~led by Chuck Aid

Join Evergreen Audubon for our 32nd annual Dawn Chorus at beautiful Evergreen Lake! All ages and abilities are welcome whether you’re a longtime birder or just curious about what’s singing at sunrise.

The dawn chorus is one of nature’s great concerts, happening just before and after sunrise when birds are most vocal. This special morning celebrates the return of migratory birds, the start of breeding season, and the joy of welcoming spring together as a community.

We’ll gather early for coffee (on us!), then head out for a relaxed bird walk along the boardwalk and nearby trails. Afterward, stick around for a casual potluck breakfast and more birding.

This year’s Dawn Chorus bird walk will begin at 6am and will be led by Chuck Aid, who will guide us along the boardwalk and nearby trails as songbirds fill the morning air. After enjoying their concert, we will gather for coffee and a potluck breakfast with fellow birders.

So, what is the Dawn Chorus all about? It is the time of day when songbirds make singing their highest priority. The peak typically occurs from about half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunrise, roughly 5:30 to 6:30 AM locally. This is generally not a time for foraging, but strictly for singing, and the chorus of birds at dawn is one of the great pleasures they give us.

Lengthening daylight urges males to sing as they work to attract a mate and establish a territory. While birds vocalize throughout the year, it is primarily during breeding season that we hear their true songs, which are different from other vocalizations. Locally, some of the first birds we hear singing are Northern Flickers and White breasted Nuthatches, followed by chickadees and finches. Soon after, early migrants such as American Robins begin adding their voices to the mix.

There is much more to learn and discuss, and we will explore it together at this year’s Dawn Chorus as we brush up on bird songs and sharpen our listening skills. Come join the Evergreen Audubon community in celebrating the start of the avian breeding season, the return of migratory birds to Colorado, and the passing through of others heading farther north.

Schedule of Events
6:00 AM: Meet at the Evergreen Lake picnic area for coffee provided by Evergreen Audubon (please bring your own mug to help keep this a zero‑waste event!)

6:30 AM: Guided bird walk on the boardwalk and nearby trails

7:30 to 8:00 AM: Potluck breakfast and coffee (Finger foods that don’t need heating or refrigeration work best — please keep food in your car until after the walk.)

8:30 AM Optional additional birding

Potluck Details
Participants are encouraged to bring a breakfast treat to share after the bird walk. Finger foods that do not need to be kept cold or heated work best. Please keep your food item in your vehicle until after the walk. Evergreen Audubon will provide the coffee. To help keep this a zero waste event, please bring your own mug and a napkin.

We hope you’ll join us for this joyful Evergreen Audubon tradition, there’s nothing quite like starting the day with birdsong and community.

Questions? Contact Emma Vasicek

————————————-

PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

Attendance at Evergreen Audubon programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual.

If you would prefer that your photo not be used, please email or call our Executive Director, Emma Vasicek. ExecutiveDirector@EvergreenAudubon.org  |  303-330-0489