Birding the Rimrock of Colorado National Monument 

Join birder and Grand Valley Audubon board member Cary Atwood in listening for and identifying some of the common resident and migratory birds of the Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. We will walk the Alcove Nature Trail and the Canyon Rim trail as the sound and activity of spring birds resonates everywhere. Some of the common birds we might see are: Pinyon Jay, Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Common Raven, White-Throated Swift, Canyon Wren, Violet Green Swallow, Red-tailed Hawk, and a Turkey Vulture. 

Cary is a longtime resident of Grand Junction and a former teacher who enjoys the many dimensions of the Grand Valley. She is a hiker, cyclist, birder, and adventurer in the Four Corners region.

Details:  

• Date & Time: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 7:45 am

• Location: We will meet at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center

• Registration: Risk forms must be signed prior to beginning the hike.
• Cost: Free and open to all – no payment required to participate. Optional Support: If you’d like to support CNMA programming like this, we suggest a donation of $10 – this is completely optional. Donate Here. 

• Distance: Approximately 2 mile easy hikes- Plan for two hours. 

• Bring: Binoculars, water, snacks, layers, hat, and sunscreen. 

• Note: Hike may be cancelled or postponed due to weather. Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged.