Speaker Series

Kara Snow will present “The Breeding Ecology of Boreal Chickadees in Northern Minnesota.” Kara will share her research and findings related to Boreal Chickadees with us. The MN DNR lists Boreal Chickadees as a species in great conservation need (SGCN), with declines attributed to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. However, the specific impacts of fragmentation […]

Rebecca Heisman will discuss her book "Flight Paths - How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration." ** THIS IS A ZOOM ONLY PRESENTATION ** We've all heard amazing facts about bird migration—the long distances that birds travel, the ways that they navigate, etc. But did you ever […]

 Dominant science's impact on Indigenous peoples in historical and contemporary contexts ** THIS IS A ZOOM ONLY PRESENTATION ** Dr. Smiles will speak on how modes of ‘dominant’ science have historically been used in ways that have negatively affected Indigenous peoples in historical and contemporary contexts. They will then turn to how Indigenous scientists have […]

Storytelling that honors our bird relatives - Birds of Ojibwe Legends Change in Venue **Zoom Only** Winter is traditionally storytelling season in our Native communities in Minnesota.  So many Ojibwe […]

Tim Mitchell will present “The Road to Recovery? Roadside Habitat for Pollinators.” Habitat loss is the primary factor behind the decline of pollinators.  Roadside rights-of-way represent a substantial area of […]

John Gregor, ColdSnap Photography, presents “The Birds of Mexico.” John Gregor, who has 45 years of professional photography experience and lives part of the year in Mexico, will show the variety of birds found in Mexico and talk about where the best birding spots are, how to locate birds in the wild, and tips on […]

Mags Rheude and Mags Edwards present “Chimney Swift Conservation and Community Engagement.” Mags Rheude, a biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will introduce the Twin Cities Urban Bird Treaty Program and their research on the efficacy of free-standing chimney swift towers in the Twin Cities. The Twin Cities hosts over 70 freestanding swift […]

Gregg Severson Presents - Birding Honduras Honduras is a gem of neotropical birding, with many fantastic locations and stunning birds. However, despite this abundant natural beauty, it is less established for ecotourism than places like Costa Rica or Colombia. I will talk about Honduras as a destination, focusing on how birders can contribute to building […]

Zoom Link Scott Mehus - National Eagle Center “The Golden Eagle Project: A Survey of Winter Populations in the Driftless Region and Beyond” Learn more about the two species of eagles that can be seen in Minnesota and the best places to observe golden eagles. Identifying the difference between juvenile Bald and golden eagles can […]

Zoom Link Red-headed Woodpecker Ecology and Conservation: New insights and future directions Dr. Elena H. West (she/her) Teaching Assistant Professor Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Dr. West is leading research on the ecology of red-headed woodpeckers, focusing on understanding habitat requirements in oak savanna ecosystems. Red-headed woodpecker populations have declined by over 90% […]

Great Backyard Bird Count – Feb. 14th-17th Great Backyard Bird Count: Should Be “Finchy” and Fun — Winter finch “irruption” will be a highlight for many. New York, NY, Ithaca, NY, and Port Rowan, ON—The 22nd Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will occur from Friday, February 14 through Monday, February 14. Volunteers from around the […]