ANN”S WINDOW TO NATURE

According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, upwards of 1/3 of all US adults are participating in some kind of recreational activity or hobby related to birds and nature. As scientists have revealed, bird feeding and birdwatching brings nature to into our daily lives, and with it all the many benefits to physical, and mental health i.e. increased physical activity, and reduced stress.

For women, the pressures of daily life involving work, volunteering, parenting, and even caring for aging parents can quickly drain our personal batteries. Recharging involves healthy choices i.e. good food, rest, and exercise. Recharging can also be gleaned from nature.

Historically, birding and nature-related activities, in general, have been dominated by men. However, today, the fastest growing segment of the birding community is women. In fact, there are many local, non-profit groups dedicated to birding novices, and women specifically. These groups were created to be supportive, non-competitive, welcoming, and social.

Women birding groups in Minnesota:

• The Kestrels, founded in 2021.
• Urban Bird Collective, founded in 2018
• Audubon Society regional chapters

Be that woman. Dare to become a bird nerd. Get outside. Here are some tips for women—and men!—to get involved in birding.

Where to go birding:

We Minnesotans are so very fortunate to live on the Central Flyway, which is the Mississippi River. There are fabulous birding opportunities in and around the metro area with paved paths. (Birding does not have to be a wilderness experience). Class offerings are available in person and online for a nominal charge (scholarships are often available).

Accessible birding sites in the metro and surrounding area:

• Carpenter Nature Center Hastings, Minnesota
• Lowry Nature Center Victoria, Minnesota
• Wood Lake Nature Center Richfield, Minnesota
• Lebanon Hills Regional Park Eagan, Minnesota
• Bass Ponds Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Bloomington, Minnesota
• Black Dog Lake Trail Burnsville, Minnesota
• Three Rivers Park District Plymouth, Minnesota
• Sax-Zim Bog- Duluth, Minnesota
• Hawk Ridge- Duluth, Minnesota
• Crex Meadow- Grantsburg, Wisconsin

 

Novice Tips: Keep it simple whether you are feeding birds or birdwatching:

Bird feeding

• Start with bringing birds to your yard, deck, or patio with a simple seed feeder and a bird bath.
• Don’t become overwhelmed with all the gadgets and must-haves. Start small with low maintenance, quality products, and seed.

Birdwatching

• Dress appropriately- wear layers, muted colors, and comfortable shoes.
• Pack a snack and a water bottle.
• Purchase a bird identification guidebook i.e. Kim Eckert’s A Birder’s Guide to Minnesota.
• Consider journaling and sketching what you are seeing and where. This activity will provide you with an opportunity to reflect and create a long-lasting memory.
• Invite a friend or family member.
• Be safe. Avoid remote, desolate sites unless you are well prepared for all possibilities including critters like coyotes, fox, or two-legged predators.

Stop into any of our local, family-owned All Seasons Wild Bird Stores. We are always happy to help.

By Eagan Store Manager ANN MCCARTHY