What a lovely fall we have had in the Front Range. The aspens are almost a neon yellow in the mountains – we hope that you’ve enjoyed a fall drive or hike in the Snowy Range or another lovely area.
Back in Cheyenne, we are still seeing migrants flying south. Just yesterday (10/02), one of our members was fortunate to see a Black-throated Blue Warbler at their home in Cheyenne. A photo by National
Audubon Photography winner Lorraine Minns shows this little jewel of a bird. What a rare treat!
For those who can’t get to the mountains before the snow flies, remember that Wyoming Hereford Ranch (WHR) is an “Important Birding Area” for Audubon. A walk by the creek may reveal many species of birds who pass over our region, stopping at WHR for a needed rest.
Lions Park always delights and here too, many passing migrants may take a rest. Lions Park is the second “Important Birding Area” for our community. For more suggestions on where to hike this fall and winter, see “Birding Our Area – Locations” on the CHPAS website.
Calendar
More information about all activities is provided in the October issue of FLYER
October 15, 8 a.m. – Field Trip: Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center
We will leave at 8 a.m. from the Lions Park parking lot between the Children’s Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the picnic shelter. We will be hiking trails and some uneven ground. Bring water and dress for variable weather. We expect to be done by noon.
The 212-acre property offers visitors the opportunity to explore four distinct ecosystems: riparian, cottonwood forest, wetland and grassland. We can expect to see waterfowl and a variety of other birds including some of our summer birds, like the Yellow-rumped Warbler, that has been reported in that area through the fall. The area is an eBird hotspot boasting a list of 265 bird species. Carpooling may be available. If you wish to drive to the location yourself you can find directions in the October issue of Flyer newsletter.
Please contact Mark Gorges at 307-287-4952 if you plan to join us, so that we have a list of those expected and can let you know if the plans change for any reason such as bad weather.
October 18, 7:00 p.m. – Program featuring Zach Hutchinson, Cottonwood Room, Laramie County Library, Cheyenne
The Cheyenne – High Plains Audubon Society invites the public to a free, in-person program, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Cottonwood Room of the Laramie County Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue. Zach Hutchinson, community science coordinator for Audubon Rockies, will present on past, current, and future community science projects conducted by Audubon Rockies and their partners. He will focus on projects in Wyoming but also touch on projects occurring outside of the state that might be used in the Cowboy State in the future.
The program will also be accessible via Zoom at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84716468658?pwd=N1d5dkE5Y0pLZzJGUjM2T2xDckNxQT09
October 25, 6:30 p.m. – Board Meeting – Contact Wanda Manley, cheyenneaudubon@gmail.com, if you would like to participate in helping to plan chapter activities.
October 28, 8:00 a.m. – Country Club Bird Survey
Contact Chuck Seniawski to be on his email notice list: 307-638-6519 or chuckski@aol.com. The count will start in the County Clubhouse’s main parking lot.
Cheyenne-High Plains Audubon Society 