BCAS field trip group on the North Rim of the Black Canyon.

Field Trips

BCAS Field Trip Guidelines

One of the fun aspects of belonging to BCAS is the field trips.  The field trips visit numerous hotspots in our area and occasionally to places far afield.  These trips wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the trip leaders.  All BCAS trip leaders are volunteers donating their time and expertise to bring a great birding experience to participants.  As a matter of keeping the experience top notch there are a few rules in place to help things run smoothly.  Please keep them in mind when signing up and participating in the trips.

• Please notify the trip leader of your intentions to participate in a timely manner. Contact the trip leader to sign up and be sure you get an affirmative response from the leader. To sign up for all field trips send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Be sure to mention which field trip you want to attend.  Field trip sign ups close 48 hours before the planned trip.  Be sure to leave a contact phone number in case the leader needs to contact you about changes.

• Depending on the field trip, there may be limitations on participation. These limitations are set by the trip leader and announced with the field trip information. Reasons for limitations include parking concerns, visits to private residents, safety, and a trip leader’s comfort level with participant numbers.  The exceptions to participant limitations may include special events where a larger crowd in anticipated and the First Tuesday field trips.   First Tuesdays are expressly focused on new/novice members and visit nearby hotspots that can accommodate a bigger group.  People are still asked to sign up in advance, so no one is left behind.

• Unless otherwise noted, all trips will meet in Montrose at 8 a.m. at the public parking lot at the corner of N. 2nd Street and N. Cascade Ave. 

Many of BCAS field trips fill up, so signing up early increases your chances of participating.  If, for some reason, you cannot attend a field trip, please notify the trip leader ASAP.  Many times, the leader has a waiting list, so contacting the leader allows others to participate.  Guests of members are welcome, so please let the leader know how many will be in your party.

Christmas Bird Counts

It is Christmas Bird Count Season, and we have four counts in the BCAS are for you to take part in!  Bring: warm clothes (dress for expected weather), boots, snack and/or lunch, water, sunscreen, binoculars, spotting scope (if you have), bird books. Clip boards are very helpful. Provided: Map of birding areas, checklist of birds that might be seen, and instructions.  All are welcome regardless of birding experience.  You will be teamed with experienced birders, so it is a great way to meet new people and to learn great places to bird.

Montrose.  Saturday, December 14.  Meet at 8:30 AM at the N. 2nd Public Parking lot (N. Cascade Ave. and N. 2nd St.) Downtown Montrose. We will break into teams and you will be given maps and data sheets to complete the field count. Everyone is encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring lunch, water, and sunscreen. All experience levels are welcome and encouraged. We will meet post count at 4:00 PM at Silver Basin Brewery to compare notes from the day. Please contact Missy Siders at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

Gunnison, Sunday, December 22. This group will meet at 7:30 AM at Hurst Hall, Room 130 on the Western Colorado University campus to get organized. Everyone is encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather (which can be a little chilly in Gunnison) and bring lunch, water, and sunscreen. Afterward we will have a chili potluck to compile results. Please contact organizer Arden Anderson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information and to let him know you are planning to attend. Folks at all levels of birding experience are welcome.

Delta, Saturday, December 28.  Meet at the Delta City Market parking lot at 8:30 AM. We will break into teams and you will be given maps and data sheets to complete the field count. Please contact Amy Seglund by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

Hotchkiss. Saturday, January 4. Meet at the Hotchkiss City Market parking lot at 8:00 AM. All experience levels are welcome and encouraged. A catered lunch get together will be held at Andrea Robinsong's. Please contact Adam Petry at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or to RSVP. All levels of birding experience are welcome. We’ll be birding most of the day.

First Tuesday Field Trips - Montrose Area

First Tuesday Field Trips are January 7, and February 4 at 9:00 AM at the public parking lot at the intersection of N. 2nd St. and N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. A leader will accompany the group to a nearby birding hotspot. Return should be by about noon. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and field guides. Please RSVP for all field trips and included your name, field trip date and contact information in case weather or illness forces a cancellation. RSVP for all fieldtrips at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please let us know if you are coming, so we don’t leave you behind. This is especially in case of sudden weather changes.

Third Tuesday Field Trips - Delta County

We are proud to announce that we will now be doing another set of field trips - these oriented around Delta County!  Third Tuesday Field Trips are November 19, December 17, January 21, and February 18 at 9:00 AM.  They will meet at various locations, depending on the date. 

The November 19 field trip will meet at the large parking area on the eastern side of Confluence Lake west of and behind the Bill Heddles Recreation Center.  After scouting the lake for winter water birds, we will carpool to Sweitzer Lake State Park (or you can meet the group at Sweitzer Lake about 9:45 AM). 

The January 21 field trip will meet at Orchard City Park towards the southern end of the parking area (11245 2100 Road, Orchard City).  We will walk the loop trail.  Bluebirds are typically abundant and it is a good place for other songbirds and raptors. 

All trips will last about 2 hours.  Bring a snack, water, binoculars, spotting scopes (if you have one), and field guides. Please RSVP for all field trips and include your name, field trip date, and contact information in case weather or illness forces a cancellation. RSVP for all fieldtrips at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please let us know if you are coming, so we don’t leave you behind. This is especially in case of sudden weather changes. For more information, please call Dian Torphy at (970) 200-6294.

Ridgway Rosy-finch Trip #1

Saturday, January 18. Join us as we visit the home of a Ridgway BCAS member who regularly gets all three species of Rosy Finch at her home feeders. We’ll meet in Ridgway at the Cimarron Coffee parking lot at 8:30 AM and carpool up to the Elk Meadows home. Because it is a private residence, the trip is limited to 10 participants.  Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early to reserve your spot.

Winter Raptor Trips

Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16.  Join Bruce Ackerman and Bill Harris as they search the Montrose area for winter raptors, including eagles, ferruginous hawks, rough-legged hawks, and many other raptors. The trip will conclude in early afternoon. Dress in layers, bring water and a lunch or snacks, binoculars, and a spotting scope (if you have one). These trips are limited to 8 or 9 participants each day (three vehicles). To reserve a space on Saturday’s trip contact Bill at his email. To reserve a space on Sunday’s trip, contact Bruce at (727) 858-5857 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ridgway Rosy-finch Trip #2

Wednesday, February 12.  Join us as we visit the home of a Ridgway BCAS member who regularly gets all three species of Rosy-finches at her home feeders. We’ll meet in Ridgway at the Cimarron Coffee parking lot at 8:30 AM and carpool up to the Elk Meadows home. Because it is a private residence, the trip is limited to 10 participants. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early to reserve your spot.