October Gateway Guardians Private Event:

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 8:30-11 am
Location: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site – Meet Main Entrance Gazebo

We’re thrilled to invite you to a unique fall birding experience exclusively for our Gateway Guardians!

The morning begins with a guided bird walk at beautiful Rock Ledge Ranch — one of the best birding spots in the area thanks to its water sources and diverse habitat. Our walk will take place from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, the perfect time to enjoy peak bird activity! The Bird walk will focus on identifying birds in addition to learning about the plants and trees they call home. October offers a chance to see both familiar residents and fall migrants passing through our region.

Leading our experience is Joe LaFleur, a lifelong birder and wildlife expert. Joe earned degrees in Wildlife Biology and Communications from Colorado State University and spent many years as a research biologist with CSU, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Idaho Fish and Game. He grew up in Colorado and has called Teller County home since 2016. Joe is the author of the book ‘Mountain Birds of Teller County”. Joe is also the producer of Better Birdwatching, a series of DVDs featuring videos and bird calls of North American species. His website, www.betterbirdwatching.com  features a Teller County Bird Checklist and Birding Blog — a true resource for local bird enthusiasts.

After the walk, if you would like more information about birding, we’ll head indoors to the Red Rocks Room at the Visitor Center for an optional audiovisual program led by Joe on identifying common birds of Garden of the Gods Park by both sight and sound from 10 – 11 AM.

Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned enthusiast, this will be a relaxing and enriching way to connect with nature, the park, and fellow supporters. We hope you’ll join us for this special morning!