Saint Paul Bird Alliance

Feathers & Fun: A Nature Day at Browns Creek!
2023-09-16 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Birds and Beers Saint Paul!
2023-09-21 18:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-24 18:00 - 21:00, 2023-11-29 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-01-23 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-21 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-04-23 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-05-22 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-06-18 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.

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

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Distribution and Ecology of Fishers in Southern Minnesota.
2023-10-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Wildlife Ecologist Michael Joyce will present “Distribution and Ecology of Fishers in Southern Minnesota.”
Fishers are cryptic forest carnivores in the weasel family native to Minnesota. They have expanded their range in Minnesota over the last two decades, moving into southern Minnesota, including the greater Twin Cities Metro area. Michael will discuss a general history of fishers in Minnesota, summarize recent sightings, and discuss preliminary results from a new study to learn about fisher ecology and population status in southern Minnesota.
Michael Joyce is a wildlife ecologist at the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth. He has been studying wildlife in northern Minnesota over the last 12 years. His research focuses broadly on wildlife ecology, conservation, and management, emphasizing understanding human activities’ effects on wildlife populations and communities.
The presentation will also be available via Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82173638839

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Real Life Great Horned Owl Soap Opera **ZOOM ONLY**
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:30
Karla Bloem will present “Real Life Great Horned Owl Soap Opera.”
The presentation will only be available via Zoom Join Meeting We are limited to 95 participants so join early.
A real-life soap opera has played itself out over the past 19 years between more than 25 captive and wild Great Horned Owls, forming the basis of an in-depth vocal study on the species. In this presentation, you will experience owl dating, divorce, territorial defense, and more as you learn about the owls’ various vocalizations and meanings.
Karla Bloem is the founder and executive director of the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota. She acquired Alice the Great Horned Owl in 1998 for educational programs and began studying Great Horned Owl vocalizations in 2004. Karla is now the world authority on their vocalizations and has given presentations in The Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Italy, Portugal, and South Africa. Alice’s popularity led Karla to create the International Festival of Owls, the first full-weekend, all-owl event in North America that has inspired similar festivals in Italy, Nepal, and India.
Karla and Alice festivals in Italy, Nepal, and India. Karla and Alice testified before the Minnesota House and Senate environment committees to successfully gain protection for Great Horned Owls in 2005. Karla received the Brother Theodore Voelker Award from the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union in 2001, a Bush Leadership Fellowship in 2008, and a World Owl Hall of Fame Special Achievement Award in 2021. She has assisted several authors (including Jennifer Ackerman for her book “What an Owl Knows”) and filmmakers and has appeared on Animal Planet and the CBC’s “The Secret Life of Owls.”
A recording of this presentation will only be available if we exceed the participant limit (95) on our Zoom licences.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | The Breeding Ecology of Boreal Chickadees in Northern Minnesota
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
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 on this species are unknown, and critical knowledge gaps in their life history related explicitly to nestling ecology exist.
She examined the effects of fragmentation on Boreal Chickadee food availability, nestling growth rates, nestling body condition, and provisioning rates. She also modeled nest survival concerning landscape, patch, and nest site scale metrics of fragmentation. Kara found evidence that fragmentation negatively impacts nest survival, nestling growth rates, and food availability.
Kara Snow works Natural Resources Research Institute on a research project about Tree Swallows. She has an Undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
The presentation will also be available via Zoom.
ZOOM LINK

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Speaker Series | Rebecca Heisman - Flight Paths
2024-01-11 19:00 - 20:30
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 wonder how we figured all of this out? While working for the American Ornithological Society, Rebecca Heisman became fascinated with the varied and creative techniques that scientists have used to study bird migration, and this eventually became the basis for her book Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration. In her talk, she’ll share some surprising stories from the history of bird migration research and discuss why understanding migration is crucial for bird conservation.
Rebecca Heisman is a freelance science writer who lives in Walla Walla, Washington, and has worked with organizations including the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the American Ornithological Society. Flight Paths is her first book.
To learn more about Rebecca’s work, check out these sources:
https://rebeccaheisman.com/, https://rebeccaheisman.substack.com/
The presentation will also be available via Zoom.
ZOOM LINK

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Speaker Series | Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles - “Dominant” Science and Indigenous Peoples
2024-02-08 19:00 - 20:30
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 been able to practice science in a way that is ethical and respectful to Indigenous communities and furthers their resurgence.
Dr. Deondre Smiles is an assistant professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria. Smiles is a citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography from St. Cloud State University, a master’s degree in Global Indigenous Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and a Ph.D. in Geography from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Smiles’ work focuses on how Indigenous communities grapple with climate change, particularly cultural preservation and resurgence.
https://nativebio.org/
https://nativebio.org/indigidata/
https://civiclaboratory.nl/

ZOOM LINK

Rebecca Heisman - Surprising Secrets of Bird Biology
2024-02-08 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM Meeting Online
Rebecca Heisman will reveal “surprising secrets of bird biology” that she’s discovered in her career as a science writer and educator.
Rebecca Heisman is an international freelance science writer who lives in Walla Walla, Washington, and has worked with and written extensively for the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the American Ornithological Society. Her first book, Flight Paths, is a national best seller. If you would like to hear more about her first book, Flight Paths, click here to listen to her talk to our chapter last year.
** THIS IS A ZOOM-ONLY PRESENTATION **
To learn more about Rebecca’s work, check out these sources:
https://rebeccaheisman.com/, https://rebeccaheisman.substack.com/

International Owl Festival
2024-03-01 - 2024-03-03

| Speaker Series | Hope Flanagan - Birds of Ojibwe Legends - ZOOM ONLY
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:30
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 legends (Aadizookaanag) honor our bird relatives. They were here before we were, so they are considered our elders, teachers, and essential food sources. They don’t need us–we need them.
Hope Flanagan is an elder who has taught and worked in the Twin Cities Native Community since the late 1970s. She is a long-time Community Outreach and Cultural Teacher at Dream of Wild Health. Before that, Hope taught in an Ojibwe Immersion classroom for ten years and was a storyteller for Minneapolis Public Schools. She teaches about plants and wild plant gathering, and is also an Urban Bird Collective walk leader.
Dream of Wild Health – https://dreamofwildhealth.org/
Urban Bird Collective – https://urbanbirdcollective.org/
This presentation with be available via ZOOM ONLY and will NOT BE RECORDED
ZOOM LINK

Monthly Chapter Meeting | The Road to Recovery? Roadsides Habitat for Pollinators
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
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 publicly managed land that can serve as potential pollinator habitat. However, roadside risks are associated with them. Tim’s two-part talk will explore his research quantifying the risk of pollution for butterflies along roadsides and how Minnesota can cost-effectively improve roadside revegetation efforts for pollinators.
Tim Mitchell: Research Scientist, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota
The presentation will also be available via Zoom.
ZOOM LINK

EVENT CANCELED DUE TO ILLNESS - Monthly Chapter Meeting
2024-05-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States

Migrant and Nesting Birds Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
2024-05-16 07:00 - 10:00 | Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, Savage, MN, 15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage, MN, 55378, United States
15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage, MN 55378
Thursday, May 16, 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 Head south from Minneapolis on 35W. Take Exit 2 for Burnsville Pkwy. Turn L on Burnsville Pkwy., go 2.1 miles. Turn right on Burnsville Pkwy W., go 1.6 miles. Continue straight ahead on Hanrehan Lake Blvd., go 1.1 miles. At the traffic circle take 2nd exit onto Murphy Lake Blvd., go 0.1 mile. Turn left into Park. Meet in parking lot. 44.724223, -93.348243
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY Approximately 3+ miles on wide, natural grass and dirt trails (some areas slightly rocky) with some moderate, long hills. This is our longest and most challenging trip. Pit toilets available at main trailhead
near parking lot.
LEADER Bill Stjern, norskestar@comcast.net 651- 458-1542

Birds & Bugs Sketch Fest
2024-05-18 12:00 - 15:00 | FrogTown Park & Farm, 946 W. Minnehaha, St. Paul, 946 W. Minnehaha, Saint Paul, United States
Join urban sketchers to watch and draw birds and insects. Bring your art materials or use the ones that we will supply. This is a beautiful way to slow down and observe the incredible nature around us. The event is family-friendly, and all skill levels are welcome. More information is available at www.frogtowngreen.com – 651-757-5970
Co-Hosted by Frogtown Green and Saint Paul Audubon

Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders with Tiffany Kersten
2024-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center 12805 St. Croix trails S, Hastings MN, 12805 St. Croix Trails S., Hastings, MN, 55003, United States
Presented by Tiffany Kersten, 2021 Big Year record holder and professional bird guide.
Tiffany Kersten didn’t set out to do a Big Year, but after a series of unanticipated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the Lower 48 States, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. Her goal was to see 700 species and raise awareness of women’s safety outdoors. She surpassed her goal and set a new record of 726 species. In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure.

Program Fee: This program is FREE, thanks to sponsorship from the Saint Paul Audubon Society and Wild River Audubon Society. However, SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Registration: Click here to Register Online.

Bike & Bird - Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail
2024-05-31 07:30 - 10:30 | Upper Landing Park, 226 Spring St, St Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Our Bike & Bird roster is growing! This year there will be 3 Friday morning trips (May 31, June 14, June 28) and 5 Sunday morning trips (June 2, June 23, July 14, August 4, September 15) – All led by Sherry Gray.
Friday, May 31: Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail (https://www.traillink.com/trail/samuel-h-morgan-regional-trail/) from Upper Landing Park in downtown St. Paul 3 miles to Crosby Farm Park, then another 3 or so miles to Hidden Falls Park, and return.
LOCATION Meet on bikes at 226 Spring St, St Paul, MN 55102 in Saint Paul. (44.940168120270926, -93.09965740094373)
DIFFICULTY Route is paved, mostly off road bike trail (shared with peds) along the Mississippi River and can be hilly. Crosby Farm Park offers river access, a lake, wooded areas, and toilets and water.
INFORMATION Bring bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks, sunscreen and water. Leader will bring a first aid kit.
REGISTRATION Required and limited to 8 participants. CONTACT sherrygray@yahoo.com with questions and/or to register. Participants will be asked to sign a liability release form at the start of the trip.

Landscape Revival | Lake Elmo
2024-06-01 09:00 - 13:00 | 5825 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, 5825 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, Lake Elmo, 55042, 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

2024 Landscape Revival Growers/Vendors

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

2024 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)
2024-06-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN
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. We will be 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 Enter the AHATS campus on the Hamline Ave extension just north of MN Hwy 96. Turn left (west) on to Ben Franklin St; immediately take first right into parking area; immediately take another right hand turn onto short driveway leading to front (east side) of building. Park near the entry doors of 4761 Hamline Ave N., Arden Hills, MN. We will gather in the parking lot. 45.084303078802584, -93.15795346045763
INFORMATION The site has restricted access. Be prepared to ride in a car caravan with 4 individuals per vehicle. All caravan vehicles will enter and exit the property together.
REGISTRATION Registration required. Attendance is limited to 20 adults on a first reply, first served basis. Email Chase Davies ( RockyBirder@gmail.com) your mobile phone number with the names of individuals in your party. PLEASE report any changes in numbers as soon as learned so Wait Listed hopefuls can enjoy this opportunity.
DIFFICULTY Ride in car caravan, get in and out of vehicles, walk short distances from vehicles in car caravan. Outdoor toilets are very widely spaced across the site.
LEADERS: Mary Lee, AHATS Envir. Protection Specialist Chase Davies 651-246- 9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com Greg Burnes

Bike & Bird - Rice Creek Chain of Lakes
2024-06-14 07:30 - 10:30 | Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038, Lino Lakes, 55038, United States
Our Bike & Bird roster is growing! This year there will be 3 Friday morning trips (May 31, June 14, June 28) and 5 Sunday morning trips (June 2, June 23, July 14, August 4, September 15) – All led by Sherry Gray.
June 14: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, start will be at Wargo Nature Center (https://www.anokacountyparks.com/wargo-nature-center), 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038 (45.1822288920191, -93.08538891627603) (This will require a parks pass for Anoka Co. parks).
DIFFICULTY Route is level and paved, mostly off-road bike trail (shared with peds). Numerous wetlands, wooded areas, two lakes, and several small grasslands are on the route.
INFORMATION Bring bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks, sunscreen and water. Leader will bring a 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.

Carpenter Nature Center
2024-06-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Carpenter Nature Center 12805 St. Croix trails S, Hastings MN, 12805 St. Croix Trails S., Hastings, MN, 55003, United States
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55003
Sunday, June 16, 8-10 AM
Carpenter is a beautiful nature park on a bluff overlooking the St. Croix River. We will explore a variety of habitats looking for late migratory warblers and summer residents, and adapt our route based on conditions and what is being seen in the park.
DIRECTIONS From St Paul, take US-10 E/US-61 S to 120th St S in Cottage Grove. Turn left onto 120th St S, go .7 mi , 120th St S turns right and becomes Morgan Ave S, go 0.2 mi. Turn left onto 122nd St S, go 1.5 mi. Turn right onto St Croix Scenic Bywy/St Croix Trail S, go 0.5 mi. Turn left, go 0.2 mi. Meet at the Visitor Center. 44.767646, -92.814577 Note: Google Maps will route you to a nearby field, not to the meeting site.
INFORMATION Please bring your binoculars and bird book. If you need binoculars, email Greg before the trip and he will bring an extra pair for you.
RESGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY The paths are either paved or wood chip with moderate hills. About 1.5 miles.
LEADER Greg Burnes gburnes@comcast.net 612-205-3071 and Jessie Eckroad Jessie@carpenternaturecenter.org
