About this Event
Leaders: Steve Jones and Scott Severs
Location: South Boulder Creek State Natural Area. Park at the South Boulder Creek West trailhead, on South Broadway (Highway 93) 1/2 mile north of the Eldorado Springs light.
This field trip is a follow-up to the History from a Birds Eye View program at the Lafayette Public Library on Thursday, July 11, 6:30 pm. Steve and Scott will talk about and look for the many changes in bird and butterfly communities as a result of the changes in human land use in Boulder County. Learn how the building of cities, planting of trees, creation of water projects and other human activities have ushered in many bird and butterfly species and ushered out others. Identify the factors that still make Boulder County so rich in biodiversity.
Boulder’s protected tallgrass prairies, among the largest tallgrass remnants along the northern Front Range, still support native prairie birds, but the invasion of deciduous trees along South Boulder Creek and the Boulder urban fringe has given the species composition a decidedly eastern flavor. We should see some typical prairie birds such as lark sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, and Western Meadowlark; but also expect Blue Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, and other species more typical of eastern deciduous woodlands.
As for butterflies, abundant milkweed plants support monarchs and viceroys, and we may see one or two Arogos Skippers, which lay their eggs on the big bluestem. We should also get an intimate look at some of the tallgrass blossoms.
Bring a hat, some sunscreen, binoculars, and a hand lens.
Cancellation: If you need to cancel, please go to Eventbrite and cancel so another person can have the spot. Thanks!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
South Boulder Creek West Trail, South Boulder Creek West Trail, Boulder County, United States
