APRIL 20 PROGRAM
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026
Out There! Pribilof Islands, Birds of Alaska Presented by Steve Betchkal Sponsored by Angela Barnes Social: 6:30 - 7:00 pm Poetry & Program: 7:00 - 8:00 pm Colorado Poet: Sara Trappett PROGRAM
BIO: Steve Betchkal Award Winning Video - Journalist from Wisconsin Steve is a self-taught ornithologist who has traveled the world birding including Colombia, Kenya, the Galapagos, Canada and Puerto Rico to mention a few. In his 38 years as a professional journalist, he's produced 11,000 stories in video, and is the only journalist in Chippewa Valley history to win six Emmys and an Edward R. Murrow Award. He is author of eight books. This February he went to India and the Himalayas where he saw 369 total bird species, and his 2071st Life Bird. He is currently one half the team of Storytime with Steve & Micah on Facebook. Photo by Steve Betchkal: Horned Puffin at High Cliffs ____________________________ GVAS Meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month. Location: The First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Each meeting begins with a poetry reading by one of our fabulous Colorado poets. Wendy Videlock, our Western Slope Poet Laureate, is coordinating poets for our upcoming programs. Sit back and enjoy! About Sara Trapett: A Grand Valley native, Sara Trappett is a visual artist and writer whose poetry was most recently featured in the Western Colorado Voices anthology. She has a deep affinity for the avian world. NOTICE: The Audubon Nature Preserve NOW OPEN! LOOKING TO DO |
UPCOMING 2026 BIRD EVENTSYOUNG BIRDERS EVENT DATES
Grand Valley Audubon Society invites all young naturalists and bird curious to go learn our local birds! (Real-life PokéMon) Students 13-21 years old are welcome to bring their parent/guardian. 10 pairs of binoculars and a spotting scope are shared.Leaders: Logan Wagner & PJ Janssen. Contact: [email protected] for questions. 4/21/26 - 6-7:30pm Leaders: Logan Wagner & PJ Janssen 29rd Riverfront Trail Let's go birding! Spring migration in the western wetlands brings new birds by the hour, White-Faced Ibis? American Avocet? White Pelicans? It's hard to say what the day will bring. Come learn your birds! 5/12/26 - 6:30-8pm Devil's Kitchen Leader: Logan Wagner Let's go birding! Every habitat brings a new set of interesting specialist birds, and the desert is a prime example. Vireos, warblers, swifts, and flycatchers you won't see in the wetlands, so come learn your birds! 5/23/26 - 9am TBA (The owls decide) Come watch Western-screech owl babies get banded for science. The Grand Valley has more Western-screech Owls than anywhere in the world! COLORADO RIVER AT PEAR PARK
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 8:00 am Meet: Riverfront Trail parking lot on 29 Rd Bird Walk with John Higgins Details: Celebrate Earth Day by looking for the ducks, shorebirds, herons and swallows migrating north up the river. The ospreys should be back. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Riverfront Trail parking lot on 29 Road on the east side of the road, north of the Colorado River and south of C1/2 Road. This is not Corn Lake on 32 Road. We will walk at an easy pace on the path and be done by noon. Dress for the weather and bring snacks and water. There is a portable restroom at the parking lot. People who have never been birdwatching are especially invited. There is room for everyone. Contact: If you have any questions, contact leader John Higgins, [email protected], 520-609-2361. 
BIRDWALKS INFO Bird Walks are one of Grand Valley Audubon Society's most popular events and Pam Johnson is the Bird Walk Organizer. But she needs your help! Can you identify an area for a possible walk? When is a good time of year to watch the birds in this area? Click to download a BirdWalkworkSheet.docx to complete and return to Pam using the email or phone number below. She will contact you for clarification and details. Dates and times will be posted into the calendar on the website and the newsletter. She hopes to organize two walks a month. Send your suggestions to Pam Johnson at [email protected]. You can also leave her a message at 970-523-5443. Thank you for all you do to support Grand Valley Audubon Society! |