Female birds are typically more drab and inconspicuous than males, leading over time to an unconscious bias towards male birds in birdwatching, photography, and even in our ornithological knowledge. This talk explores the history of focus on male birds, female vocalizations, conservation implications of overlooking female birds, and female bird identification tips.

Through its recent ecological turn, the scholarly study of “Islamic” architecture has expanded to take into greater account both the animal and vegetal worlds. As nature’s most accomplished architects, birds have long contributed to the biomorphic landscape and built environment of the greater Middle East. Stretching from Morocco to India, houses made for birds, and made by birds, attest to the thriving of avian architecture across the centuries. Bird houses, whether impromptu or purpose-built, provide a type of sanctuary and refuge—or hima as conceptualized in Islamic philosophical and ecological traditions—dedicated to protecting avifauna and their related regions, the latter used as agricultural lands for human sustenance and/or as biodiversity reserves for non-human survival. Fluttering from nest and nook to tower and palace, this talk examines various types of bird houses, their architectonic language and creative forms, their intersections with vulnerable places and peoples, and their bio-material contributions to an integrated creaturely world.

The Northern Hawk Owl Project, led by Hannah Toutonghi, is looking at the movements and winter habitat use of Northern Hawk Owls in northern Minnesota and southern Manitoba. There is little known about what hawk owls do in harsh winter conditions and how far they move within a single season. We will discuss the species, what we previously have known about hawk owls, and the novel results of using telemetry to track individual hawk owls throughout the winter season! Please come with your curiosity and questions about this nomadic denizen of the Northwoods.

Attract even more birds to your yard or balcony with a handmade hopper-style feeder. Instructor Kurt will have cutting plans and materials ready for you to learn how to construct a simple bird feeder step-by-step. Participants will also learn about winter birds and winter bird feeding, including suitable types of food for resident birds.

In one afternoon, participants will complete a four season feeder that can hold different kinds of seeds, has an easy, accessible hinge top for refilling and cleaning, and a suet holder on the side. It can be either mounted on a pole or hung from a branch, hook etc.

Course fee ($80) includes all materials, including tools. No carpentry experience is expected or required. Participants must be aged 16 or older.

Need-based scholarships are available.

Volunteer instructor Kurt Klotzbuecher is long-time woodworker.

Registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-your-own-birdfeeder-tickets-737684914437?aff=oddtdtcreator

For scholarships or accessibility accommodations, email admin@minneapolisaudubon.org

Natural history museums are repositories of past and present biodiversity information. This information can be crucial for understanding current conditions, invaluable for comparing to what we know of the past, and critical for establishing a baseline with which to predict future changes. I will describe new discoveries and ways of using bird specimens in natural history collections to study biodiversity beyond taxonomy to inform environmental health and impacts of climate change. I will introduce a new initiative at the Bell Museum to create a network across Minnesota to salvage dead wildlife and establish a repository for research on ecology and ecosystem health. We expect this new project to stimulate research and connect scientists across the state and excite students and citizen scientists to participate in innovative and integrative science.

Hosted by Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis; co-sponsored by Birdability®

Join us in celebrating Birdability Week 2023! You are invited to enjoy fall birdwatching at the feeder, adjacent field, 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 with difficulty walking. We expect to see many species of bird at close range. All birders from beginner to experienced are welcome. We will meet at the bird feeder just behind the MVNWR Visitor Center (no need to enter the building).