highlights the many ways to connect with birds, nature, and community in supportive, accessible environments.
Friday, October 24:
We’ll kick off with a Big Sit at Fountain Creek Nature Center from 9–11 am. Participants can enjoy relaxed birding from the wheelchair-accessible back deck overlooking the pond and feeders. Binoculars will be available for those who don’t bring their own, and parabolic microphones will make birdsong easier to experience.
Later that day, head over to Wild Birds Unlimited for a special Talon Talk from 12–1 pm. Nature’s Educators will present four native Colorado raptors, giving participants of all abilities the opportunity to learn about these incredible birds up close in a welcoming, accessible setting.
Saturday, October 25:
On Saturday veterans and their families are invited to a Veterans Bird Walk at the U.S. Air Force Academy from 8:30–11 am. Led by Army veteran Joe Langvardt, birding guide Mary Wilson, and Fish & Wildlife Biologist Johnny Ochs, this wheelchair-accessible outing offers the calm, restorative benefits of birding while honoring those who have served.
That evening, join Bryan Poss for a Car Birding Adventure along Squirrel Creek Road and Kane Ranch from 4–6 pm. Participants can carpool or drive their own vehicles, with limited spaces to ensure a smooth experience. With up to six seats available in shared cars, this trip makes birding accessible to many while exploring diverse habitats.
Sunday, October 26:
On Sunday, we’ll take part in a Trail Evaluation of Red Rock Canyon Open Space from 8–11 am. Located along Highway 24 at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, the trail features a wide, packed dirt surface with a slight incline, along a scenic route near the river. This evaluation helps document trail surfaces, slopes, rest areas, and other features for the national Birdability Map, ensuring that birders of all abilities can plan safe and enjoyable outings in the future.
That afternoon, artist Renée Darling will lead her “Owl Be There” Art Class at JAKs Brewing Co. (555 Amelia St Ste 150, Colorado Springs, CO 80915) from 12–3 pm. Participants will enjoy a fun, non-technical, mixed-media session celebrating creativity and individuality. The $75 class includes all supplies, an 8x10 canvas, a keepsake, and a hand-painted swag bag by Renée.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.reneedarling.com/_paylink/AZk0tyFr
We’ll close out the week with a Birdability Social at JAKs Brewing Co. from 3–6 pm. Whether you attended every event, just one, or none at all, this casual gathering brings the community together over food, drinks, and conversation. A food truck will be on-site for meals, and JAKs will offer beverages.
💚 Together, these events reflect the heart of Birdability Week: that birding should be accessible, welcoming, and joyful for everyone. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating birds, nature, and community in a way that truly includes every body and every ability.
This October, join us in celebrating Birdability Week with a series of events that showcase the joy of birding while ensuring that every body and every ability feels welcome! Birdability works to create inclusive birding opportunities for everyone - welcoming those with physical disabilities, mental health challenges, people recovering from trauma, members of marginalized communities, and anyone with other accessibility considerations. Our weekend lineup highlights the many ways to connect with birds, nature, and community in supportive, accessible environments.
Friday, October 24:
We’ll kick off with a Big Sit at Fountain Creek Nature Center from 9–11 am. Participants can enjoy relaxed birding from the wheelchair-accessible back deck overlooking the pond and feeders. Binoculars will be available for those who don’t bring their own, and parabolic microphones will make birdsong easier to experience.
Later that day, head over to Wild Birds Unlimited for a special Talon Talk from 12–1 pm. Nature’s Educators will present four native Colorado raptors, giving participants of all abilities the opportunity to learn about these incredible birds up close in a welcoming, accessible setting.
Saturday, October 25:
On Saturday veterans and their families are invited to a Veterans Bird Walk at the U.S. Air Force Academy from 8:30–11 am. Led by Army veteran Joe Langvardt, birding guide Mary Wilson, and Fish & Wildlife Biologist Johnny Ochs, this wheelchair-accessible outing offers the calm, restorative benefits of birding while honoring those who have served.
That evening, join Bryan Poss for a Car Birding Adventure along Squirrel Creek Road and Kane Ranch from 4–6 pm. Participants can carpool or drive their own vehicles, with limited spaces to ensure a smooth experience. With up to six seats available in shared cars, this trip makes birding accessible to many while exploring diverse habitats.
Sunday, October 26:
On Sunday, we’ll take part in a Trail Evaluation of Red Rock Canyon Open Space from 8–11 am. Located along Highway 24 at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, the trail features a wide, packed dirt surface with a slight incline, along a scenic route near the river. This evaluation helps document trail surfaces, slopes, rest areas, and other features for the national Birdability Map, ensuring that birders of all abilities can plan safe and enjoyable outings in the future.
That afternoon, artist Renée Darling will lead her “Owl Be There” Art Class at JAKs Brewing Co. (555 Amelia St Ste 150, Colorado Springs, CO 80915) from 12–3 pm. Participants will enjoy a fun, non-technical, mixed-media session celebrating creativity and individuality. The $75 class includes all supplies, an 8x10 canvas, a keepsake, and a hand-painted swag bag by Renée.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.reneedarling.com/_paylink/AZk0tyFr
We’ll close out the week with a Birdability Social at JAKs Brewing Co. from 3–6 pm. Whether you attended every event, just one, or none at all, this casual gathering brings the community together over food, drinks, and conversation. A food truck will be on-site for meals, and JAKs will offer beverages.
💚 Together, these events reflect the heart of Birdability Week: that birding should be accessible, welcoming, and joyful for everyone. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating birds, nature, and community in a way that truly includes every body and every ability.
Location
Location TBD
Date & Time
October 24, 2025, 9:00 AM, 9:00 AM - October 26, 2025, 6:00 PM