Wings and Wonder Winter Fest

12/01/2024 - 12/07/2024

Admission

  • Free

Location

Kingery Nature Center

Summary

Celebrate the season of giving with Denver Audubon at our Wings and Wonder Winter Fest, a week-long, family-friendly event at the Kingery Nature Center! This free festival invites you to connect with nature and enjoy Colorado’s winter wildlife with a lineup of activities designed for all ages. From guided bird walks to nature journaling, crafts, and warm cocoa by the fire, each event offers a unique way to experience the wonder of nature during Colorado Gives Day. Join us as we recognize the generosity of our supporters and share the beauty of the natural world together.

Description

 

Sunday Dec 1

Nature Journaling 1-3PM

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and work on developing keen observation skills!  Through the lens of nature journaling, this workshop will focusing on watching and sketching birds and native plants in the winter season.  New journals available upon request for a $10 donation that can be paid the day of the workshop.

 

Monday Dec 2

Duck Tails & Trails 10AM-12PM

Learn how to identify both common and uncommon ducks, their habitats, and their behaviors in this family-friendly program. Examine duck specimens to understand their unique adaptations and walk to the pond to see the ducks in action. This class is perfect for all ages. Come ready to explore, learn, and enjoy some quality time outdoors!

 

Tuesday Dec 3

Bird Walk for Beginners 9-10:30AM

Join us on a stroll around the trails at the Kingery Nature Center to search for winter birds and wildlife. This trip will focus on basic field ID of some of the most common species in this habitat, including white-crowned sparrows, northern flickers, raptors, and possibly some waterfowl! All levels are welcome. Trails are gravel and mostly flat, but not wheelchair accessible. We will plan to walk about a mile. Please dress for the weather!

 

Trees & Chews Beaver Hike 12:30-2PM

Hike through a wintery wetland habitat to learn about the unique adaptations of beavers and the rich ecosystems they create at the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center. How do these animals find food in the winter, and keep warm in the frigid South Platte River? All ages welcome.

 

Art & Cocoa Bliss 6:30-8:30PM

Unleash your inner artist! Join us for an evening of creativity, relaxation, and community as you sip hot cocoa while painting your own masterpiece inspired by the beauty of nature. Guided by Audrey Hicks, you'll learn painting techniques and receive step-by-step instructions to create your own unique artwork featuring winter landscapes and local wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this session is designed for all skill levels. Bring a friend or make new ones as you sip cocoa, paint, and celebrate the season in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Come and create lasting memories with us!

 

Wednesday Dec 4

Dippers on Ice 9:30-11AM

Bundle up and join Denver Audubon Master Birder Don Hall for a wintery walk from the Kingery Nature Center down to the South Platte River in search of the remarkable American Dipper. Known for their unique, water-loving lifestyle—even in freezing temperatures—these hardy little birds dive and swim in icy waters, creating a true winter spectacle. Along the way, we’ll also keep an eye out for other winter residents and seasonal visitors. Feel the crisp air, hear the river’s flow, and experience the quiet beauty of Colorado’s winter wildlife up close.

 

Nature’s Gifts Workshop 11AM-1PM

Join us for a creative and environmentally conscious gift-making session at Wings and Wonder Winter Fest! In this hands-on workshop, guests will explore the joy of crafting unique, handmade gifts using natural ingredients and eco-friendly materials. Participants will have the opportunity to create delightful items such as invigorating salt scrubs, beautiful sun catchers, and festive garlands, all while learning about sustainable practices. We’ll also provide materials for wrapping embellishments that add a personal touch to your gifts. This session is perfect for all ages and is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while caring for our planet. Come get inspired and spread some holiday cheer with your eco-friendly creations!

 

Thursday Dec 5

Toddler Storytime & Cocoa 9:30-11AM

Join Denver Audubon for a cozy winter gathering designed for our littlest nature lovers! Sip on warm cocoa as we share Bright Winter Night, a beautifully illustrated story by Alli Brydon and Ashling Lindsay. Follow along as woodland creatures come together to build something magical under the winter sky, celebrating friendship, teamwork, and the wonders of nature. After storytime, kids can make their own woodland-inspired crafts in a zero-waste session, perfect for little hands and big imaginations!

 

Friday Dec 6

Bird Feeders & Seed Eaters 9:30-11:30AM

Winter is the perfect time to get know our year-round birdy residents in Colorado.  Many of them rely upon seeds and berries to sustain them through the colder seasons when insects are dormant!  Learn about different bird seed varieties, plant recommendations for berry production, and practice your local bird identification with Denver Audubon. 

 

Mindfulness in Nature 1-3PM

We'll explore nature through a lens of mindfulness -- taking time to look, listen, and appreciate our natural surroundings while incorporating mindfulness techniques. Experience the physical and mental benefits of mindfulness in nature as we slow down, breathe, and observe.

 

Cocoa in the Cottonwoods Family Night Hike 5-6:30PM

Experience the the enchantment of dusk as we take a walk in search of signs of Colorado's nocturnal wildlife that stay active all winter. After the walk, warm up by the fire with s'mores and hot cocoa while soaking in the magic of a winter night sky. This family-friendly program is great for all ages.

 

Saturday Dec 7

Birding With Santa 9-11AM OR 12-2PM

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of Birding with Santa at the Kingery Nature Center! This festive event offers families the chance to explore the winter landscape and spot local bird species in the company of Santa Claus. During a guided birdwatching walk, participants will learn about the remarkable ways birds adapt to the colder months and discover the importance of conservation. After the birding walk, Santa will share holiday stories and lead festive activities, making this the perfect outing for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned expert, this afternoon adventure is sure to bring joy and wonder to the holiday season. Don’t have binoculars? No worries—we’ve got you covered!