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The Urban Bird Collective was founded in 2018 to support birdwatchers of all different skill levels in leading walks in our own neighborhoods. We are working to create safe and welcoming spaces for all communities to come out and explore birding and the outdoors.
These communities include Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and the LGBTQ Communities and more. We want all communities to feel the benefits of being out in natural green spaces in our various Twin City neighborhoods and beyond. We are passionate about birdwatching and the protection of the environment. We are here to support you in developing your birding skills while we continue to improve our own.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I have been birding for almost 20 years and have always wanted more BIPOC folks and LGBT folks in the birding world, joining me on walks and building a more diverse, inclusive birding community. Sometimes we have to build new systems to ensure BIPOC folks feel safe. I love sharing my passion for birding with others.
What is your favorite bird?
The cedar waxwing got me started. Before I started birding I didn’t know it existed and then the world just opened up to the amazing birds we have in MN and right here in the Twin Cities.
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
I love jumping in my kayak and Pig’s Eye Lake. On land, I have too many to count. Tops are the MN River Valley Wildlife Refuge (visitor center, Bass Ponds, Old Cedar), Afton State Park, Crosby. In greater MN I love Hawk Ridge and Sax-zim Bog.
What do you like best about being outside?
Slowing down and taking in all the sounds and sights and forgetting about the day to day work for just an hour or two. I never know what I’ll see that day and most times it’s awesome, no matter what birds or animals I see.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I love kayaking, juggling, I play racquetball 3 times a week, pickleball, Gopher women’s sports, biking and being with my fur-babies (2 dogs, 1 cat)
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I believe that being outside and connecting with nature is so important to our mental and physical health. The Urban Bird’s Collective of creating safe places for BIPOC and LGBT folks to be outside and enjoy birding is vital and is something I am passionate about. The outdoors has been an exclusive club and I hope to change that narrative with the UBC.
What is your favorite Bird?
The White-breasted Nuthatch is my favorite bird with their peculiar behavior, inquisitive nature, and their beautiful colors. They are a bright spot during the cold winter months and it always lifts my spirits when I see one!
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
I really enjoy the T.S. Roberts Bird Sanctuary as that was my outlet and place to bike and escape to during the first year of COVID. But I love the many other spots that are just as vibrant and diverse in the middle of the city! Urban birding is the best!
What do you like best about being outside?
I love being outside because it allows me to escape to another world where I can focus all my energy and thoughts on nature. I can let go of the worries of life and just immerse myself. I love learning and seeing the wonderful intricacies of nature and the wildlife is just the cherry on top!
What other activities do you enjoy?
I love playing board games, cross country skiing, and documenting other awesome wildlife like dragonflies or bumble bees. I am also an avid disc golfer and have yet to discover a way to play disc golf in spring while also birding!
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I’ve waited two decades in the TC for this type of experience! The invitation to head outdoors with people who look like me while also getting a chance to share my passion for all things green and nurturing for physical and mental health was just too good to pass up.
Favorite Bird?
Red Tailed hawks have a special place in my heart. Even if I have to fuss at them for making a go at my chickens from time to time. 😉
Favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
The Minnehaha Dog Park
Favorite thing about being outside?
Fresh Air and an uninhibited view of the sky.
Other interest or hobby other than birding?
When I’m not birding I’m can be found covered in sawdust or paint from whatever my latest DIY project is at that time, engrossed in all things tech based, or managing my little micro-farm here in the city.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I have always enjoyed birding as a hobby and a way to connect with other
bird nerds. Being a queer and BIPOC individual, I was ecstatic to discover the Urban Birding Collective here in the Twin Cities. The opportunity to help cultivate such an inclusive space for all communities to feel empowered to get outside and enjoy nature through birding is one that I am so honored to be a part of. I am here both to learn and share my knowledge and passion for conservation and of course for birds!
What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird has to be the quirky American woodcock.
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
My favorite birding spot in the TC is Theodore Wirth Regional Park.
What do you like most about being outside?
I enjoy being in nature because it provides me an opportunity to slow down and regain perspective on the world we live in.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading, playing volleyball, cooking, and going on adventures with my wife, Blandine, and dog, Blue.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
Growing up in Honduras and living in the Midwest sparked my interest in migratory connectivity of birds. I’m always pursuing collaboration between organizations in North/Neotropic region whose goals include bird habitat protection and promote role of avi-tourism in conservation. I’m also interested in showing a more diverse group of folks the benefits of the outdoors and understand what type of barriers prevent them from doing so.
What is your favorite bird?
Golden-winged Warbler
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
The metro offers so much for birding; TS Roberts Bird Sanctuary
What do you like best about being outside?
It is relaxing to be in contact with Nature
What other activities do you enjoy?
I’m a soccer fan; Minnesota United FC supporter.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I am happy to be with others who find peace and joy at seeing our bird relatives. I am grateful that other people show concern and care for them.
What is your favorite bird?
I love many, many birds–it would be like choosing a child! I was so happy to see the evening grosbeak on our trip–it brought me back to my childhood.
What is your favorite birding spot?
I am always at Carlos Avery (I just left there) looking at birds and plants.
What do you like best about being outside?
I feel a sense of safety, calm and gratitude outside. There is a feeling of connection with all life when I can listen with my heart.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I love looking for plants–seeing how we truly live in a complex connected world of Life.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I became part of the UBC because I enjoy spending time outdoors – hiking, birding, camping, or just feeling the sun on my face or listening to the breeze through the trees. I’ve always loved being out in nature. When I’m in the woods or the bog or the prairie, I feel more complete, part of a larger something. Unfortunately, when I hike or bird around the state, I just don’t see many people of color or LGBTQ folks. Being a member of the UBC allows me to introduce other city dwellers to nature so they can see how inspiring and centering being outdoors can be. I also meet really cool people and we learn together while having fun and being outdoors.
What is your favorite bird?
I don’t have a favorite bird. That’s like asking who is your favorite child. My favorite bird is the one I’m hearing and looking for at the moment.
What is your favorite birding spot?
The Twin Cities is blessed with lots of great birding spots. I suppose my favorites would be Wood Lake in Richfield and Westwood Hills in St-Louis Park. They’ve got water and a varied habitat, so I always see mammals, birds, fungi, butterflies, and if I’m lucky, herps too.
What do you like best about being outside?
See #1.
What other activities do you enjoy?
Camping, photography, travel, canoeing, biking, reading, but mostly I work.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I hope to share my joy and curiosity for the natural world with folks in our community.
I care about our environment and building accessibility in outdoor experiences.
Favorite Bird?
My favorite bird is the Barn Swallow because it reminds me of Grandpa.
Favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
There are many great places to going birding in the Cities! I enjoy Battle Creek Regional Park, which is just a hop, skip and jump away from my neighborhood.
Favorite thing about being outside?
Being outside gives me a chance to relax, observe, and explore the world around me.
Other interest or hobby other than birding?
I like cooking, painting, playing soccer and hanging with my bunnies.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
Jack: I was a born bird hunter but gave that up when I found my moms. I LOVE people and birds.
Nachito: I hate people 🙂
What is your Favorite Bird? Chicken
What is your Favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
Jack: any place with water!
Nacho: anyplace without huge flies and mosquitoes :-/
Favorite thing about being outside?
We can pee anywhere, almost anywhere. Moms said no flower or garden beds 🙂
What other activities do you enjoy?
Jack: chasing balls and eating.
Nacho: sleeping and watching Lucky Dog.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I am a part of the Urban Bird Collective because seeing reflections of self in the places I love completes me.
What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is the cedar waxwing, I love their art deco look and their cooperative nature.
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
My favorite birding spot is the Space Coast in Florida, but in the Twin Cities I like Elm Creek Park.
What do you like best about being outside?
I love the outdoors, especially if I can jump off a rock into a lake.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy my work, which is to support formerly long-term homeless people in their housing, but I wish I could do it from a canoe!
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I absolutely love nature, birding and being outdoors. I think it
is important to have a space where diverse individuals are able to be
exposed to and have access in a safe and inviting environment.
What is your favorite bird?
Bobolink. It is a striking bird with a very interesting song.
Unfortunately, with habitat loss it becomes harder to find but I’m
always thrilled when I find a new location around the city where it is
still hanging on.
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. It is a vast area with so
many different possible ways to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.
What do you like best about being outside?
It heals the mind and soul. It is a great place to just relax and
absorb the world around you. Everything is new everyday; even if you
walk the same block everyday. If you take the time to look and listen,
you can find new and interesting things to see, hear or smell.
What other activities do you enjoy?
Camping, hiking, woodworking and gardening.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I am a part of the Collective because I am an avid bird lover, bird watcher and want to be able to share my knowledge and learn from others.
What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is the Black-capped Chickadee! It’s two calls always makes me smile!
What is your favorite birding spot?
My favorite Twin Cities birding spot is my backyard and our neighborhood – the West Side of St. Paul!
What do you like best about being outside?
My favorite thing about being outside is to be able to enjoy what is all around us and forget about the stresses of life
What other activities do you enjoy?
My other interests or hobbies other than birding are taking care of our 3 dogs, working 5 sports at the University of Minnesota and playing racquetball!
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I am a part of the Urban Bird Collective because diversity is critical to our ongoing and future stewardship of our wild places.
What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is the chickadee. They are out and about on even the coldest days.
What is your favorite birding spot?
My favorite birding spot is along the St.Croix river in Minnesota.
What do you like best about being outside?
What I like being best about being outside is you are not inside, just kidding, I love the sun, wind, rain, trees, animals, rocks. I love it all.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy kayaking, home projects and genealogy.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I joined the collective because I was really wanting to be a part of this community — it is unlike any of the other birding/outdoor groups I’ve been involved with. I love seeing, learning, and trying to protect birds and it feels good to be around people who feel the same way. Being around people who are new to birding is also exciting because it’s both an opportunity to learn from them, and to teach.
What is your favorite bird?
This really depends on the day. I have an affinity for Kestrels, Northern Shrikes, and all of the owls — the way that they scan the ground from above, reminds me of our cat…
What is your favorite birding spot?
Silverwood Park in St. Anthony — because we lived close to it and I walked there daily (but we recently moved!).
What do you like best about being outside?
Most of the time, it improves my mood [depending on the weather] 🙂
What other activities do you enjoy?
I like reading, going for walks with my sons (I’m a mom to twins), volunteering, and kayaking. Foraging mushrooms is another hobby of mine — but I’m new to it.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I’m a part of the Urban Birding and Outdoor Collective for two reasons. I love our feathered friends and this group prioritizes nurturing access to nature for people like me, a queer~mixed~race~black~bean. I am happy to have found community who help me spread my wings.
What is your favorite Bird?
Fondness for each bird is fluid, but there is a special appreciation for the least bittern! Before I bought my first pair of binoculars, I encountered this bird sitting way up high on a branch of an elder tree. They were so quiet and still, camouflaged discreetly. I was so fascinated when, what I thought to be a small pudgy bird, extend its slender neck and double the length of its frame. After that, I invested in a pair of binoculars! The red-tail hawk is a close companion as well.
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
One place I enjoy birding in the Twin Cities is known as Lake Harriet. The backyard is nice as well!
What do you like best about being outside?
• getting to know the land more intimately and feeling gratitude for outdoor connections that restore our bodies, our minds, our souls
• being with a diversity of species, the magic of wild seeds and regenerative dreams
• learning relationships and roles that build healthy ecosystems
• less likely to see buildings, statues, structures, street signs that uphold white supremacist symbols, systems and HIS story!
What other activities do you enjoy?
The outlet, movement, practice, crafting or medium, specifically, may fluctuate, but in my leisure time I dip into reservoirs of passion for the earth, plants, animals, freedom and livelihood for human beans, nourishing meals, music, art, magic, dance, connection, rooting and resting.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
To help educate and teach about the great outdoors and birding. Passing on environmental education will be pivotal in the new age of technology. We cannot forget our animal relatives and all they have done for us. I hope to spark an interest in birds to youth/the public, the same spark and appreciation I have gained for the love of birds more in depth the past few years.
What is your favorite bird?
All birds. Western Meadowlarks and Magpies back home in the Dakota’s. Golden Eagles as a raptor, all owls are favorites. Juncos in the winter, goldfinches in the summer and I just love little field sparrows right now, they are fun to observe and hear. I have many favorites in many categories so feel free to ask!
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
Anywhere in the Minnesota River Valley, and around the Mississippi River is a hit. Lebanon Hills Regional Park as well, I have experience guiding those hills. (Former Dakota County Parks Naturalist)
What do you like best about being outside?
Enjoying nature free, unattached, unplugged unless I have my camera with me. Nothing beats the fresh air, the sound of a small stream passing through the woods or the wind blowing bird song through the air. Learning from our animal relatives is another reason I try to get outside as much as possible. Everyday, every experience you have with an animal relative you can learn from them. Birds are extremely smart and highly intelligent animals.
What other activities do you enjoy?
Tracking and photographing mammals. I started out photographing cottontail rabbits at a young age and have continued to learn as a self-taught photographer, naturalist, tracker and now birder. The more you experience the great outdoors and escape the city the more you can learn. The cities offer great resources and destinations for viewing and learning about birds but I enjoy hiking the furthest away, the roads less traveled. Just observing and being in the presence of mammals, birds, nature and other wildlife will make my day. Nature is healing.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
I am a part of the Collective because I believe in its philosophy of inclusiveness and its richness of programs.
Why are you a part of the Collective?
UBC’s mission is a community response to a problem, and I want to support it in ways that I can. As a queer, mixed race person who has worked in conservation and spends time outdoors I’m passionate about making it more accessible and inclusive. Birding is for everyone!
What is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird has to be the Spotted Owl. I’ve spent many nights tripping through the woods at night fending off bugs and fear to study them. Watching them watching me was always a cool experience.
What is your favorite Twin Cities birding spot?
Right now, it’s Round Lake. I live nearby so I go often!
What do you like best about being outside?
I love being able to watch trees sway in the wind, or say hi to my neighbors as they pass. It’s a way of being connected, and affirmed. I think it is so fun to share a plant with a bee for a moment- I smell the lavender while the bee eats the nectar. Things like that.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading, hiking with my partner Louis, creating spreadsheets, and hyper focusing on whatever activity calls that day, such as sewing, painting, learning new instruments, or writing haikus.
https://www.saintpaulaudubon.org/
Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. St. Paul Auduboners, very simply, want to make the world a better place for birds, and by doing so, we hope to improve the world for all living things.
Much appreciation to the Savaloja Fund of MOU. The Urban Bird Collective has been founded to help launch and anchor our work. The Savaloja grants Individuals or organizations undertaking projects in Minnesota that increase our understanding of birds, promote preservation of birds and their natural habitats, or increase public interest in birds, including in minorities currently underrepresented in Minnesota’s birding community
https://www.hennepin.us/greenpartners
Hennepin County provides funding and support to organizations to actively educate, engage and motivate residents to become environmental stewards and make positive behavior changes.
We focus on actions to prevent waste, recycle, reduce household hazardous waste, conserve energy, care for trees, protect pollinators, and improve our air and water quality.
Minneapolis Parks Foundation
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge in eastern and central Minnesota. Located just south of the city of Minneapolis, it is one of fourteen Regional Priority Urban Wildlife Refuges in the nation.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sherburne/
Since 1993, Friends of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, a charitable nonprofit organization, has been a proud partner of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
Monica Bryand started out her career as an accountant but was fortunate to spend over 25 years in the philanthropic community including 16 years at Headwaters Foundation for Justice. In 2015 Monica decided to make a major career and has taken on many consulting opportunities and followed her passion for bird photography working on a special project with Audubon MN.
While leading and supporting the Urban Bird Collective, Monica is also serving in a co-leadership capacity with Voices for Racial Justice.
Monica believes in community service and has served on many boards and committees for over 25 years and currently volunteers with her local District Council the West Side Community Council and Audubon St. Paul’s Conservation Committee and serves on the board of HawkRidge.
Monica is a Latina that believes that it is critical to work across issues that affect us all and to work for systems change at the same time. Monica’s passions include environmental, women’s, people of color, and glbt issues. She feels extremely fortunate to pursue her passions for both people and the birds.
Shalini Gupta has been involved with energy, climate and environmental policy – with a focus on building frontline community capacity – for the past 20 years. Her work is centered on solutions to our ecological crises that are grounded in people and place; and our economic and social histories.
Shalini’s past work experience includes research and policy positions at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, and the Izaak Walton League of America’s Energy Program. A former governor appointee to the Minnesota Next Generation Energy Board, Shalini has served as co-Chair of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice Board of Directors and on the founding leadership team of the Midwest Environmental Justice Network. Prior to starting her consulting work, Shalini was the co-founder and executive director of the Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy, an environmental justice research and policy organization.
Jill Meyer was lucky to have birding parents who shared with her the joy of being in natural spaces. Most of her regular activities extend outdoors: hiking, camping, biking, gardening, or sitting on the deck watching the backyard birds. Jill paints and draws, and the main subjects are…birds!
But the themes are sacred places, environmental protection, awareness of climate change, a different angle of looking at the natural world. Professionally, Jill is a data geek consultant for non-profits. As Jill inches towards retirement, her wife and her are dreaming of all of the places we will take in with their pop-up camper.
In the meantime, it is fabulous to just go outside the front door in Minneapolis neighborhood to see what nature holds.
Tom Thao is a community member, organizer, and activist in Minneapolis and St Paul. He has previously worked as an organizer for Move Minnesota a St. Paul based non profit working around transportation putting people first and as a Health Educator with Ramsey County Public Health informing community about health concerns and include and elevate community voices at County wide decision-making
tables.
Tom is passionate about the outdoors whether it’s boundary Water trips, community bike rides or a relaxing walk around the lakes, he’s excited to be present in nature. He is also committed normalizing #blackandbrownpeopleoutdoors.
