After a two year hiatus, I am back. This month’s theme is Arm. But I’ll probably just tell an Alaska story.

If I have any books leftover from Birds and Beers, I’ll bring them. Tickets are $10 and you can also purchase tickets for this event directly from me.

I’m not the not the host, but I’ll be hanging out there. Birds and Beers is a great place to connect with other birders, ask questions, share information, and find volunteer and tour opportunities.

I’ll be on Almanac with Cathy and Eric before I head to Alaska talking about birds moving through Minnesota this spring and maybe my newest book coming out. Watch on Twin Cities Public Television

Birds and Beers is a social gathering of birders of all abilities to get away from our computers and meet face to face. You can meet other bird minded people–maybe find a carpool buddy, ask about where to find target birds, share cool research projects you might be working on, ask a bird feeding question, share life lists, share some photography tips, promote your bird related website, book, tour company–the sky is the limit. It’s low key and it’s fun.

This is my final official Birds and Beers. I hand the reigns off to new hosts since I’m moving to Alaska.

I’ll be the keynote speaker for the Bluebird Recovery Program’s Virtual Expert. I’ll be telling my bird stories from my short story program called Today’s Office. Birding in a nudist colony, bathroom adventures and more! You’ll laugh and learn some bird facts.

Great blue herons start returning to their rookery on the Mississippi River toward the end of March. Join Park Ranger Sharon at Marshall Terrace Park in Minneapolis to watch them rebuild nests and do a little flirting. If we are lucky, we might see the resident peregrine falcons fly over, as well as migrating ducks like buffleheads and goldeneye.

This event is free, but registration is required to allow for safe Covid viewing under the current Governor’s Order.

I’ll be a virtual speaker sharing my tips on how to use your smartphone to find and identify birds (even owl pellets) and how to take pictures with your phone and spotting scope. This is part of the Wings and Wetlands virtual festival in Kansas. It’s a great line up of speakers including Kenn Kaufman and Alvaro Jaramillo.

I’ll be a virtual keynote speaker sharing my humorous stories called Today’s Office. In my efforts to try and get paid to go birding I’ve encountered unusual restrooms, drunk waxwings and birding in a nudist colony. It’s a funny life. This is part of the Wings and Wetlands virtual festival in Kansas. It’s a great line up of speakers including Kenn Kaufman and Alvaro Jaramillo.

I’ll be doing a livestream on Facebook Live covering what birds can be seen in our park this time of year. I’ll also be answering your questions live. Visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Facebook page.

Join Wilderness Inquiry and other outdoor experts on a virtual adventure exploring destinations near and far. During each session, you will gain a deeper understanding of outdoor spaces by learning about unique ecosystems, natural and cultural history and how we can venture out to enjoy these spaces ourselves.

When you book your ticket, you get access four classes. I’ll be doing a segment specifically on birds that use the Mississippi River throughout the state of Minnesota.

Ranger Sharon will use Facebook Live on the Mississippi National River and Recreation Page to show you some interesting parts and facts about bald eagles along the Upper Mississippi River. The program should last roughly 30 minutes.

Join us as we welcome back the great blue herons to their rookery on the islands just off of Marshall Terrace Park. We will hang out on the banks of the Mississippi River and watch birds arrive, rebuild their nests and make their croaky mating (and fighting calls). We should also have a great chance to se the local peregrine falcons, bald eagles and migrating waterfowl like common goldeneye, hooded mergansers and maybe even a loon.

I’ll have my scope and a couple of binoculars, but please feel free to bring your own as well as a camera. This is a great place to practice digiscoping.

Okay, kids, due to the pandemic, we are taking this online. You can watch via Facebook or YouTube on Monday night. Let us entertain you.

Spring is coming (we promise!) which will mean new feathery friends swooping in from their winters down south. What kinds of birds do we have in Minnesota and what are the best ways to see them? How can we be good neighbors to our avian friends? What kinds of food can we leave out for them? What are the biggest threats to birds and how do we minimize those. We will ask Minnesota’s premier bird expert, Sharon Stiteler, aka The BirdChick. NOTE: For this one show, we ask that you leave your cats at home.

This is a workshop that is free and open to the public that covers the many different ways you can use a smartphone to enjoy nature from taking photos, recording calls and the many, many apps to help find and identify the wildlife around you. The first half we will talk apps and the second half we will play with photos and apps. You can even ask me questions on how to use your phone. 

The Hodge Podge Comedy Game Night brings together a collection of guest comedians to play ridiculous and silly games à la the Tonight Show or Minute to Win It for your enjoyment. Experience the enjoyment of watching them get competitive, frustrated and horrified!

Fearless Presents is a comedy series produced by Fearless Comedy Productions to give space, voice and opportunity to a variety of the different comedic acts in the Twin Cities. We are thrilled to be able to give Hodge Podge Comedy Game Night a place on our stage.

Host: Duck Washington
Contestants:
Erin Kennedy
Becci Schmidt
Matt Slater
Sharon Stiteler
Eric Thompson
Aron Woldeslassie


Tickets are $10 at the door
7pm @ Strike Theater

I’ll be on the air with Angela Davis answering your bird questions. You can hear me on 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities metro or stream online on the MPR app.

I’ll be part of the storytelling crew.

Join us for a one-night only storytelling show on the theme of Leftovers. Performers will spin a tale (or story or poem or something) on the theme, all different. Tickets are $10 at the door or from a performer. Ticket price includes a beverage. See you there!

This is an annual event where we hang out at Coldwater Spring from sunrise to sunset and document all the birds we see and hear. It's a great way to enjoy fall migration and learn more about native sparrows, thrushes, hawks and warblers. You can learn tips from other birders, help document what we see in eBird or iNaturalist or help chat with the curious public as they wonder what the heck we are doing. It's a fun all day birding party!

It's ok if you're not the best birder out there. If you can point out a bird, you are qualified for the Big Sit. 

I'll be your host for this evening that is part social event, part theater production, and all aboard the Jonathan Padelford riverboat! Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, brings an immersive murder mystery theatrical experience to life, Murder on the Mississippi. Cruise down the Mississippi River while enjoying a beverage, taking in gorgeous scenery, and helping to solve a murder mystery on this unique riverboat experience. You are welcome to come dress up in early 1850s style!

It's 1856 and traffic on the Mississippi River has reached an all-time high. Competition from the rail industry is increasing every year. Immigrants are moving north to the Minnesota Territory and the young towns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Board the Jonathan Padelford riverboat as it travels up the river from St. Louis and help stop a crime before it happens. Experience the diversity of the population that called the Mississippi river home during the mid 1800's and figure out who the killer is to save someone from murder!

Ticket Price (general): $25.00
Ticket Price (for members of Mississippi Park Connection): $20.00

Schedule of Events:

7:00 AM Sunrise Walk at Harrier Meadow • Off Disposal Road, North Arlington
9:00 AM Marsh Discovery Trail Walk
10:00 AM Digiscoping Seminar With Sharon Stiteler “Birdchick”
11:00 AM Live Raptor Show With Avian Wildlife Center
12 Noon Lyndhurst Nature Reserve Walk
1:00 PM Keynote Talk and Award Ceremony • Sharon Stiteler “Birdchick”
2:30 PM Live Raptor Show With Avian Wildlife Center
2:30 PM Beginners Bird Walk • Overview of DeKorte Park
3:00 PM Leader’s Choice Walk • Your guide will choose location

I've been experimenting with moth programs at Coldwater Spring with entomologist Jessica Miller. It's late in the season but who knows what we will find--perhaps some sphinx moth? Two weeks ago we had a crazy caddisfly hatch. Maybe we will even hear some night migrants. If you want to get your naturalist on, join us for this free event. 

I'll be your host for this evening that is part social event, part theater production, and all aboard the Jonathan Padelford riverboat! Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, brings an immersive murder mystery theatrical experience to life, Murder on the Mississippi. Cruise down the Mississippi River while enjoying a beverage, taking in gorgeous scenery, and helping to solve a murder mystery on this unique riverboat experience. You are welcome to come dress up in early 1850s style!

It's 1856 and traffic on the Mississippi River has reached an all-time high. Competition from the rail industry is increasing every year. Immigrants are moving north to the Minnesota Territory and the young towns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Board the Jonathan Padelford riverboat as it travels up the river from St. Louis and help stop a crime before it happens. Experience the diversity of the population that called the Mississippi river home during the mid 1800's and figure out who the killer is to save someone from murder!

Ticket Price (general): $25.00
Ticket Price (for members of Mississippi Park Connection): $20.00

I'll be your host for this evening that is part social event, part theater production, and all aboard the Jonathan Padelford riverboat! Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, brings an immersive murder mystery theatrical experience to life, Murder on the Mississippi. Cruise down the Mississippi River while enjoying a beverage, taking in gorgeous scenery, and helping to solve a murder mystery on this unique riverboat experience. You are welcome to come dress up in early 1850s style!

It's 1856 and traffic on the Mississippi River has reached an all-time high. Competition from the rail industry is increasing every year. Immigrants are moving north to the Minnesota Territory and the young towns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Board the Jonathan Padelford riverboat as it travels up the river from St. Louis and help stop a crime before it happens. Experience the diversity of the population that called the Mississippi river home during the mid 1800's and figure out who the killer is to save someone from murder!

Ticket Price (general): $25.00
Ticket Price (for members of Mississippi Park Connection): $20.00

This six-mile paddle from Hidden Falls Regional Park to Harriet Island Park takes you along the banks of Coldwater Spring, Fort Snelling State Park, Pike Island, Bdote (the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers), and Crosby Farm Regional Park. In addition to forested areas and wildlife, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Saint Paul skyline at sunset. The park ranger lead tour includes a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device rental from Paddle Share.

Meet in the parking lot of Harriet Island Park near the west entrance at 5:30 PM. A shuttle will take you to Hidden Falls Regional Park where you will get a kayak and paddle back to your car / the starting point at Harriet Island Park.

West Entrance and Parking Lot: Closest To Padleford Boats and Wigington Pavilion. Follow Plato Blvd until it ends at Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. Turn right onto Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd and follow into parking lot. Overflow parking is allowed on the uphill side of Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd and on Water Street. Please do not park in the private business lots nearby unless the lot is specifically signed to allow parking.

This event is $35 per person, or $30 for members of Mississippi Park Connection. Learn more about membership here. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@parkconnection.org or call 651.291.8164

Please note: All attendees must be 18+ and able to manuever a kayak on the Mississippi River. There is a significant chance of encountering barge and other commercial traffic in this stretch. Extra caution and experience required. This is a commercial stretch of river. To ensure your safety, please stay close to the bank when passing a large boat that is moving. It is extremely hard for large vessels and tow boats to see small boats such as kayaks and difficult for them to move quickly. When paddling past a boat that is docked, stay at least 100 feet away. When the river is high, currents near large boats can pull small boats under.

Space is limited to 10 people; 8 single kayaks and 1 tandem kayak.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paddle-with-a-ranger-saint-paul-tickets-61171494587?ref=ebtn

I've been experimenting with moth programs at Coldwater Spring with entomologist Jessica Miller. It's late in the season but who knows what we will find--perhaps some sphinx moth? Two weeks ago we had a crazy caddisfly hatch. Maybe we will even hear some night migrants. If you want to get your naturalist on, join us for this free event. 

• 6:00 PM  8:00 PM

• Boom Island Park (map)

Get up close and personal with the north Minneapolis heron rookery, spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other wildlife as you kayak down the Mississippi River with me as a park ranger.. You will also pass by the site for the Upper Harbor Terminal Project, and several industries on the river. This four-mile paddle from North Mississippi Regional Park to Boom Island Park includes a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device rental from Paddle Share.

Please note: Attendees must be 18+ and must be able to maneuver a kayak on the Mississippi River. 

Directions: Meet at Boom Island Park in the main parking lot at 5:30 PM. A shuttle will take you to North Mississippi Regional Park where you will get a kayak and then paddle back to your car / the starting point at Boom Island Park.

This event is $35 per person, or $30 for members of Mississippi Park Connection. Learn more about membership here. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@parkconnection.org or call 651.291.8164

Space is limited to 10 people; 8 single kayaks and 1 tandem kayak and you can book your space here.

• 6:00 PM  8:00 PM

• Boom Island Park (map)

Get up close and personal with the north Minneapolis heron rookery, spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other wildlife as you kayak down the Mississippi River with me as a park ranger.. You will also pass by the site for the Upper Harbor Terminal Project, and several industries on the river. This four-mile paddle from North Mississippi Regional Park to Boom Island Park includes a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device rental from Paddle Share.

Please note: Attendees must be 18+ and must be able to maneuver a kayak on the Mississippi River. 

Directions: Meet at Boom Island Park in the main parking lot at 5:30 PM. A shuttle will take you to North Mississippi Regional Park where you will get a kayak and then paddle back to your car / the starting point at Boom Island Park.

This event is $35 per person, or $30 for members of Mississippi Park Connection. Learn more about membership here. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@parkconnection.org or call 651.291.8164

Space is limited to 10 people; 8 single kayaks and 1 tandem kayak and you can book your space here.

I'll be your host for this evening that is part social event, part theater production, and all aboard the Jonathan Padelford riverboat! Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, brings an immersive murder mystery theatrical experience to life, Murder on the Mississippi. Cruise down the Mississippi River while enjoying a beverage, taking in gorgeous scenery, and helping to solve a murder mystery on this unique riverboat experience. You are welcome to come dress up in early 1850s style!

It's 1856 and traffic on the Mississippi River has reached an all-time high. Competition from the rail industry is increasing every year. Immigrants are moving north to the Minnesota Territory and the young towns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Board the Jonathan Padelford riverboat as it travels up the river from St. Louis and help stop a crime before it happens. Experience the diversity of the population that called the Mississippi river home during the mid 1800's and figure out who the killer is to save someone from murder!

Ticket Price (general): $25.00
Ticket Price (for members of Mississippi Park Connection): $20.00