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.

First Tuesday Field Trips

First Tuesday Field Trips are October 1 at 8:00 AM and November 5 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.

Dave Wood Road and Sims Mesa (Montrose and Ouray Counties)

Tuesday, September 17, 8:30 AM.  Leader: Bill Harris.  Bill will take birders to the eastern edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau.  Meet at the public parking lot at the corner of N. 2nd Street and N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose.  The Sims Mesa Trail is off Dave Wood Road in an area of Ponderosa Pine that usually hosts lots of birds including Red Crossbill, Pygmy Nuthatch, Lewis Woodpeckers, and Red-naped Sapsuckers. Hiking is easy, but it may cover some uneven ground. Expect to hike approximately three miles. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, and lunch. The trip is limited to ten people so please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early to reserve your spot.

Fall Colors in the Cimarron Valley (Montrose County)

Wednesday, September 25  8:00 AM.  Leader: Don Marsh.  Late September is usually a beautiful time to be out in Colorado. Meet at the public parking lot at the corner of N. 2nd Street and N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. We will travel up Cimarron Road and stop at various points to look for birds and enjoy the fall colors. We will start heading home around noon. Two return options are possible: 1) retrace the route back to Highway 50 and Montrose, or 2) continue over Owl Creek Pass to Highway 550 near Ridgway. Regardless, we should be back by mid-afternoon.  Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, and lunch. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early to reserve your spot.

Ouray County Fall Colors

Saturday, October 5, 8:00 AM. Leader: Don Marsh.  Meet at the Ridgway town Visitor Center near the intersection of Highway 550 and Highway 62.  We will explore various backroads in Ouray County as we search for birds and incredible fall colors. As weather and birds can be unpredictable in October, we will stay flexible in our options. Dress in layers, bring water, lunch or snacks, and your camera. We will wrap up in the early afternoon.  Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early to reserve your spot.

Ridgway State Park (Ouray County)

Thursday, November 14, 9:00 AM. Leader: Don Marsh.  Meet at the Ridgway State Park Visitor Center near the Dutch Charlie entrance. Ridgway State Park in November can host a variety of migrating birds, including ducks, gulls, shorebirds, and late migrant songbirds. The park charges a $10.00/car entrance fee unless you have an annual “Keep Colorado Wild” pass. We will try to carpool with annual pass holders to minimize expenses. Dress in layers, bring water and lunch or snacks, and a spotting scope if you have one. We will wrap up around noon.  Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early to reserve your spot.