Welcome to the Black Canyon Audubon Society
Black Canyon Audubon Society was formed in 1990 and is one of 11 National Audubon Society chapters in Colorado. The BCAS is committed to the conservation of natural resources through our birding, conservation, and educational activities. The region covered by the Black Canyon Audubon society encompasses nearly 8,300 square miles and includes Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, San Miguel and Ouray counties. Within this region, elevations vary from 4,695 to 14,309 feet above sea level. Rainfall ranges from less than 8 inches per year in the lower valleys to more than 50 on the higher peaks. Vegetation varies from desert scrub to boreal forest and alpine tundra.
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Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!
All Memberships Expire at the end of the Year.
The easiest way is to go to the Join BCAS page and renew (or join as a new member) using the PayPal buttons: $20 for an Individual and $30 for a family. If you prefer to renew by mail, a link to the renewal form will be found there, too.
Field Trips
**If you are vaccinated and feel comfortable traveling with others that are vaccinated, carpooling can take place.
If you are not vaccinated, you should drive yourself and wear a mask when around others.**
**See the Field Trips page for participation guidelines**
First Tuesday Field Trips
First Tuesday Field Trips will be on October 3, November 7, and December 5 at 8:00 a.m. Meet 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 about noon. Independent driving and social distancing, including wearing masks and not sharing equipment, will be the protocol in use. Return should be by about noon. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and field guides. 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.
Specie Mesa and Miramonte Reservoir
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Specie Mesa and Miramonte Reservoir Join us as we explore the bird life along Specie Creek Road (M44 Road) on our way to Miramonte Reservoir in San Miguel County. Migrating ducks, shorebirds and raptors are regularly seen along this route. The reservoir is approximately an hour and forty-five minutes from Montrose, so we’ll need an early start. You can also meet at the Ridgway Visitor Center at the southwest corner of Highway 550 and Highway 62 at 7:30 a.m. or at the start of Specie Creek Road near its intersection with Highway 145 northeast of Placerville just after 8:00 a.m. We expect to wrap up birding around 1:00 p.m. before heading home. Be sure to dress in layers and bring lunch, snacks, water, and a spotting scope, if you have one. RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. required! Leave a good contact number in your email so we can call you in case of any last-minute trip changes.
Owl Creek Pass
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 8:00 a.m. Owl Creek Pass area (Ridgway/Ouray County). Join us as we look for birds and enjoy the fall colors around Owl Creek Pass east of Ridgway. Possible birds include Canada Jay, Dusky Grouse and American Three-toed Woodpecker. The scenery should be spectacular at this time of year. RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. required! For those who live south of Montrose, you can meet the trip at the Ridgway Visitor Center at the southwest corner of Highway 550 and Highway 62 at 8:30 a.m.
Confluence Park and G50 Road
Saturday, November 18, 8:00 a.m. Confluence Park and G50 Road in Delta (Delta County). Spot wintering waterfowl and raptors that take advantage of open water in the reservoir in Confluence Park. Hundreds of ducks, geese, and other species regularly use this lake as a resting spot. After we’ve birded Confluence Park, we’ll travel to local ranch fields and ponds that often host Sandhill Cranes and other birds. Those coming from the Delta area may wish to meet the trip at Confluence Park near the reservoir just after 8:30 a.m. Be sure to dress in layers and bring lunch, snacks, water, and a spotting scope. if you have one. RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. required!
Upcoming Programs
Except where noted, all meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Montrose Field House at the corner of Rio Grande Avene and Colorado Avenue (South 9th St.), except as noted. For additional information or to let us know that you would like to do a presentation, please contact Kristal Stridham at (580) 919-5987 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Wildlife Management Challenges at Mesa Verde NP and Yucca House NM: Paul Morey
Thursday, October 12, 7:00 p.m. Paul Morey, Chief of Natural Resources for Mesa Verde National Park, and Yucca House National Monument will speak about recent habitat and wildlife challenges in the parks, including managing bear and wild horse populations. He will also highlight birding in the parks and the Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival, held annually in May. Mesa Verde is a crown jewel of the National Park system, and it will surely be interesting to hear details about the park from an insider!
Share and Share Alike!: Fran LeBlanc
Thursday, November 9, 7:00 p.m. (Lecture and potluck) “Share and Share Alike!” Fran LeBlanc has been an outdoor enthusiast and Montrose resident for 50 years. Fran will share some special bird encounters throughout her life. Come ready to participate with your own best stories about birding in this area. In the spirit of sharing, let’s also have a potluck and a bird-themed item swap. Please bring your favorite finger food and any birding books, knick-knacks, and home décor that you’d like to repurpose to others. Utensils and beverages will be provided.
Roubideau Rim Wildlife Rescue
Brenda Miller is in need of lumber - scrap or new - posts, plywood, rails, boards - for construction of rehabilitation cages.
Any condition.
Please contact Brenda Miller at her This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at (970) 209-5946. She has a truck and trailer and will pick it up.
This is a very worthy cause, as Brenda has been the only wildlife rehabilitator in the Montrose/Delta area and is trying to reestablish her service and maintain her license.
Roubideau Rim Wildlife Rescue is a 501c3 charitable organization. If you do not have lumber for her, perhaps you would consider donating to her cause.
Brenda Miller, Executive Director
Roubideau Rim Wildlife Rescue, 501c3
PO Box 712, Montrose, CO. 81402-0712
Phone 970-209-5946
Click here for her Facebook page
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for some volunteers who can drive injured raptors to rehab centers. Usually the bird is in a pet kennel, and just needs a ride. Nothing hard about it. Please contact Bruce Ackerman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at (727) 858-5857 to be on the list for future needs.
Chapter Goals
- To promote the conservation of natural resources through informative public programs, our newsletter and this web site.
- To provide the opportunity for the observation and study of birds and other wildlife, through our field trips.
- To offer early education programs including bird banding stations and classroom bird skin programs.
- To empower our members and the public with the knowledge to be effective environmental advocates.
- To contribute to the recovery of the Gunnison Sage Grouse (GUSG) through joint efforts with GUSG working groups and federal and state agencies.
Leucistic Red-tailed Hawk near Solar Road south of Montrose. Photo taken by Robin Lewis on March 26, 2019.
BCAS Donations Through AmazonSmile.com
Although we encourage everyone to shop locally, in the event that you choose to make a purchase through Amazon, please do so by way of AmazonSmile.com and select the Black Canyon Audubon Society as the organization that a percentage of your eligible Amazon purchases will be sent automatically as a charitable contribution. Purchases must be made by going to AmazonSmile for this to take place. Anyone can support the Black Canyon Audubon Society by choosing us as your designated AmazonSmile.com non-profit organization by clicking the link below:
