The new Cardinal has information on our upcoming speakers, an update on the CBC, upcoming field trips and Warbler Weekend, a review of the great work FrogTown Green is doing, and how to get involved in the future of our chapter.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in Saint Paul Audubon activities this past year, supporting our mission of engaging a diverse community in enjoying, understanding, and protecting birds and the habitats they need to thrive.
https://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-Audubon-Logo-Color-Outline.png00Greg Burneshttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-Audubon-Logo-Color-Outline.pngGreg Burnes2023-11-22 07:47:502023-11-22 07:48:05Annual Report 2022-2023 Now Available
Local communities have great power to incorporate bird-friendly designs and practices intended to keep birds safer while flying, particularly during migration. Bird-safe building practices, including lighting, siting, and glass guidelines, are proven to decrease impacts on migratory birds. By including bird-friendly practices in local ordinances, particularly in critical areas such as the Mississippi River flyway, we can help birds in the face of climate change, urban development, and other threats.
In January 2023, St. Paul released and considered a robust, bird-friendly ordinance for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA). Audubon Upper Mississippi River and the St. Paul Bird Alliance supported this ordinance during public hearings. Unfortunately, it was never finalized; the newly updated draft (link is external) leaves out important bird-safe building practices.
Passing a strong Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) ordinance is integral to riverfront protection and future development.
https://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SaintPaulwaterfront.jpg13081958Greg Burneshttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-Audubon-Logo-Color-Outline.pngGreg Burnes2025-04-18 06:49:562025-04-20 08:52:16Urge St. Paul to Pass Bird-Friendly Ordinance
Warbler Weekend 2025 is May 9-10, and here is everything you need to know.
Special Friday evening guest speaker – Stan Tekiela. He will give his stunning “Bird Migration” presentation based on his award-winning book of the same title.
Accommodations: Birders staying overnight must make reservations. Lake City, Red Wing, and Wabasha are good options.
Location: Hok Si La Park Dining Hall, Lake City, MN, is the hub for all activities.(www.hoksilapark.org)
On-site Information Announcements will occur after each meal. The Bird Boards, Schedule, Notice, and Places to Bird will be posted prominently.
Schedule
Friday, May 9 6:30 pm Coffee, cookies and socializing 7:00 pm Presentation – Stan Tekiela – Bird Migrations (you must be registered for Warbler Weekend to attend this session)
Saturday, May 10
Bird Walks: Morning: 6:45-8:30 am and 9:45 am–12:15 pm Afternoon: 1:45-3:15 pm and 3:45-5:00 pm Evening (after Bird Tally): Swifting at Villa Maria.
Gather on the grass at the parking lot around appropriate signs to form groups at least 5 minutes before each scheduled trip. Likely spots include Frontenac State Park Sand Point Trail and campground, Frontenac Town Cemetery and Town Walk, Villa Maria Grounds, and Hok-Si-La North and South. Birding by car on your own is always an option.
Meals, With Important Announcements 8:30-9:00 am Breakfast. Announcements 9:15 am 12:15-12:45 pm Lunch. Announcements 1:00 pm 6:00-6:30 pm Dinner. Announcements at 6:45 pm, followed by Bird Tally
Evaluation Forms: We want your input! All birders will be asked to complete an evaluation form to continue improving Warbler Weekend.
The new Cardinal has information on our April and May speaker series, registration information for Warbler Weekend, a listing of our summer field trips, and many volunteer and advocacy opportunities. Join Us!
Pig’s Eye Survey
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is developing a plan to clean up the Pig’s Eye Dump and restore Saint Paul’s natural resources. You can find more information on the Task Force, the Pig’s Eye Dump and the survey here: mnpca.info/pedtf
Learn more about the organization’s work site, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and Wakaŋ Tipi (dwelling place of the sacred). WTA’s work centers on restoring the honor, ecosystems, and community connection to the land and natural world while engaging the community in creating and caring for bird habitat in the Mississippi River Twin Cities Important Bird Area (IBA).
https://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WTAMaggie-e1711204960339.png633883Greg Burneshttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-Audubon-Logo-Color-Outline.pngGreg Burnes2025-02-21 10:26:572025-02-21 10:28:57Recording Available – Restoring Honor, Connections, & Land at Wakaŋ Tipi
Keystone Woods WMA offers a unique opportunity to safeguard one of our state’s most rare habitats: grasslands. The state recently purchased this 1,820-acre property in Washington County, which opened to the public in September last year. It has already proven to be a rich birding area, with over 169 species reported on e-bird, including Short-Eared Owls, Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Dickcessel, Rough-Legged hawks, and many varieties of sparrows, shorebirds, and waterbirds.
We are coordinating numerous conservation organizations to provide input and resources to support Keystone. The DNR staff has been welcoming of input and suggestions. However, dog training groups have asked the DNR for an accommodation to allow dogs to run off-leash in areas of the property during the bird breeding season (April 15 – July 15).This activity was allowed when the land was under private ownership, but it should not continue now that it is public land, and this accommodation does not align with the DNR’s standard practices. Here is a link to an article that provides more background.
Action Requested – Take 5 Minutes to Respond to the DNR Survey
The Saint Paul Bird Alliance, Land of Lakes Bird Alliance, Urban Bird Collective, and Sustainable Stillwater/Bird City encourage people who care about protecting habitats and birds to take the DNR’s online survey and express their opinion about the future use of Keystone Woods WMA. The survey closes on March 2, 2025.
Want to Help Even More?
We are planning spring surveys and habitat conservation activities. If you want to be considered for our teams, please email us at contact@saintpaulbirdalliance.org.
The new Cardinal has information on our Feb and March speaker series, a report on the Christmas Bird Count and our Field Trips, a field trip series at Silverwood Park, updates on the Outdoor – Together and Birds and Beers, and much more.
The new Cardinal has information on our Dec. and Jan. speaker series, Big and Wild River Journeys updates, a field trip series at Silverwood Park, a heartfelt story about an acclaimed photographer, an engaging book review, and much more.
Hello Saint Paul Audubon Society members and friends! We are pleased to announce our new name: Saint Paul Bird Alliance.
After many months of ongoing discussions, input gathering, and options exploration, the board voted on October 7 to change the name of our chapter to Saint Paul Bird Alliance. We appreciate all of you who provided feedback during this process. Your thoughtful comments confirmed how important it is for everyone to join together in protecting the birds that need us now more than ever.
The “Bird Alliance” name aligns us with many chapters nationwide that have removed Audubon from their names. For example, the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis is joining us today in adopting a new name: Land of Lakes Bird Alliance.
We will transition to our new name over the next few months. Please read today’s news release and FAQ document for more background and details about the name change.
It is exciting to have a new name, but we continue with the same mission: To engage a diverse community in enjoying, understanding, and protecting birds and the habitats all living beings need to thrive.
Board of Directors
https://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-Audubon-Logo-Color-Outline.png00Greg Burneshttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/New-Audubon-Logo-Color-Outline.pngGreg Burnes2024-10-15 20:40:282024-10-16 09:57:09New Name – Same Mission
The new Cardinal has information on our Oct. and Nov. speaker series, updated mission statement and activity plans, the annual Crex Meadow Crane field trip, and an encounter with California Condors.
Feb – March 2024 Cardinal
/in CardinalThe new Cardinal has information on our upcoming speakers, an update on the CBC, upcoming field trips and Warbler Weekend, a review of the great work FrogTown Green is doing, and how to get involved in the future of our chapter.
Annual Report 2022-2023 Now Available
/in NewsThank you to everyone who has participated in Saint Paul Audubon activities this past year, supporting our mission of engaging a diverse community in enjoying, understanding, and protecting birds and the habitats they need to thrive.
Urge St. Paul to Pass Bird-Friendly Ordinance
/in NewsLocal communities have great power to incorporate bird-friendly designs and practices intended to keep birds safer while flying, particularly during migration. Bird-safe building practices, including lighting, siting, and glass guidelines, are proven to decrease impacts on migratory birds. By including bird-friendly practices in local ordinances, particularly in critical areas such as the Mississippi River flyway, we can help birds in the face of climate change, urban development, and other threats.
In January 2023, St. Paul released and considered a robust, bird-friendly ordinance for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA). Audubon Upper Mississippi River and the St. Paul Bird Alliance supported this ordinance during public hearings. Unfortunately, it was never finalized; the newly updated draft (link is external) leaves out important bird-safe building practices.
Passing a strong Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) ordinance is integral to riverfront protection and future development.
Please use this easy form to urge St. Paul to pass a robust, bird friendly MRCCA ordinance without further delay.
Warbler Weekend – Registration Closed
/in NewsRegistration Full
Warbler Weekend 2025 is May 9-10, and here is everything you need to know.
Special Friday evening guest speaker – Stan Tekiela.
He will give his stunning “Bird Migration” presentation based on his award-winning book of the same title.
Accommodations: Birders staying overnight must make reservations. Lake City, Red Wing, and Wabasha are good options.
Location: Hok Si La Park Dining Hall, Lake City, MN, is the hub for all activities.(www.hoksilapark.org)
On-site Information Announcements will occur after each meal. The Bird Boards, Schedule, Notice, and Places to Bird will be posted prominently.
Schedule
Friday, May 9
6:30 pm Coffee, cookies and socializing
7:00 pm Presentation – Stan Tekiela – Bird Migrations (you must be registered for Warbler Weekend to attend this session)
Saturday, May 10
Bird Walks:
Morning: 6:45-8:30 am and 9:45 am–12:15 pm
Afternoon: 1:45-3:15 pm and 3:45-5:00 pm
Evening (after Bird Tally): Swifting at Villa Maria.
Gather on the grass at the parking lot around appropriate signs to form groups at least 5 minutes before each scheduled trip. Likely spots include Frontenac State Park Sand Point Trail and campground, Frontenac Town Cemetery and Town Walk, Villa Maria Grounds, and Hok-Si-La North and South. Birding by car on your own is always an option.
Meals, With Important Announcements
8:30-9:00 am Breakfast. Announcements 9:15 am
12:15-12:45 pm Lunch. Announcements 1:00 pm
6:00-6:30 pm Dinner. Announcements at 6:45 pm, followed by Bird Tally
Evaluation Forms: We want your input! All birders will be asked to complete an evaluation form to continue improving Warbler Weekend.
April – May 2025 Cardinal
/in Cardinal, NewsThe new Cardinal has information on our April and May speaker series, registration information for Warbler Weekend, a listing of our summer field trips, and many volunteer and advocacy opportunities. Join Us!
Pig’s Eye – Your Input is Needed!
/in NewsPig’s Eye Survey
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is developing a plan to clean up the Pig’s Eye Dump and restore Saint Paul’s natural resources. You can find more information on the Task Force, the Pig’s Eye Dump and the survey here: mnpca.info/pedtf
Recording Available – Restoring Honor, Connections, & Land at Wakaŋ Tipi
/in NewsPresented by: Maggie Lorenz, Executive Director of Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi (WTA)
Link to Video
Learn more about the organization’s work site, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and Wakaŋ Tipi (dwelling place of the sacred). WTA’s work centers on restoring the honor, ecosystems, and community connection to the land and natural world while engaging the community in creating and caring for bird habitat in the Mississippi River Twin Cities Important Bird Area (IBA).
Keystone WMA – Your Input Needed
/in NewsKeystone WMA – Your Input Needed Today
Help Protect our Grassland Birds –
Keystone Woods WMA offers a unique opportunity to safeguard one of our state’s most rare habitats: grasslands. The state recently purchased this 1,820-acre property in Washington County, which opened to the public in September last year. It has already proven to be a rich birding area, with over 169 species reported on e-bird, including Short-Eared Owls, Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Dickcessel, Rough-Legged hawks, and many varieties of sparrows, shorebirds, and waterbirds.
We are coordinating numerous conservation organizations to provide input and resources to support Keystone. The DNR staff has been welcoming of input and suggestions. However, dog training groups have asked the DNR for an accommodation to allow dogs to run off-leash in areas of the property during the bird breeding season (April 15 – July 15).This activity was allowed when the land was under private ownership, but it should not continue now that it is public land, and this accommodation does not align with the DNR’s standard practices. Here is a link to an article that provides more background.
Action Requested – Take 5 Minutes to Respond to the DNR Survey
The Saint Paul Bird Alliance, Land of Lakes Bird Alliance, Urban Bird Collective, and Sustainable Stillwater/Bird City encourage people who care about protecting habitats and birds to take the DNR’s online survey and express their opinion about the future use of Keystone Woods WMA. The survey closes on March 2, 2025.
Want to Help Even More?
We are planning spring surveys and habitat conservation activities. If you want to be considered for our teams, please email us at contact@saintpaulbirdalliance.org.
Additional Information:
DNR Keystone Website
Star Tribune article about Keystone
Our Organization’s Response to the DNR
Short-eared owls at Keystone Woods WMA. (Greg Seitz/St. Croix 360)
Feb – March 2025 Cardinal
/in Cardinal, NewsThe new Cardinal has information on our Feb and March speaker series, a report on the Christmas Bird Count and our Field Trips, a field trip series at Silverwood Park, updates on the Outdoor – Together and Birds and Beers, and much more.
December – January 2025 Cardinal
/in Cardinal, NewsThe new Cardinal has information on our Dec. and Jan. speaker series, Big and Wild River Journeys updates, a field trip series at Silverwood Park, a heartfelt story about an acclaimed photographer, an engaging book review, and much more.
New Name – Same Mission
/in NewsHello Saint Paul Audubon Society members and friends! We are pleased to announce our new name: Saint Paul Bird Alliance.
After many months of ongoing discussions, input gathering, and options exploration, the board voted on October 7 to change the name of our chapter to Saint Paul Bird Alliance. We appreciate all of you who provided feedback during this process. Your thoughtful comments confirmed how important it is for everyone to join together in protecting the birds that need us now more than ever.
The “Bird Alliance” name aligns us with many chapters nationwide that have removed Audubon from their names. For example, the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis is joining us today in adopting a new name: Land of Lakes Bird Alliance.
We will transition to our new name over the next few months. Please read today’s news release and FAQ document for more background and details about the name change.
It is exciting to have a new name, but we continue with the same mission: To engage a diverse community in enjoying, understanding, and protecting birds and the habitats all living beings need to thrive.
Board of Directors
October – November 2024 Cardinal
/in Cardinal, NewsThe new Cardinal has information on our Oct. and Nov. speaker series, updated mission statement and activity plans, the annual Crex Meadow Crane field trip, and an encounter with California Condors.