Warbler Weekend

Warbler Weekend May 7 – 9, 2010

One of the best locations for spring birding is along the Mississippi River at Frontenac State Park. Join Saint Paul Audubon for this event!

Many birders are aware that some of the world’s best birding is available right here in Minnesota! During the spring migration one of the best locations to be looking for birds is along the north-south Mississippi and St. Croix River Flyway. Our annual Warbler Weekend is held at the Villa Maria, located on Lake Pepin near Frontenac, right on the flyway!

Our annual weekends over the last 30-40 years have averaged 130-135 species, including an average of 21-24 species of warblers. You may bird by car, on foot on the Villa and Frontenac State Park trails, or simply by relaxing on the lawn at the Villa. In addition to this informal style of birding, the Chapter’s Field Trip leaders offer bird walks for beginner, medium, and experienced birders. Several locations are always canvassed, including Sand Point, Hok-Si-La (a Lake City Park), Well’s Creek, and the State Park’s prairie restoration project behind the Villa. A Bird Board is located near the cafeteria, so if you decide to stop birding and come in for sustenance, and then see that there’s a Kentucky Warbler about ¼ mile from your location, you have a decision to make.

Where to Stay:
The Villa Maria is a former convent and school. Accommodations include furnished rooms and dining at reasonable prices. There are also tennis courts, a pool, a gym, and a lovely Labyrinth for those of us who like to meditate. Camping is available on the Villa’s grounds, or at nearby Frontenac State Park (day or annual pass required).

Weekend Events:
Traditional events are watching and counting the Chimney Swifts entering the Villa’s chimney at dusk; and Friday and Saturday evening owl walks (bring flashlights and dark sweat-shirts!). Ron Windingstad, the Minnesota Audubon at Home Coordinator, will be the speaker on Saturday night.

Dinner is on your own on Friday (there are numerous restaurants in Red Wing), but there will be a program (Introduction to Warblers 101) with socializing, snacks, and coffee beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the Chimney Swifts and owl walk.

Registration:
Registration is limited to Saint Paul Audubon members until April 10TH, then open to all on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information please call Deb Bachrach at 651-690-4130 or send email to deb.bachrach@yahoo.com

Warbler Weekend Registration

Prices include registration fee. No refunds for missed meals.
check payable to Saint Paul Audubon

Please Include:
Name
Address
City State Zip
Day phone Evening phone
Names of People attending

Send check to Saint Paul Audubon Society
c/o Deb Bachrach, 1163 Edgcumbe Rd., St. Paul, MN 55105
Checks will be held until April 17. No refunds after April 30.
For more information please call Deb Bachrach at 651-690-4130
or send email to deb.bachrach@yahoo.com