Registration Open for 2023
The Urban Bird Collective's Birdwatching Festival
4th Annual Birdwatching Gathering for Black, Indigenous, People of Color and LGBTQ Communities.
WHEN: Saturday, May 20th, 2023
WHERE: The Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge and Visitor Center, Bloomington, Minnesota.
WHAT:
- Choose one or two of four scheduled walks–an early morning or mid-morning and an afternoon family friendly or afternoon-accessibility (no birdwatching experience necessary).
- A bag lunch is provided.
WHO:
We welcome all but have a focus on Black, Indigenous, People of Color and GLBTQ Communities.
COST:
The event is free of cost but donations are always welcome.
This years Annual event is scheduled for May 20th, 2023.
This Annual Birdwatching Gathering has a focus on Black, Indigenous, People of Color and GLBTQ Communities but all are welcome, programs include morning and afternoon guided birdwatching sessions, and kid and family events. All skill levels are welcome. Register early. We expect spaces to fill quickly.
The Venue
About the venue
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Visitor Center is a 14,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge located just south of the city of Minneapolis. It is one of only fourteen Regional Priority Urban Wildlife Refuges in the nation. Two hundred and fifty species have been sighted there, and over 100 species of songbirds, raptors, shorebirds, and water birds nest there. The venue’s address is 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington MN, 55425.
Event Details
Schedule of Events
7:30am-9:30am: This event is recommended for adults who are early birds. Environs include Bass Ponds, Old Cedar Avenue Bridge and the area around the visitor center itself.
11:30am to 1:00pm: Lunch. Box lunch with a sandwich included with your registration. (Gluten free option not available.)
1:30pm-3:30pm: This event is recommended for families with children and anyone who would enjoy some time in nature. Environs include the area around the visitor center itself.
1:30pm-3:30pm: This event is recommended for adults and people who may have accessibility needs. This is a flat and paved surface at Black Dog unit.
About Us
Urban Bird Collective
The Urban Bird Collective was founded 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. We welcome Black, Indigenous, People of Color, GLBTQ 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.
