Retired Minnesota Department of Natural Resources educator and Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union member Bob Bystrom will lead a series of bird walks and a bird sit along the Gateway and Brown’s Creek trails in the weeks ahead.

Drizzle or light rain is OK, but the walks and sit will be cancelled if it’s very windy or significant precipitation is likely.

No registration is needed, but if you let Bob know you are coming he will send you an e-mail notice in case of cancellation by 6 a.m.

Questions? Contact Bob Bystrom at robertbystrom1@gmail.com

Saturday April 28, 2018—7-8 a.m.: Lansing Ave. Farm Pond Shorebird & Waterfowl Watch, ¼ Mile South of Gateway Trail/Lansing Ave. Crossing

When the pond holds water (as it did most of last year and likely will this spring), it’s a reliable place to see shorebirds, gulls, cranes and waterfowl. Bring binoculars to view whatever birds are present at the pond. If the pond is dry, we’ll walk a portion of the nearby Gateway Trail.

Saturday May 5, 2018—7-8 a.m.: Brown’s Creek Trail Bird Walk, Browns Creek Nature Reserve

We will leave the Nature Reserve parking area (Neal Avenue crossing) at 7 a.m. and return to the starting point at 8 a.m. We will identify as many species as we can by sight and sound during the hour. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Saturday May 12, 2018—7-8 a.m.: Gateway Trail Bird Walk, Gateway Trail/Hwy 96 Crossing

We will leave the parking lot at 7 a.m. and return to the starting point at 8 a.m.  We will identify as many species as we can by sight and sound during the hour. Bring binoculars if you have them. This walk usually offers the best opportunity to see migrant warblers.

Saturday May 19, 2018—7-8 a.m.: Gateway Trail Little Sit Bird Watch, Gateway Trail at Myeron Rd. N. (61)

Adjacent wetlands make this one of the best places to view migrant and resident birds along the trail. We will sit or stand here from 7 to 8 a.m. (no walking) and identify as many species as we can by sight and sound during the hour. Bring binoculars and a chair (optional) if you have them. Watchers with limited mobility are welcome!

Photo courtesy Francesco Veronesi | Flickr