May Happenings

Seasonal Update

May brings peak migration, active nesting, and rapid greening across Minnesota, as forests leaf out, wildflowers bloom, and birds shift from arrival to raising the next generation. The following  are some  events to expect this month. What else can you expect this coming month?

For years, Minnesota naturalist and author Jim Gilbert recorded seasonal happenings in his phenology reports. Looking back at these reports, we can make educated guesses at what we can expect in the month ahead. Take a look at our archive of Jim Gilbert’s Phenology reports.

Make sure to read our May/June 2026 Bird’s-Eye View Newsletter. In this issue, we celebrate our 35th Anniversary and Minnetonka—Westwind Plaza Manager Carol Chenault’s retirement, plus share our staff’s favorites for summer feeding and seasonal notes.