We’re excited to share upcoming events in the Twin Cities birding community! Be sure to check each event’s page for the latest details, as information may change. Registration and fees may be involved.
Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union
- Index to exploring birds in each of Minnesota’s 64 State Parks: https://moumn.org/parks.html
- MOU facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MNornithU/
- MOU affiliated Bird Clubs: https://moumn.org/clubs.html
September Birding Events
Monday, September 1, 2025 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Paddle with a Ranger: Heron Rookery
Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America’s greatest river from a new perspective.
Carl Kroening Nature Center at North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55430
more info
Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Monarch Migration Madness
Frolic through the prairies of Carver Park Reserve as we attempt to safely catch monarch butterflies before they migrate south! Learn about the plants and insects of the prairie. Use nets to try to catch as many monarch butterflies as we can in order to tag them for scientific research. Discover the beauty of the prairies and find out the astonishing journey monarchs embark upon for the upcoming winter.
Lowry Nature Center
Victoria, MN,
(763) 694-7650
Facility: LNC – Front Lawn
more info
Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Bird Photography Hike
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.
Lowry Nature Center
Victoria, MN,
(763) 694-7650
Facility: LNC – Front Lawn
more info
Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Free Funday Sunday: Grandparent’s Day Nature Hike
Celebrate Grandparents’ Day by going on a self-guided nature hike with your favorite special people. Complete a nature scavenger hunt to earn a prize and create nature art for your grandparent or grandchild. Meet the naturalist near the visitor center at the playground.
French Regional Park
Plymouth, MN,
Facility: FRE – Amphitheater
Event info
Monday, September 8, 2025 from 11:00 pm – 12:00 pm.
Riverfront Walking Tour
Dakota people call the Mississippi River “Haha Wakpa” (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.
Stone Arch Bridge
Meet at the bandstand in Father Hennepin Bluff Park
northwest of the public restrooms (approximate cross-streets are SE Main St and 6th Ave SE), 44.981849, -93.250990
Event info
Friday—Sunday, September 19-21, 2025. See full schedule
Hawk Weekend Festival
Come and celebrate the amazing fall bird migration with us! Hawk Weekend is the annual festival held by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, MN. Bird migration research and education programs have been shared with visitors throughout the world each fall at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve for over 50 years! Join us for a fun weekend with a variety of birding field trips, nature hikes, programs, and activities for all ages! Note: If you are only planning to view the migration at Hawk Ridge during the festival weekend, you do not have to pre-register.
Locations vary; please refer to the event site.
Event info
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Paddle with a Ranger: Vermillion River Bottoms
Explore a unique area of your national park with the National Park Service. A park ranger will guide you through the back channels of a floodplain forest of the Vermillion River.
Vermillion River North Public Water Access
approx. 17208 Ravenna Trail, Hastings, MN 55033
44°42’12.9″N 92°45’43.8″W, 44.703595, -92.762165
more info
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Raptors Up Close
Raptors have been a part of education at Lowry for many of our 50 years. Meet the current captive raptors, learn about these amazing birds of prey and how they help teach.
* Registration Event: Registration for this activity starts on 07/16/2025 at 8:00 am.*
Lowry Nature Center
Victoria, MN,
(763) 694-7650
Facility: LNC – Front Lawn
more info
Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 11:00 pm – 12:00 pm.
Riverfront Walking Tour
Dakota people call the Mississippi River “Haha Wakpa” (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.
Stone Arch Bridge
Meet at the bandstand in Father Hennepin Bluff Park
northwest of the public restrooms (approximate cross-streets are SE Main St and 6th Ave SE), 44.981849, -93.250990
Event info
Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Free Funday Sunday: Fall Hiking AdventuresWater birds are here and now is your chance to see them! Drop in anytime at the Old Cedar Avenue pavilion to gain experience using binoculars and take a splash at seeing if you can spot various water birds in Long Meadow Lake. No experience needed. This program is for all ages and complimentary snacks will be provided by the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends. This is a drop-in program.
Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Road
Osseo, MN, 55369
more info