The Saint Paul Audubon Society has invited Friends of the Parks and Trails and Friends of Swede Hollow to collaborate on four birding opportunities in St. Paul and Maplewood this coming spring, summer and fall.
Mark your calendars for the following four outings, and watch for details as we get closer to the dates. Our thanks to Cathy Croghan, field trip coordinator for the Saint Paul Audubon Society, for planning these events, which (in addition to the one detailed below on May 19) will be held on:
- Saturday, June 29, 8 to 10 a.m., Phalen and Round lakes, Maplewood (“Beginning Birding”)
- Saturday, August 10, 8 to 10 a.m., Bruce Vento Trail “and Bird Walk”
- Saturday, September 21, 9 to 11 a.m., Swede Hollow Park (“Birding in the Heart of St. Paul”)
Spring Migration at Swede Hollow Park
On Sunday, May 19, 7 to 9 a.m., join a spring birding experience in the heart of St. Paul. Come learn about the history of the site and see which spring migrants might be passing through the Hollow. Those who do not want to walk the route can bring a folding chair and join Kiki Sonnen, vice president of the Audubon Society board, for a “bird sit” opportunity at the meeting spot.
- Information: Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
- Difficulty: Expect 1.5 miles of walking on rolling paved paths. Mostly flat, with a short, moderate decline at the start and incline at the end. No toilet on site.
- Getting there: Meet at the entrance to Drewry Tunnel at Swede Hollow Park across from 622 Beaumont St. E., St. Paul (GPS coordinates 44.961473 longitude and -93.074421 latitude). Off-street parking is available at Hope Community Academy (located in the old Hamm’s Brewery building), 720 Payne Ave., St. Paul. Metro Transit route #64 also goes near the site.
- Leaders: Kathy Sidles, Friends of the Parks and Trails board member and cofounder, Pig’s Eye Park Friends, and Saint Paul Audubon field trip leader Chase Davies.
No registration is required for the event, and light breakfast snacks will be provided. Bring your own beverage. Email amy@friendsoftheparks.org (Amy Gage) with any questions or requests.
Photo on homepage by Wolfie Browender