FRANKTOWN, Colo. - Nothing heralds the return of spring to Castlewood Canyon State Park more than the sight of turkey vultures circling high above in search of food. To honor this annual natural event, come join us for Welcome Back Turkey Vulture Day on Saturday, April 12.

Castlewood Canyon State Park, five miles south of Franktown, boasts the largest summer roost of turkey vultures in Colorado, with up to 100 birds some seasons.

"Magnificent when soaring, sinister up close, turkey vultures fill a unique niche," says bird expert Hugh Kingery of Franktown. "They are the garbage collectors of the environment. Their job is to clean up dead animals, which would become a breeding ground for diseases."

Sunrise is the best time to see the giant birds stretch their 6-foot wing span as they rise slowly from their perches, circle, and soar out in various directions seeking smelly carrion. For visitors wanting to watch the birds leave their roosts, spotting scopes will be set up at 8 a.m. in the Falls Parking Lot approximately 4 miles south of Highway 86 on Castlewood Canyon Road. Castlewood Canyon Road is a half-mile west of the intersection of Highway 83 (Parker Road) and Highway 86 in Franktown.

Other activities start at 10 a.m. on the east side of Castlewood Canyon State Park, 5 miles south of Franktown on Hwy. 83. Planned are hikes, an observation station, art activities and games, which include hop like a vulture, scavenge like a vulture, and vulture autopsy A Native Americans storyteller and dancer will perform at the amphitheater. The Raptor Education Foundation will attend in the morning with a live turkey vulture and lunch will be available at the Canyon Point picnic shelters for a suggested $5 donation.

There is much more to learn about the turkey vulture, so come out to Castlewood Canyon State Park, Saturday April 12, and spend the day celebrating spring.

WHAT: Welcome Back Turkey Vulture Day

WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 8 a.m.to 3p.m.

WHERE: Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 South State Highway 83, Franktown

HOW: All visitors are welcome! $7 daily park pass ($70 annual) fee per vehicle required.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, more than 300 state wildlife areas, all of Colorado's wildlife, and a variety of outdoor recreation. For more information go to cpw.state.co.us