Saint Paul Bird Alliance

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Dr. Jesus Pinto Ledezma UM “Remote sensing of plants and birds”
2023-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Dr. Jesus N. Pinto-Ledezma will present “Harnessing Bird and Remote Sensing Data to Understand Biodiversity Change Over Space and Time.”
Biodiversity is changing due to alterations in climate and human activities at rates only comparable to the fossil record, and understanding the processes that drive and maintain the composition and structure of ecological communities is a critical challenge for biologists. Additionally, species – the primary unit of analysis in ecology and evolution – are changing their distributions, affecting how biologists understand and study biodiversity.
Pinto-Ledezma will talk about harnessing bird and remote sensing data for biodiversity assessments that allow us to go beyond the use of static data sets and perform a more realistic evaluation of the factors that determine species distribution and assemblage composition, to enhance effective management strategies and conservation actions. He will talk about how ecological communities assemble over time and the processes that drive and maintain the bird diversity we see today, about using Geolocators to help understand migration, and about how we can integrate bird observations and remote sensing data to advance modeling approaches to better understand the associations between species and their habitats.
Jesus Pinto-Ledezma is a Presidential Fellow in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. He is an evolutionary ecologist and is particularly interested in understanding geographical patterns of biodiversity, the structure of ecological communities, and the underlying mechanisms that drive, maintain, and alter such patterns. His work focuses on terrestrial systems, with a focus on avifauna and vascular plants but also other groups. He integrates evolutionary and ecological theories of biodiversity and develops methodological advances to unveil processes acting in concert at different temporal and spatial scales. The ultimate aim of his work is to apply insights about the onset of biodiversity patterns to inform conservation and management responses to ongoing global change and biodiversity loss.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Stephanie Schmidt, International Crane Foundation
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Stephanie Schmidt, International Crane Foundation

Presentation Streaming from Baraboo, Wisconsin
Join us in-person or via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/86703578381
February 9: “Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population.” In the 1940s, Whooping Cranes, once native to Minnesota, faced near extinction as a result of increased threats from habitat loss, hunting, and more. It wasn’t until 2001 that Whooping Cranes returned to the eastern U.S. following a collaborative reintroduction program led by the International Crane Foundation (ICF). Today around 76 Whooping Cranes make up this population, and a few individuals have made their way into Minnesota each year. Stephanie will talk about what the ICF and crane conservation partners are doing to safeguard their future. Following her presentation, you will be able to identify Whooping Cranes by sight and sound, understand the historic threats towards Whooping Cranes that led to their decline, know the ins and outs of the reintroduction program and the current work crane conservation partners are doing to protect cranes in Minnesota and throughout their flyways, and find out how you can be an ambassador for cranes in Minnesota.
Stephanie grew up in the Kettle Moraine area in southeastern Wisconsin, a region known for its many Sandhill Cranes, which ignited her early love for birds, wetlands, and nature. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
An option for viewing the presentations remotely will also be provided.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Anthony Hauck, National Audubon Conservation Ranch Program
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Anthony Hauck, National Audubon Conservation Ranch Program

“Birds, Beef, and a Better Climate.” Traditional conservation approaches have failed to stem the continued loss of native grasslands and the precipitous decline of grassland birds, now estimated to be a 53% population decline since the first Earth Day. Nearly 70% of grassland species are vulnerable to extinction due to climate change. Audubon Conservation Ranching, the National Audubon Society’s novel, market-based approach to grassland bird conservation, is working at the intersection of wildlife, food, people, and climate to slow these trends. Anthony will talk about the Audubon Conservation Ranching’s certification program, which yields on-the-ground habitat results as well as the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal that helps consumers recognize beef and bison products that originated on lands managed for birds and biodiversity. Grasslands also keep more carbon in the ground and capture it in plants, reducing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. The bottom line: What’s good for grassland birds is also good for climate change mitigation.
Anthony has dedicated his career to conservation communications. Before joining Audubon he served at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and prior to that, Pheasants Forever. He’s proud to call the prairie home, with grassland and agricultural roots along the Minnesota and South Dakota border. His love for birds took flight at Salt Lake, a historic prairie basin and birding destination bordered by both states.

Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
An option for viewing the presentations remotely will also be provided.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Michael North, DNR Brainerd, “Characteristics of Woodpecker Nest Trees in Minnesota”
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Michael North, DNR Brainerd, “Characteristics of Woodpecker Nest Trees in Minnesota”
Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
This will be an in-person meeting only. The hybrid remote option will not be available.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist and Author, “Restoring Ecosystem Functionality and Biodiversity”
2023-05-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist and Author, “Restoring Ecosystem Functionality and Biodiversity”
Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.

Warbler Weekend 2023
2023-05-12 - 2023-05-14 | Hok-Si-La Park, Lake City, MN, 2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, 55041
Warbler Weekend 2023 is coming up and here is everything you need to know.
Registration: Registration for the weekend and reservations for all meals, including requests for gluten-free or vegetarian meals, are required in advance. Registration deadline has been extended to April 25th.
Registration is now closed.
Accommodations: Birders staying overnight need to make their own reservations. Lake City and Red Wing are closest.
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 Board, Schedule, Notice, and Places to Bird will be posted prominently.
Schedule
Friday May 12
6:30 p.m. Coffee, cookies and socializing
7:00 p.m. Presentation
Saturday May 13
Birding Walks
Morning: 6:45-8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Afternoon: 1:45-3:15 p.m. and 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Evening (after Bird Tally): Swifting at Villa Maria, followed by Owling
Gather on the grass at the parking lot around appropriate signs to form groups for each scheduled walk. Please be on time. Likely spots include:

Frontenac State Park’s Sand Point Trail and Overlook
Frontenac Town Cemetery & Town Walk
Villa Maria Grounds
Hok-Si-La North and South.
Birding by ear will be offered if we are able to line up aurally talented individuals who know our avian denizens and migrants well.
Birding by car on your own is always an option as well.

Meals
8:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast. Announcements at 9:15 a.m.
12:15-12:45 p.m. Lunch. Announcements at 1:00 p.m.
6:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner. Announcements at 6:45 p.m., followed by Bird Tally.
Sunday May 14
Enjoy birding on your own!
Evaluation forms: We want your input! All birders will be asked to fill out an evaluation form so that we can continue to improve Warbler Weekend.

Migrant and Nesting Birds Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
2023-05-18 07:00 - 22:00 | Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, Savage, MN, 15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage, MN, 55378, United States
15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage, MN
Thursday, May 18, 7-10 AM
One of the best birding areas in Twin Cities Metro! Focus is on songs/calls of nesting birds in a hardwood forest as well as spring migrants. Hooded warbler is a target species.
DIRECTIONS Take 35E or W to Co 42, go west ~ 2 miles, then south ~ 2 miles on Burnsville Parkway which becomes Hanrehan Lake Blvd. At Highway 75 aka Murphy Lake Rd, turn left and immediately into the parking lot on the left.
DIFFICULTY Wide natural trails. Medium to strenuous
LEADER Bill Stjern, norskestar@comcast.net 651- 458-1542

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk - Silverwood Regional Park
2023-05-23 07:00 - 09:00 | Silverwood Regional Park, St Anthony, MN, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony, MN, 55421, United States
May 23: Silverwood Regional Park, 2500 Cty Rd. E, St. Anthony, MN 55421
Passerine migrants, wetlands.
DIRECTIONS From 35W, take Cty Rd D/37th Ave. west, turn north (rt) onto Silver Lake, or, from I-694, take Silver Lake exit, go south. Finally, go west on Cty Rd E for ~1,000 ft, entrance on left. Meet at the large main parking lot. Restrooms available.
INSTRUCTIONS Bring water, insect repellant and field guide. Contact leader/s only if you need additional information.
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY Easy. Generally level pathways both chipped and paved. A few gradual hills.
LEADERS Jane Braun jane@promotional.com Mark Gilbert

Landscape Revival | Oakdale
2023-06-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Oakdale Fire Station #1, 5000 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN, 55128, United States
Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.
Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.
9am-1pm + Food Truck
Contact: info.landscape.revival.2023@gmail.com

Landscape Revival Growers

Growers/Vendors

Grower/VendorWebsiteContact NameContact PhoneContact E-mail

Blazing Star Gardens
(Takes Pre Orders)blazingstargardens.comDustin Demmer(507) 402-8337blazingstargardens@gmail.com

Dragonfly Gardensdragonflygardens.netHans Klug(715) 268-7660, (715) 544-7219natives@dragonflygardens.net

Ecoscapes Nativeecoscapes1.comCraig Stark(612) 965-0848craigstark@ecoscapes1.com

Minnesota Native Landscapes
(Takes pre orders)
http://tinyurl.com/czhxzt9mnlcorp.comChris Stumvoll(763) 295-0010chris.stumvoll@mnlcorp.com

Northern Hollernorthernholler.comPreston DrumNApreston@northernholler.com

Landscape Revival Exhibitors

EXHIBITORWEBSITE

Blue Thumb/Lawns to Legumesbluethumb.org

Minnesota Dragonfly Societymndragonfly.org

Minnesota Horticultural Societynortherngardener.org

Pollinator Friendly Alliancepollinatorfriendly.org/about-us

U of M Bee Squadbeelab.umn.edu/bee-squad

Washington Conservation Districtwww.mnwcd.org

Washington County
Master Gardeners - Monarchs & Pollinatorswashingtoncountymg.org

Xercesxerces.org

Wild Ones St Croix Oak Savannastcroixoaksavanna.wildones.org

Saint Paul BIrd Alliancesaintpaulbirdalliance.org

Bird City Stillwater/SSMN orgsustainablestillwatermn.org

Nesting Areas and related happenings at the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS)
2023-06-10 07:30 - 10:00 | Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
Saturday, June 10, 7:30-10 AM
June begins summer when territories generally are all set and families are busily growing. In contrast to migration style bird watching, we move to different habitats where the breeding territories are located. A walk on the hard surfaced one-mile path around Sunfish Lake will be followed by birding in a guided car caravan, stopping at choice locations. The site has lots of prairie and wooded edges for us to explore for their birding potential.
DIRECTIONS Meet at the Sunfish Gate parking area on Hamline Ave extension just north of MN Hwy 96.
INFORMATION The site has restricted access. All vehicles will enter and exit the property together. Outdoor restrooms are widely spaced when available.
REGISTRATION Required registration. Attendance is limited to six cars or 20 adults on a first reply, first served basis. Email Chase Davies your mobile phone number with the firm total number in your vehicle. PLEASE report any changes in numbers as soon as learned so Wait Listed hopefuls can enjoy these opportunities.
DIFFICULTY Easy
LEADERS: Mary Lee, AHATS Envir. Protection Specialist and Chase Davies 651-246- 9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

Landscape Revival | Shoreview
2023-06-10 09:00 - 13:00 | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Shoreview, MN, 3920 Victoria St N, Shoreview, 55126
Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.
Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.
Contact: info.landscape.revival.2023@gmail.com
Landscape Revival Growers

Growers/Vendors

Grower/VendorWebsiteContact NameContact PhoneContact E-mail

Blazing Star Gardens
(Takes Pre Orders)blazingstargardens.comDustin Demmer(507) 402-8337blazingstargardens@gmail.com

Dragonfly Gardensdragonflygardens.netHans Klug(715) 268-7660, (715) 544-7219natives@dragonflygardens.net

Ecoscapes Nativeecoscapes1.comCraig Stark(612) 965-0848craigstark@ecoscapes1.com

Minnesota Native Landscapes
(Takes pre orders)
http://tinyurl.com/czhxzt9mnlcorp.comChris Stumvoll(763) 295-0010chris.stumvoll@mnlcorp.com

Northern Hollernorthernholler.comPreston DrumNApreston@northernholler.com

Exhibitors

ExhibitorWebsite

Blue Thumb - Lawns to Legumeshttps://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes

Minnesota Dragonfly Societyhttps://mndragonfly.org

Minnesota Horticultural Societyhttps://northerngardener.org

Pollinator Friendly Alliancehttps://www.pollinatorfriendly.org/about-us

Minnesota Master Naturalisthttps://www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org

Ramsey County Master Gardenershttps://www.ramseymastergardeners.org

Ramsey-Washington Cooperative Weed Management District
https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/environment/ramsey-conservation-district/cooperative-weed-management-area

Saint Paul Audubon Societyhttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org

Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO)https://www.vlawmo.org

Xerces Societyhttps://xerces.org

Annual Butterfly Count
2023-07-08 09:45 - 14:00 | Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
Saturday, July 8, 2022
Our annual Butterfly Census will again take place on the first Saturday after July 4. We hope you will join us on Saturday, July 8 for this great citizen science project. The count will take place at the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) from 9:45 am to 2:00 pm. A map and information packet will be mailed to registered participants the week before the count. Registrants will be contacted if weather causes a last minute change of plans.
Required registration:
Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsyqILZVrzbEfe9EtrUPcr30bp_5MoRYwVGctlJw14_v_thQ/viewform Registration will remain open through Wednesday, July 5. A map and other information will be emailed to participants in the days prior to the count. Registrants will be contacted if weather causes a last-minute change of plans. This annual event is part of the July 4th Butterfly Count coordinated by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA: https://www.naba.org/). Saint Paul Audubon pays the NABA count fees, so the count at AHATS is free to all participants.
How to get there:
Registered participants will meet in the parking lot at the AHATS Arden Hills Readiness Center, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, just north of Highway 96. Drive through the AHATS gate to the Readiness Center, the first building on the left after you enter the training site. Restrooms are available in the Readiness Center.
During the count:
We will carpool to the various sites. Mary Lee, the Environmental Protection Specialist for the National Guard, will again be our great host and tour leader.
Useful Information to Help You Prepare:
www.naba.org The official website of the North American Butterfly Association. Find everything to do with these beloved insects: membership options, magazine PDFs, gardening information, checklists, regional information, beautiful photos. A great source of information about butterflies. www.wisconsinbutterflies.org An excellent site with species accounts and range maps of all butterflies encountered in Wisconsin; most of these species are also found in Minnesota. www.inaturalist.org A community science hub for submitting and exploring observations of organisms throughout the world. Over 30,000 observations of butterflies in Minnesota have been submitted to iNaturalist!
Recommended Butterfly Field Guide:
• Butterflies through Binoculars: The East, A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Eastern North America by Jeffrey Glassberg • Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America, by Jim P. Brock and Kenn Kaufman. For online identification guides, type ‘butterfly identification’ into your computer browser. There are several online apps for your cell phone, iPad, or laptop.
What to Bring and Wear:
Be sure to bring plenty of cool drinks, snacks, and a bag lunch. A wide-brimmed hat, lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirt (for protection from ticks, sun, and sharp grasses), sunscreen, high socks, old sneakers or rubber boots for bog-tromping, and insect repellent are recommended. Binoculars, a camera, and a butterfly field guide are recommended but not required. There are many interesting summer birds at AHATS, so you may also wish to bring a bird field guide.
Leader: Bob Dunlap

**New Bird Walk Just Added to Calendar** Summer Birding at Silverwood Regional Park
2023-07-12 07:30 - 09:30 | Silverwood Regional Park, St Anthony, MN, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, 55421
Summer birding presents possibilities for observing different behaviors once birds have settled on family territories. Birders have opportunities for lingering identifications with group interaction at a summer-time relaxed pace. The slower pace is also ideal for beginning birders to learn and experience the basics to locate, describe and identify birds.
DIRECTIONS 2500 County Rd E, St. Anthony (just west of Silver Lake Rd). Meet in main parking lot next to the pavilion.
INSTRUCTIONS Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a brimmed hat, water, sunblock and a field guide or smart phone with the app already installed.
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY Mostly paved trails. Restrooms available.
LEADER Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

Birds and Trees
2023-07-15 07:30 - 09:30 | Langton Lake Park – West Parking Lot, 1950 County Rd. C2 W, Roseville, 55113
Langton Lake Park, 1950 County Rd. C2 W, Roseville, MN 55113
Join us for a stroll at Langton Lake Park to observe and identify birds and trees, and consider their interactions.
DIRECTIONS Meet at the parking lot on County Road C2 at the west side of the lake.
INFORMATION Bring binoculars, bird guide, and a tree guide if you have them.
REGISTRATION None required
DIFFICULTY Paved paths, mostly level, approximately 1 mile
LEADERS Kathy Robbins 651-636-6475 Krobbins@umn.edu and Cathy Croghan crogh001@umn.edu

Bike & Bird the Vadnais-Snail Lakes & Grass Lake Regional Parks
2023-07-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Snail Lake Regional Park, Shoreview, MN, 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN, 55126, United States
4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN 55126
Sunday, July 16, 8:00 AM to Noon
Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle on more than 5 miles of mostly level, paved, multi-use trails that connect four lakes in Shoreview: Grass, Snail, Sucker, and Vadnais, all of which are prime birding locations for Ramsey County (top 10 hotspots on eBird). Landscape here is varied and includes lakes, woods, wetlands, and open grassland. Optional bakery-stop midway(bring bike lock): Taste of Scandinavia Bakery is a block off the trail in North Oaks.
LOCATION Trail map: https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Parks%20and%20Recreation/Park%20Maps%20-%20Vadnais%20Snail%20Lakes.pdf
DIRECTIONS Meet in parking lot at Snail Lake picnic area/boat launch/beach parking lot, 4191 Snail Lake Blvd, Shoreview, MN 55126 (2nd entrance, past Mackubin Street intersection: 45.067178, -93.123040)
GEAR Bring bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Leader will bring a scope and first aid kit.
REGISTRATION Required registration and limited to 8 participants. Contact sherrygray@yahoo.com to register. Participants will be asked to sign a liability release form at the start of the trip.
DIFFICULTY At least 5-mile route. A few short hills, but otherwise a winding, mostly level route. As group will hear and see many birds, riding pace is relaxed. Birders and bicyclists of all levels, including newbies, are most welcome to join.
LEADER Sherry Gray sherrygray@yahoo.com

Urban Trees and Birds, Frogtown Park and Farm
2023-08-05 08:30 - 10:00 | Frogtown Park and Farm, 946 Minnehaha Ave. W., St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
Join us for a visit to this unique urban farm site to observe and identify birds and trees, and to consider their interactions. You’ll learn some basic tree identification tips, the importance of our urban tree canopy and what Frogtown Green is doing to add trees to their neighborhood.
DIRECTIONS Meet at the parking lot next to the greenhouse on the top of the hill.
INFORMATION Bring binoculars, bird guide and tree guide if you have them.
REGISTRATION None required
DIFFICULTY Easy – Mostly paved, less than .5 mile
LEADERS Kathy Robbins 651-636-6475 Krobbins@umn.edu and Cathy Croghan

Bruce Vento Trail & Bird Walk
2023-08-13 13:30 - 15:00 | Bergeron Pass Marker, 1301 Arlington Ave E, St Paul, 55106
St. Paul Audubon Society joins with Friends of Swede Hollow http://www.friendsofswedehollow.net/ and Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County https://friendsoftheparks.org/ to offer this opportunity to stroll along a portion of the Bruce Vento Regional Trail https://www.traillink.com/trail/bruce-vento-regional-trail/ Learn the history of the land, the Trail, and current activities to save this important corridor from transit development. Along the way we’ll look for some summer birds. Beginners are most welcome.
SUGGESTIONS Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited number of binoculars can be borrowed from the leader. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Water and bug spray advised.
REGISTRATION None.
DIRECTIONS Meet at the Bergeron Pass Marker (44.9849102, -93.0455361) on the corner of English St. And Arlington Ave E. Street parking available along the east side of English St.
DIFFICULTY Level pathway both paved and natural areas. Route approximately 1.5 miles.
LEADER/S Kathy Sidles 651-233-6804 kesid@aol.com

Bike & Bird - Carlos Avery WMA
2023-08-20 08:30 - 12:30 | Carlos Avery North Loop Parking Lot, 9067 - 7801 205th Ave NE, Wyoming, MN, 55092, United States
9067-7801 205th Ave NE, Wyoming, MN 55092
Sunday, August 20, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle on several miles of level gravel roads that connect varied habitat in this large WMA near Wyoming, MN. Carlos Avery is a prime birding location for Anoka and Chisago counties (top hotspot on eBird for Anoka). Landscape includes lakes, small woods, wetlands, and open grassland. A hybrid or street bike that can handle gravel roads, or a mountain bike, is recommended (racing style, skinny tires probably not best here).
LOCATION WMA map: https://webapps15.dnr.state.mn.us/wahma/attachments/7672/public?1571761180
DIRECTIONS Meet in the Carlos Avery North Loop Parking Area. This is where 205th Ave NE meets Wyoming Road. 45.341380434033844, -93.0717141694866.
GEAR Bring a bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, and water. Scope optional, but could be useful. Leader will bring scope and first aid kit.
REGISTRATION Limited to 8 participants. Contact sherrygray@yahoo.com to register. Participants will be asked to sign a liability release form at the start of the trip.
DIFFICULTY Several miles. Terrain is mostly flat and area uncrowded, but roads are gravel and can be rutted or muddy. As group will hear and see many birds, riding pace is relaxed and stops frequent. Birders and bicyclists of all levels, including newbies, are most welcome to join.
LEADER Sherry Gray sherrygray@yahoo.com

Birds and Beers Saint Paul!
2023-08-23 18:00 - 21:00, 2023-09-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Sweeney’s Saloon, 96 Dale St N, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
A monthly gathering to meet other birders and talk about birds! We gather in the Ashland Room at Sweeney’s Saloon to visit over a meal and beverages.

Beginning Birding at Crosby Farm Regional Park
2023-08-26 08:00 - 10:30 | Crosby Farm Regional Park, 2595 Crosby Farm Rd., St. Paul, MN, 55116, United States
2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St. Paul, MN 55116
Saturday August 26, 8:00 – 10:30 AM
St. Paul Audubon is once again partnering with the St. Paul Library to offer a beginning birding field trip. Come and learn about birding, including how to use binoculars and a field guide. Mostly come to have some late summer fun outdoors.
DIRECTIONS Southwest of downtown St. Paul off Shepard Rd. Meet in the parking lot.
INFORMATION Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a brimmed hat, water, sunblock and a field guide with maps or a smart phone with an app already installed. Indicate at registration if you would like to use a pair of loaner binoculars.
REGISTRATION Registration required and limited to 15 participants
DIFFICULTY Variety of natural surfaces, generally level terrain, approximately 2 miles
LEADERS Linda Whyte 651-815-7045 and Cathy Croghan

Bike & Bird along the Mississippi River Levee on the Robert Piram Trail
2023-08-27 08:00 - 12:00
Sunday, August 27, 8:00 AM t0 12:00 PM
Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle along a flat, paved trail along the Mississippi River, from Harriet Island and the Saint Paul Airport past the Pigs Eye Island SNA Heron Rookery to Kaposia Landing (2.6 miles one way), the Rock Island Swing Bridge (7.8 mi, one way), and also connecting to Dakota County trials that lead to Lilydale or Thompson Parks or Simon’s Ravine. all of which are prime birding locations for Ramsey and Dakota Counties. Landscape is mostly river side, with option to visit small urban woods, a ravine, and/or riverine wetlands.
LOCATION Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DrPc80Yv-w4WpsSQhy9GxWkOmL6sWQBu/view
DIRECTIONS We will start at either Harriet Island or the Saint Paul Airport (south side).
GEAR Bring bicycle, helmet, binoculars, sunscreen, snacks and water. Scope is optional, but could be useful for locating birds on Pigs Eye Island across the river. Leader will bring a scope and first aid kit.
REGISTRATION Required and limited to 8 participants. Contact sherrygray@yahoo.com to register. Participants will be asked to sign a liability release form at the start of the trip.
DIFFICULTY Some side trails might have hills, but route is mostly river levee flat. Route to Swing Bridge might include a few blocks of on-street riding. As group will hear and see many birds, riding pace is relaxed. Birders and bicyclists of all levels, including newbies, are most welcome to join. See distance description above.
LEADER Sherry Gray sherrygray@yahoo.com

Beginning Birding at Oakdale Nature Center
2023-09-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Oakdale Nature Center, 444 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale, MN, 55128, United States
This family-friendly walk is in one of the most beautiful urban parks in Washington County. We will meet at the Visitors Center, check the bird feeders and walk the winding paved trails. There are usually songbirds along the path, and we will make our way out to a lake where we might see swans, ducks, and eagles. We will also be listening to birds. If you would like, download the Merlin app on your phone (it’s free) and we can experiment with learning bird songs together.
DIRECTOINS Meet at the Visitors Center – front of the building
INFORMATION Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first come first served basis. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
RESGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY 0.5 to 1.0 mile on paved trails with small hills.
LEADER Greg Burnes gburnes@comcast.net 612-205-3071

Fall Migrants and Grassland Goldenrod at Battle Creek Park
2023-09-09 09:00 - 23:00 | Battle Creek Park – South Battle Creek Parking Lot, 2301 Lower Afton Rd, Saint Paul, MN, 55119, United States
2301 Lower Afton Rd., Maplewood, MN 55119
Saturday, September 9, 9-11 AM
The first hour is an easy one-mile hike to and along the western edge of the grassland the community is trying to preserve. The second hour is a moderate difficulty hike to the northeastern part of the grassland, where we hope to hear and see migrating fall warblers, sparrows and hawks, along with the early fall colors of the grassland.
DIRECTIONS Meet in the South Battle Creek parking lot, 2301 Lower Afton Rd, Maplewood. From McKnight Rd, turn east onto Lower Afton, drive 0.2 mile, turn left into South Battle Creek parking.
INFORMATION Venue website: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/parks-trails/find-park/battle-creek-regional-park Warning: Battle Creek Park is quite large and this parking lot is not listed on the website.
DIFFICULTY Moderate (see description above)
LEADER John Zakelj jzakelj@yahoo.com

Saint Paul Audubon Board Meeting
2023-09-11 17:00 - 18:30 | Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, 55113
The Saint Paul Audubon Society board meetings are held at 5 pm on the first Monday of every month through June.
If the scheduled Monday falls on a holiday, the meeting will be the following Monday.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Stories from a "POC" Environmentalist
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Kao Thao, Minnesota State Park Naturalist, will present “Stories from a POC Environmentalist.”
Kao believes that we, as Minnesotans, are fortunate to have abundant parks and wildlife spaces supported by some of the best environmental protection practices in the nation. In addition to telling stories of his own experiences as a person of color (POC) working as an environmentalist, he will highlight how Minnesota’s increasing diversity is a strength that can continue to improve the enjoyment and protection of our environment.
Kao Thao graduated from the University of Minnesota with a combined degree in Computer Graphics and Fisheries/Wildlife. He says that being one of the few POC environmentalists in Minnesota has its rewards and challenges. “I was born in Laos during the Vietnam War and spent my first eight years living and running through the jungles before crossing the Mekong River to Thailand.” During these years, I remember seeing how we depended on nature for survival. As a Park Naturalist in the late ’90s, I was the first Southeast Asian Naturalist in the nation. Now, I want all Minnesotans to understand how important it is to protect our planet’s limited resources and recruit more people of color to the outdoors.
The presentation will also be available via Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88921240287

Feathers & Fun: A Nature Day at Browns Creek!
2023-09-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Brown’s Creek Park, 8312 Neal Ave N, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Let’s celebrate World Bird Migration Day together! Join us and Browns Creek Watershed District for a delightful community gathering on September 16, from 10 am to 1 pm at Browns Creek Park. Dive into the wonders of nature with live snakes, frogs, turtles, aquatic creatures, and majestic raptors. Plus, indulge in ice cream, enjoy games, and sway to the music. We can’t wait to see you there and share in the fun!

Pilot Knob/Oheyawahe Open Space and Acacia Park Cemetery – Location, location, location!
2023-09-16 18:00 - 19:45 | Pilot Knob, 2100 Pilot Knob Rd, Mendota Heights, MN, 55120, United States
2100 Pilot Knob Rd., Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Saturday, September 16, 6:00-7:45 PM
Lots of history, views and, we hope, birds. Autumnal falling temperatures with shortening days bring preparations for big changes to the local bird-life web. Sunset 7:22 PM
DIRECTIONS From I-494, take Pilot Knob Rd. exit, then drive north until the road ends. Park on road near intersection of Acadia Blvd. and Pilot Knob Rd.
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY Long gradual slope on unpaved pathway. Approximately 2 mile route.
NOTE: Oheyawahe is a place of cultural importance to the Dakota Community and of significance in the history of MN statehood. http://www.pilotknobpreservation.org/Pocket%20Guide%20Interactive.htm
LEADER Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

William O’Brien State Park
2023-09-30 08:00 - 10:00 | William O’Brien State Park, 16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047, United States
16821 O’Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
Saturday, September 30, 8-10 AM
This walk along the St. Croix River will explore the lower part of William O’Brien State Park, with the hope of catching some fall migrants along the way. The last part of the walk passes Alice Lake which is usually a good place for viewing waterfowl.
DIRECTIONS We will meet at the parking lot by the swimming beach. When you enter the park from Hwy. 95 follow the signs to the beach and boat launch (road passes under HWY. 95 and down the hill). NOTE – Annual or Daily MN State Park Pass Required AND Self-pay envelopes are no longer available . See DNR payment options..
REGISTRATON None
DIFFICULTY Flat wood chip and paved trails. About 1.2 miles. Restrooms at the boat launch area and about halfway at campgrounds.
LEADER Chase Davies 651 246-9754 rockybirder@gmail.com

*** NOTE NEW DATE *** Swede Hollow Park – Birding in the Heart of St. Paul
2023-10-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Swede Hollow Park, 622 Beaumont Street, St. Paul, MN, 55130, United States
Saturday, October 7, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
This is a BirdUp, Saint Paul Audubon’s new more informal version of birding. Meet up at the site, and everyone will be responsible for finding and identifying the birds. SPAS will provide a convener/s who is familiar with the park and knows which areas to visit, and who will make sure everyone finds their way back to the parking lot. Birders of all levels welcome. Keep an eye on the SPAS website as we hope to add a few more Bird Ups throughout the autumn season.
DIRECTIONS Meet at the entrance to Drewry Tunnel at Swede Hollow Park across from 622 Beaumont St. East, St. Paul 55130. Park on street or off-street parking available at the Hope Community Academy (located in the old Hamm’s Brewery Building) at 720 Payne Ave, St. Paul 55130
DIFFICULTY Easy to moderate, approximately 1.5 miles. Includes both uphill and downhill paved pathway.
CONVENER Kathy Sidles 651-233-6804 kesid@aol.com Contact Kathy if you would like to borrow her extra pair of binoculars.
(NOTE) Friends of Swede Hollow joins SPAS in offering this program
