Saturday, May 11 is Global Big Day! A ”Big Day” is a special birding holiday that encourages nature lovers around the world to get outside and look for birds. Last year more than 50,000 people from 200 countries participated in Global Big Day on eBird to create a global snapshot of bird abundance and distribution.

What is eBird?

eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program that compiles millions of users’ bird sightings into one database. Scientists use this data for bird research and conservation projects! eBird creates and hosts Global Big Day and other birding holidays throughout the year.

Want to join the fun?

The High Line Canal Conservancy is partnering with experienced birders to host four simultaneous birding walks along the Canal on May 11. This walk is hosted in partnership with Sand Creek Regional Greenway. No experience or birding knowledge is needed to join! Bird fans of all ages and abilities are welcome. Each walk will be led by an experienced birder who will record all of the birds we see into eBird. Register below to join this walk in Aurora.

You can participate on your own, too! Birding is for everyone, everywhere. If you can’t join us check out this eBird article on how you can participate from wherever you are.

Why the Canal?

The High Line Canal and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway are corridors of green space that many migrating birds rely on when moving through the Denver Metro area to rest and refuel for their long journeys. During peak spring migration season more than 100,000 migrating birds fly over the region every night!

Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 11
• Time: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
• Location: Triple Creek Trailhead, Aurora
• Parking: 18000 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80011
• What to bring: Water and walking shoes. Grab your binoculars, camera, or any other birding gear if you have it!
• Accessibility: The Canal trail in this area is concrete with minimal slopes. We will be traveling around 2 miles or less with frequent stopping to stand still. There are no benches along this segment. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
• Note: Due to the shy nature of many birds, we ask that you leave your pets at home for this walk.