What we’re about
Do you like spending time outdoors looking for wildlife, including birds? Do you also like drinking a cold one after? I decided to start this group after coming across announcements for Birds and Beers events in other states. This group will be different in that we will spend some time birding before we go grab a pint. The Denver Metro area offers a variety of great birding spots with local breweries/pubs nearby so we'll have plenty of locations to choose from.
Not a bird nor beer expert? Don't worry. This group is open to anyone with an interest in learning more about both. My hope is that all participants will learn a bit more about birds while meeting fellow nature lovers in the process. We'll get together semi-regularly with meeting times alternating between late afternoons (so you can get in a day's work) and weekends.
Sample location pairings include City Park followed by Vine Street Pub, Three Sisters Mountain Park in Evergreen and Little Bear Saloon, Cherry Creek State Park and Dry Dock Brewery. Do you have ideas on where you'd like to go? Suggestions are welcome and even encouraged.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- BIRDING at Genesee Mountain Park & BEERS at New TerrainGenesee Mountain Park North Central, Golden, CO
Let's go birding at Genesee Mountain Park - south of I-70. With any luck, we'll spot all three species of nuthatches + other ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir specialists.
There is ample parking in the upper parking lot at Genesee (just before the road ends). This is the main parking lot near the historic pavilion building, aka Genesee Mountain Park Shelter and where the walk will begin. If you get to the gate blocking the road to the summit, you've gone too far. Folks are encouraged to carpool to Genesee. We'll start birding at the parking lot at 9 am.
After birding, we'll head over to New Terrain in Golden. Food trucks are scheduled to open by 11:30 am. If you know you'll be hungry on arrival, bring some snacks.
Thanks to Michelle for hosting!
- Birding Ouray, Colorado with Beers at Ouray BreweryOuray Visitor's Center, Ouray, CO
Birding and Beers Goes to Ouray!
Join us for a high-elevation adventure as Birding and Beers heads to the mountain town of Ouray, Colorado! We'll spend the morning exploring town in search of elusive high-country birds—including the Black Swift—before capping off the outing with brews and hearty eats at a local brewery.
Birding
We’ll meet at 8:00 AM outside the back entrance of the Ouray Visitor Center. Ample public parking is available at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center, located next door to the Center. From there, we’ll set out along the Uncompahgre River Walk Loop. After about an hour, we’ll begin heading south through the edge of Ouray toward our main destination: Box Canyon Falls, famed for its breeding population of Black Swifts.
Please note: Box Canyon Falls now requires an entrance fee, payable in person.- $7 | Ages 18–62
- $6 | Ages 62–74
- Free | Ages 75+ and kids 3 and under
We’ll visit the Lower Falls to look for nesting swifts, and if time and energy allow, we may climb to the Upper Falls to complete the experience.
Trail Notes:
The walk from the Visitor Center to Box Canyon Falls is about 1 mile with a slight elevation gain (~200 feet). If you’d prefer not to walk, you’re welcome to drive and meet the group at the Falls. Expect some stairs at the canyon. Plan for total walking distance of about 3 to 3.5 miles for the full day, including the walk to the brewery.Beers
After birding, we’ll stroll a half-mile back to Ouray Brewery on Main Street. The brewery offers classic American pub fare and a rotating tap list of local beers. We'll aim to wrap up the event between 12:00 and 1:00 PM.What to Bring
- Binoculars (a must!)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Water and snacks
- A sense of fun and adventure
Restrooms are available at both the Visitor Center and Box Canyon Falls.
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We’re excited to spend a morning with you in stunning Ouray—where mountain birds and crisp brews await!
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