Monthly Chapter Meeting | Chimney Swift Conservation and Community Engagement
2024-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
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 towers, built 10+ years ago during a conservation effort supported by Audubon chapters, Boy Scouts, and other civic groups.
The Twin Cities UBT group examined if towers were still present, monitored, and used by Chimney Swifts. Mags Edwards, Community Science Program Coordinator with the Minnesota DNR, will discuss the group’s recommendations in light of these results and the group’s current focus on community engagement with Chimney Swifts. This includes the development of a survey tool to crowdsource existing nests and roost sites, promoting community swift sits, and engaging with property owners to preserve existing sites.
ZOOM LINK
Photo Credit: Ben Cvengros/Audubon Photography Awards

Birds and Beers Saint Paul!
2024-10-23 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! Come and share your birding stories and hear what’s new. We gather in the Ashland Room at Sweeney’s Saloon to visit over a meal and beverages.

Saint Paul Audubon Board Meeting
2024-11-04 17:00 - 18:30 | Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul, 55104, United States
The Saint Paul Audubon Society board meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of every month, September through May. The meetings are open to all members, but please email us at general@saintpaulbirdalliance.org to let us know you are coming. The meeting rooms have limited space, and we want to ensure we can accommodate you.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Birding Honduras
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
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 birding tourism for the future and supporting the up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are making things happen in Honduras.
While not my day job, I am a bird guide for my small company, Birding with Gregg. In the winter months, I primarily guide in Sax-Zim Bog on the weekends, and I am expanding into international guiding. I co-organize the Minneapolis Birds and Beers and Minnesota Global Birders groups.
Zoom Link
Photo Credit: Tracey Kidston/Audubon Photography Awards

Minnesota Native Plant Society | Andrew Hipp – Author of Oak Origins | Zoom Only
2024-12-05 19:00 - 20:30
Minnesota Native Plant Society General Meeting
Thursday, December 5, 2024
This will be an online meeting through Zoom
7:00 PM Meeting starts
Presenter: Andrew Hipp – Author of Oak Origins
Program: Andrew will discuss his new book: Oak Origins, From Acorns to Species and the Tree of Life. From ancient acorns to future forests, the story of how oaks evolved and the many ways they shape our world.
The following is a link to The University of Chicago Press to view Andrew’s book.
https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/O/bo236998258.html
December General Meeting – How to Attend
If you know of others who may be interested in this month’s program, feel free to send them the link to the meeting.
Directions on how to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom on December 5.
To join the meeting, just click on the link below! There is no need to already have a Zoom account or download ahead of time. Clicking on the link will automatically download Zoom and allow you to join.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6977108818?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 697 710 8818
Passcode: [REDACTED]

2024 St. Paul Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-14
2024 Saint Paul Alliance Christmas Bird Count
The St Paul Bird Alliance’s Christmas Bird Count is on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Anyone can participate, even beginner birders! Over the past century, volunteer observers, ranging from experienced ornithologists to casual nature enthusiasts, have collected data that allows researchers to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.
This family-friendly activity is a great way to explore Saint Paul’s natural areas while contributing to valuable scientific research. We encourage everyone to participate!
Contact us if you want to join, and we will match you with an experienced area leader. You must contact us before Dec. 7 so we have time to link you to an area. Contact Link
You can conduct a yard bird count at your home. If interested, please get in touch with us and provide your name and address. We will verify that your home is in our count circle and, if it is, send you information on how to participate in this important and fun event. You must get in touch with us before Dec. 7.
After the count, we will be holding a post-Count Pot Luck Dinner at Kiki Sonnen’s home. The party begins at 6 pm. If possible, bring a dish to share and your own beverage. We will have fun sharing our sightings and adventures of the day. More details will be available from your count leader.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Golden Eagle Project | Zoom Only
2025-01-09 19:00 - 20:30
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 be difficult for the casual observer. This program will present helpful field markers to help make that identification easier.
Scott will also share information on The Golden Eagle Project, a partnership of the National Eagle Center, Audubon Minnesota, Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, and Camp Ripley Military Installation. This partnership has released eight Golden Eagles wintering in Minnesota with satellite transmitters to determine where they go during the nesting season and to better understand their winter habitat requirements.
Scott will be sharing data and information about the Annual Wintering Golden Eagle Survey. He will also hope to entice you and encourage you to become involved as a citizen scientist and help with the annual survey.
Scott Mehus is co-director of the Golden Eagle Project, a partnership studying wintering Golden Eagles in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Midwest. He has been watching and studying the Golden Eagles for over 26 years. He has degrees in Environmental Interpretation, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.
Zoom Link
Photo Credit: Cleve Nash/Audubon Photography Awards
Additional Links:
Distribution of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in eastern North America Publication: Raptor Research Foundation
Tricia Miller, (tricia.miller@mail.wvu.edu) West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA, Scott Mehus National Eagle Center et. al

AMERICA’S EASTERN GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos) POPULATION Publication: Auk
Todd Katzner 1 Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Percival Hall, Room 307D, PO Box 6125, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6125, USA Scott Mehus National Eagle Center et. al

A Wintering Population of Golden Eagles in Southwestern Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota Publication: Passenger Pigeon Scott Mehus National Eagle Center 50 Pembroke Avenue Wabasha, Minnesota 55981 651. 565. 4989 scott@nationaleaglecenter.org
Mark Martell Audubon Minnesota 2357 Ventura Drive, Suite 106 St. Paul, Minnesota 55125 651. 739. 9332 mmartell@audubon.org

Birds and Beers Saint Paul!
2025-01-22 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-18 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! Come and share your birding stories and hear what’s new. We gather in the Ashland Room at Sweeney’s Saloon to visit over a meal and beverages.
Photo Credit – Michael Cassella/Audubon Images

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Red-Headed Woodpecker Ecology and Conservation | Zoom Only
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:30
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% in Minnesota in the last 60 years. Dr. West’s work has practical applications for post-fire forest management and oak savanna restoration activities that benefit this species and other oak habitat specialists. Dr. West will share details on this research and discuss how community members can contribute to red-headed woodpecker conservation efforts in Minnesota.
Photo Credit: Siah St. Clair

Great Backyard Bird Count – Feb. 14th-17th |
2025-02-14 - 2025-02-17
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 world are invited to count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their checklists at Bird Count. Anyone with internet access can participate, no matter what their skill level—it’s a great family activity, too.
In the United States and Canada, 2019 bird lists are more likely to include sightings of winter finches and grosbeaks that are moving farther south than usual in what’s called an “irruption.” This type of movement is often sparked by poor cone, seed, and berry crops in parts of Canada.
For more information, please visit: Bird Count

Monthly Chapter Meeting | “Restoring honor, connections, and land at Wakaŋ Tipi | Zoom Only
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:30
Zoom Link
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 p.m.: Maggie Lorenz presents:
“Restoring honor, connections, and land at Wakaŋ Tipi.”
Maggie Lorenz is the executive director of Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi (WTA), a native-led environmental nonprofit in Saint Paul. Its mission is to honor and care for our natural places, sacred sites, and cultural values.
The organization’s primary work site is Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, the site of a sacred cave called Wakaŋ Tipi (dwelling place of the sacred). Her work centers on restoring the honor, ecosystems, and community connection to the land and natural world here as stewards and protectors. Part of this work is engaging community to create and care for bird habitat as part of the Mississippi River Twin Cities Important Bird Area. WTA also engages community in bird monitoring and birding education through public programs in partnership with the Urban Bird Collective, a nonprofit founded by Monica Bryand.
Maggie Lorenz (Dakota/Anishinaabe) is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe and has maternal ties to Spirit Lake Dakota Nation. She has served as executive director for Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi for the past 6 years.

Owl Prowl at Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) I
2025-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN
Monday, February 24, 7 – 9 PM
SPBA is excited to offer two nights of owl prowls at AHATS! Sign up for one or both (Feb 24 & 25). If we receive more registrations than available spaces, people signing up for both will be waitlisted for the second night.
___________
The Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) is a 2370-acre military training area for the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. Its vast area and variety of habitats are also used for environmental and wildlife conservation programs. Over 170 species of birds have been recorded at the site, and there are a number of resident owls. Join us as we listen and look for owls on an evening drive along the roads.
DIRECTIONS: Enter the AHATS campus on the Hamline Ave extension just north of MN Hwy 96. Turn left (west) onto Ben Franklin St; immediately take the first right into the parking area; immediately take another right-hand turn onto the short driveway leading to the building’s front (east side). Please meet in the parking lot at 4761 Hamline Av N; then, we will proceed to multiple sites with vehicles as a group. 45.084303078802584, -93.15795346045763
INFORMATION: The site has restricted access. Be prepared to ride in a car caravan with four individuals per vehicle. All caravan vehicles will enter and exit the property together.
REGISTRATION: Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 20 adults, and replies will be taken in the order they are received. Email Jane Braun at jane@promotional.com with your mobile phone number and the names of individuals in your party. Please report any changes in numbers immediately so those on the waitlist can enjoy this rare opportunity.
DIFFICULTY: Ride in a caravan, get in and out of vehicles, and walk short distances from vehicles on plowed gravel or snowy surfaces. Outdoor toilets are very widely spaced across the site.
LEADERS: Mary Lee, AHATS Environmental Protection Specialist & Jane Braun jane@promotional.com

NOTE DATE CHANGE - Birding through the Months at Silverwood Park
2025-02-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Silverwood Regional Park, St Anthony, MN, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, 55421
This is the 1st of a 4-trip Silverwood Park birding experience (February thru May). Attend one or all the trips!
Silverwood Park is a beautiful urban park on the shores of Silver Lake. The variety of habitats in the park–oak forest, marsh, grassland, and lakefront–make it a great birding destination, with over 180 different species sighted in the park.
Birding in a single location over several months can be a great way to get into birding. This series of four field trips will repeat popular excursions from last year, giving participants the chance to know the park and watch for different birds each month as the seasons change. In addition to getting to know the birds of Silverwood, participants will also be introduced to basic birding techniques and tools, including digital resources. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars; a few extra pairs will be available.
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the doors leading into the Visitor Center from the parking lot. Field trips will be conducted in most weather, with the exception of heavy rain. 45.046808, -93.224715
REGISTRATION: No registration necessary. Come for any of the sessions–attending all is not required.
DIFFICULTY: Most paths are paved, but may be icy in the winter. Walks will range from 1-1.5 miles.
LEADER: Jen Miller and Liz Richards; email birdingjen@gmail.com with any questions

Tuesday, February 25: 2-4 PM NEW DATE
Birding in the winter is a great way to get comfortable with the species who live in the park year-round–plus, there are no leaves on the trees to get in the way of seeing birds! This month, we’ll look for common Minnesota winter birds like chickadees and nuthatches, along with several different woodpecker species. We might even get lucky and see the park’s resident great horned owls as they start nesting.
Tuesday, March 18: 2-4 PM
During March, we will start to see some early migrants returning to the park–some waterfowl, and maybe even robins and red-winged blackbirds. We’ll also notice an increase in bird songs that we will learn to identify.
Tuesday, April 15: 2-4 PM
April showers melt the ice on Silver Lake, which brings more waterfowl, along with sparrows, swallows, and maybe even some early warblers or phoebes. With some luck, we might catch a glimpse of a migrating shorebird along the lakeshore, or see the fluffy head of an owlet.
Tuesday, May 13: 2-4 PM
May brings warblers, warblers, and more warblers! We’ll also begin to see some of the beautiful summer residents of the park, including orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and bluebirds. While the leaves returning to the trees makes seeing birds more challenging, the variety of species in the park in May makes this one of the most exciting times of year for birding.

Owl Prowl at Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) II
2025-02-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN
Tuesday, February 25, 7-9 PM
SPBA is excited to offer two nights of owl prowls at AHATS! Sign up for one or both (Feb 24 & 25). People signing up for both will be waitlisted for the second night if we receive more registrations than available spaces.
___________
The Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) is a 2370-acre military training area for the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. Its vast area and variety of habitats are also used for environmental and wildlife conservation programs. Over 170 species of birds have been recorded at the site, and there are a number of resident owls. Join us as we listen and look for owls on an evening drive along the roads.
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. Meet in parking lot at 4761 Hamline Av N, then as group we will proceed to multiple sites with vehicles. 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 taken in the order replies are received. Email Jane Braun jane@promotional.com your mobile phone number with the names of individuals in your party. PLEASE report any changes in numbers right away so those on the waitlist can enjoy this rare opportunity.
DIFFICULTY Ride in car caravan, get in and out of vehicles, walk short distances from vehicles on plowed gravel or snowy surfaces. Outdoor toilets are very widely spaced across the site.
LEADERS Mary Lee, AHATS Environmental Protection Specialist & Jane Braun jane@promotional.com

Hope Flanagan - Insects & Plants of Ojibwe Legends
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Storytelling that honors our insect and plant relatives – Insects and Plants of Ojibwe Legends
In-Person ONLY
Winter is traditionally storytelling season in our Native communities in Minnesota. Many Ojibwe legends (Aadizookaanag) honor our Insect and Plant relatives, and Hope will share some of her favorites with us.
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 will be in-person only – no Zoom or Recording

Birding through the Months at Silverwood Park
2025-03-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Silverwood Regional Park, St Anthony, MN, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, 55421
This is the 2nd of a 4-trip Silverwood Park birding experience (Feb thru May). Attend one or all of the trips!
Silverwood Park is a beautiful urban park on the shores of Silver Lake. The variety of habitats in the park–oak forest, marsh, grassland, and lakefront–make it a great birding destination, with over 180 different species sighted in the park.
Birding in a single location over several months can be a great way to get into birding. This series of four field trips will repeat popular excursions from last year, giving participants the chance to know the park and watch for different birds each month as the seasons change. In addition to getting to know the birds of Silverwood, participants will also be introduced to basic birding techniques and tools, including digital resources. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars; a few extra pairs will be available.
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the doors leading into the Visitor Center from the parking lot. Field trips will be conducted in most weather, with the exception of heavy rain. 45.046808, -93.224715
REGISTRATION: No registration necessary. Come for any of the sessions–attending all is not required.
DIFFICULTY: Most paths are paved, but may be icy in the winter. Walks will range from 1-1.5 miles.
LEADER: Jen Miller and Liz Richards; email birdingjen@gmail.com with any questions

Tuesday, March 18: 2-4 PM
During March, we will start to see some early migrants returning to the park–some waterfowl, and maybe even robins and red-winged blackbirds. We’ll also notice an increase in bird songs that we will learn to identify.
Tuesday, April 15: 2-4 PM
April showers melt the ice on Silver Lake, which brings more waterfowl, along with sparrows, swallows, and maybe even some early warblers or phoebes. With some luck, we might catch a glimpse of a migrating shorebird along the lakeshore, or see the fluffy head of an owlet.
Tuesday, May 13: 2-4 PM
May brings warblers, warblers, and more warblers! We’ll also begin to see some of the beautiful summer residents of the park, including orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and bluebirds. While the leaves returning to the trees makes seeing birds more challenging, the variety of species in the park in May makes this one of the most exciting times of year for birding.

Jackie Fallon - Continuing the Work! 40 Years of Peregrine Research
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Continuing the Work! 40 Years of Peregrine Research – Jackie Fallon
ZOOM LINK
The remarkable success of the peregrine falcon recovery program is one of the most highly celebrated restoration efforts of the 20th Century. With more than a 70% decline throughout its global range, the species was on the fast track to potential extinction, especially in the lower 48 states. Thankfully, falconers created a captive breeding program that was able to produce over 7000 falcons. Within 30 years’ time, the species was declared recovered in North America. Today, the peregrine falcon has expanded their range and surpassed historical population levels to a level no one could have possibly imagined. Fallon will discuss the history, process, and monitoring discoveries such as fecundity, migration, density, and adaptability to an ever-changing landscape.
Jacquelyn Fallon is the VP of Field Operations for the Midwest Peregrine Society and MN state coordinator. She has been involved with peregrine falcon monitoring and research since 1988, focusing on population fluctuations and human-peregrine conflict mitigation. Jackie has nearly 35 years of experience with endangered species programs and restoration efforts, primarily canids and raptors. She has a BS in Biology from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA.

Woodcocks of Rush City
2025-04-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Rush City, Cty Rd 361, Rush City, MN, 55069, United States
April 10, 11, OR 12 – exact date TBD
7:30-9:00 PM
The American Woodcock song and sky dance are remarkably entertaining. Theyb migrate spring and fall using the prime habitats of the St Croix River valley and some breed near Rush City, MN, in early upland successional forest. This truly is an incredible woodland shorebird with unique adaptations for seeing, feeding, communicating, and courting. Paying little attention to bird watchers, courting males spiral high, then come twittering down to land in nearly the same place as the take-off.
A special opportunity to view Woodcocks performing the sky dance is being offered as a Saint Paul Bird Alliance field trip, led by Ed and Chase Davies. They will lead a discussion on the unique qualities of American Woodcocks and what makes the place so special for both resident and migrant populations, followed by a very short walk to the viewing area. Viewers usually hear many males “peenting”, have several birds to approach for closer observation, and more often than not the ability to see a woodcock fly by at close range, all in an easily accessible area. (Of course, there are no guarantees, wild birds being what they are even when so single-minded.)
THE EXACT DATE is weather dependent. It will be chosen to allow for the best overall conditions for viewing male woodcock sky dances. If you have any interest and availability on any of the dates of April 10, 11, or 12, please do register so you learn THE DATE, which will be e-mailed to all registrants on Wednesday, April 9, no later than 8 PM. This approach of choosing one night from amongst the three allows us to take advantage of the best overall weather conditions, which should lengthen viewing distance and time farther into the deepening dusk. The best weather would be the cooler, clearest evening, with low moisture in the air.
REGISTRATION Registration is required so that you can receive the email with the exact date and any other pertinent information. Please inform Ed using eddavies60@gmail.com and include your name, mobile phone number, and email address. Please be sure your email address is correct.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS As darkness falls, so does the thermometer. Dress much warmer than you think necessary – plan for at least 15ᵒ degrees cooler than where you live. Warm footwear, gloves or mittens, knit hat. . . consider wind pants. Flashlights are not needed; you will learn and experience why.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS Drive time from the northern junction of 35W/35E to the parking area is 40 minutes at the posted speed limits. Drive north on I-35 to Exit 159 for Rush City. Turn right (east) onto 4th Street/MN 361. Travel 1.4 miles through Rush City to the only stop sign on this road. Turn left onto Bremer, which soon becomes Forest Blvd. Travel 2.3 miles and turn right onto to Co 56 aka 530th Street. Travel east on County 56 for 4.4 miles to where County Road 56 turns right (south). SLOWLY turn right and immediately turn left down into the parking area. We will help you to park tightly and faced in a direction for easier departure. We plan to all depart at the same time.
DIFFICULTY Walk 150 yards across an unmowed field with grasses and scattered shrubs; no toilet or water at site.
LEADERS Ed and Chase Davies. Contact Ed at eddavies60@gmail.com to register. If necessary, on day of event, call Ed’s cell, 612-819-1196 or Chase’s, 651-246-9754.

Birding through the Months at Silverwood Park
2025-04-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Silverwood Regional Park, St Anthony, MN, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, 55421
This is the 3rd of a 4-trip Silverwood Park birding experience (February thru May). Attend one or all of the trips!
Silverwood Park is a beautiful urban park on the shores of Silver Lake. The variety of habitats in the park–oak forest, marsh, grassland, and lakefront–make it a great birding destination, with over 180 different species sighted in the park.
Birding in a single location over several months can be a great way to get into birding. This series of four field trips will repeat popular excursions from last year, giving participants the chance to know the park and watch for different birds each month as the seasons change. In addition to getting to know the birds of Silverwood, participants will also be introduced to basic birding techniques and tools, including digital resources. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars; a few extra pairs will be available.
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the doors leading into the Visitor Center from the parking lot. Field trips will be conducted in most weather, with the exception of heavy rain. 45.046808, -93.224715
REGISTRATION: No registration necessary. Come for any of the sessions–attending all is not required.
DIFFICULTY: Most paths are paved, but may be icy in the winter. Walks will range from 1-1.5 miles.
LEADER: Jen Miller and Liz Richards; email birdingjen@gmail.com with any questions

Tuesday, April 15: 2-4 PM
April showers melt the ice on Silver Lake, which brings more waterfowl, along with sparrows, swallows, and maybe even some early warblers or phoebes. With some luck, we might catch a glimpse of a migrating shorebird along the lakeshore, or see the fluffy head of an owlet.

Tuesday, May 13: 2-4 PM
May brings warblers, warblers, and more warblers! We’ll also begin to see some of the beautiful summer residents of the park, including orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and bluebirds. While the leaves returning to the trees makes seeing birds more challenging, the variety of species in the park in May makes this one of the most exciting times of year for birding.

Earth Day Rally - Minnesota State Capital
2025-04-22 13:30 - 15:00

Earth Day Book Club: A Feathered River Across the Sky
2025-04-23 19:00 - 20:15
Earth Day Book Club: A Feathered River Across the Sky
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – Zoom Only – Registration Required
7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Land of Lakes Bird Alliance invites you to our spring book club and Earth Day webinar. This year, we visit the theme of anthropogenic extinction through Joel Greenberg’s book, A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction.
We are pleased to host Mr. Greenberg in conversation with Minnesota’s own Laura Erickson, award-winning writer, birder, and ornithologist, on Wednesday, April 23, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Central.
Please register for our free public program and read the book. By April 12th, submit questions about the book for Dr. Greenberg to contact@llbirdalliance.org.
Joel Greenberg is a research associate of the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Field Museum. Author of three books, including A Natural History of the Chicago Region, Greenberg has taught natural history courses for the Morton Arboretum, Brookfield Zoo, and Chicago Botanic Garden. He helped spearhead Project Passenger Pigeon to focus attention on human-caused extinctions.
Laura Erickson is an award-winning author of 13 books about birds and has received multiple national, state, local, and organization awards for her conservation and education work and writing. She was a columnist and contributing editor for BirdWatching magazine and, since 1986, has been producing the long-running “For the Birds” radio program for many public and community radio stations. Laura has been a scientist, teacher, writer, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, blogger, public speaker, photographer, American Robin and Whooping Crane Expert for the popular Journey North educational website, and Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Fish Creek Early Migrants
2025-04-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Fish Creek 1487 – 1507 Henry Ln, Maplewood, 1487 - 1507 Henry Ln, Maplewood, 55119
1487-11507 Henry Ln, Maplewood, MN 55119
Saturday, April 26, 9:00 to 11:00 AM
We hope to see early migrants such as sapsuckers, flickers and bluebirds. One way to
prep for this walk is to watch: Fish Creek: A Hidden Jewel This trip is offered in collaboration with Friends of Maplewood Nature
DIRECTIONS Meet at the Fish Creek Natural Area at the south end of Henry Lane in Maplewood. From I-94 take exit 246B for Mc Knight Rd S., go 0.2 mi. Merge onto McKnight Rd S, go 3.3 mi. Turn left on to Carver Ave, go 0.5 mi. Turn right (south) onto Henry Ln. Park in the designated area on Henry Lane. 44.896682, -92.998608 Venue website: https://www.maplewoodmn.gov/884/Fish-Creek
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY The first hour is approximately one mile on paved trails with gradual hills, and benches available. Group will return to starting point. The second hour is a rustic 1-mile trail along the creek, with moderate hills, rocks, roots, and possibly muddy conditions. No toilet.
LEADER John Zakelj jzakelj@yahoo.com

Beginning Birding at Katherine Abbott Park
2025-05-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Katherine Abbott Park, Mahtomedi, 1000 Lincolntown Ave, Mahtomedi, 55115, United States
1000 Lincolntown Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Saturday, May 3, 8:30- 10:30 AM
Varied habitat at Katherine Abbott Park includes two small ponds, a mixture of oak and pine forest, and a section of prairie thus making it a good location for a variety of birds. Several overlooks allow for long distance viewing of shorebirds and ducks.
INFORMATION Bring binoculars and a field guide 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.
DIRECTIONS Meet in front of the Katherine Abbott Park Building adjacent to the parking lot. 45.044672, -92.962044
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY 3 miles route; main trails are paved or coarse gravel; other small trails are uneven; small hills and overlooks are part of trails system; outdoor toilets available.
LEADERS Greg Burnes gburnes@comcast.net Neil Carlson, ngcarlson0@gmail.com 763-245-3556

Warblers and Waterfowl Along the Minnesota River – Old Cedar Ave. Bridge
2025-05-04 07:30 - 11:00 | Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, 9500 Old Cedar Avenue S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
9500 Old Cedar Ave S., Bloomington, MN 55425
Sunday, May 4, 7:30-11 AM
One of the very best birding locales in the state; and so close to St. Paul! We’ll check the area between Old Cedar Avenue and the Bass Ponds. The Minnesota River flyway makes this a great spot for migrating passerines and waterfowl.
DIRECTIONS Go south from I-494 on Cedar Avenue then Old Cedar Avenue which dead-ends in the parking lot for the Old Cedar Avenue bridge and Minnesota River Valley NWR trails complex. 44.830642, -93.244936
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY Approximately 2 miles on gravel, dirt or paved trails and wooden boardwalk, with some small, gradual hills. Certain areas can be muddy. Benches available in some areas. Pit toilets available on site.
LEADER Paul Spreitzer 651-808-2147 paul.spreitzer@gmail.com

Guided Birdwatching for People with Mobility Challenges
2025-05-04 11:00 - 12:30 | MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard, East Bloomington, MN, 55425, East Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
3815 American Boulevard, East Bloomington, MN, 55425United
Sunday, May 4, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
St. Paul Bird Alliance joins with the Land of Lakes Bird Alliance to offer this opportunity for spring birdwatching at the feeder, adjacent fields, and nearby overlook. This outing is appropriate for birders with a range of mobility challenges including birders who use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, as well as those who walk slowly, but all birders are welcome. We expect to see many species of bird at close range. All birders from beginners to experienced are welcome.
INFORMATION Binoculars will be available for those who need them. Please dress for the weather.
DIRECTIONS We will meet at the bird feeder just behind the MVNWR Visitor Center (no need to enter the building). If it is raining, we will meet inside the Visitor Center. (map) 44.85993446292338, -93.21629161688313
REGISTRATION Advance registration for this free event is required.
DIFFICULTY The path is paved and has curb cuts from the parking lot. The path is wide, flat and there are no slopes. The bird feeder is just 400 feet from the handicap parking spaces. Disability parking spaces are available and accessible portable toilets are located nearby. There are a few benches near the bird feeder, so you may also wish to bring your own folding stool or chair.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Birdability® Mark Paller (palle001@umn.edu). More information about Birdability® at https://www.birdability.org or contact Mark Paller.

Please feel free to share this with your friends and family.
This event is hosted by Land of Lakes Bird Alliance and St. Paul Bird Alliance, and cosponsored by Birdability® Image: Charles Sperrazza/Audubon Photography Awards

May SPBA Board Meeting
2025-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul, 55104, United States
The chapter’s board of directors meets at 5 pm on the first Monday of every month, September through May. All members are welcome, but please email us to let us know you are coming. We have very limited space in our current meeting room (#2410) and would like to ensure we can accommodate you.

Lee Pfannmuller - The Breeding Birds of Minnesota - Board Elections
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
The Breeding Birds of Minnesota – the Work and the Science
In-Person &
ZOOM LINK
Lee will provide an inside look into the creation and importance of The Breeding Birds of Minnesota. This book is the first comprehensive and in-depth assessment of Minnesota’s breeding birds in nearly a century. One of the most valuable aspects of the Atlas was that over 700 birders from all walks of life surveyed every corner of the state. The Atlas provides each species’ life history and seasonal status, migration, foods consumed, nest structure, name origin, habitat, population, and conservation status.
Lee A. Pfannmuller served as the state planning coordinator and interim executive director of Audubon Minnesota. She was also director of the Division of Ecological Resources at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, where she worked for fifteen years with the Nongame Wildlife Program, the Natural Heritage Program, the Scientific and Natural Areas Programs, and the Division of Minerals.
Board Elections – May 8th @ Chapter Meeting
We will hold Board of Directors elections at the May 8th chapter meeting. Members (local and national) present at the meeting can vote for the following slate of candidates. If you are interested in serving on the board, you can send us a note, and we will ask for nominations from the floor at the May 8th meeting. We hope to see you there.
If you would like to learn more about each candidate, you can click here.
Kiki Sonnen President
Debbie Brown Vice President
Neil Carlson Treasurer
Amanda Rice Secretary
Monica Bryand Board Member
Lucas Lin Board Member
Craig Cox Board Member
Owen Stefanich Board Member

Warbler Weekend 2025
2025-05-09 - 2025-05-10 | Hok-Si-La Park, Lake City, MN, 2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, 55041
Registration Closed – Event Full
We pre-order and pay for the food and facility, and can not offer refunds after April 20.
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.
Refunds: There are no refunds after April 20, 2025.

Tuesday Morning Walks - Crosby Farm Regional Park
2025-05-13 07:00 - 09:00 | Crosby Farm Regional Park, 2595 Crosby Farm Rd., St. Paul, MN, 55116, United States
2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St. Paul, MN 55116
Early warblers and other passerine migrants.
DIRECTIONS Traveling south on 35ES take exit 103B for MN5/West 7th Street. Turn right onto West 7th. Go 0.7 miles. Turn left onto S. Homer St. Go 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Shepard Rd. Go 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Crosby Farm Rd. Follow road past the marina to end of road. Meet in front of the Pavilion/toilets. 44.897723, -93.165835
REGISTRATION None
DIFFICULTY Route approximately 2 miles, includes a variety of natural surfaces, generally level terrain, restroom at parking lot.
LEADER Linda Whyte 651-815-7045
