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We believe in connecting people with nature.
Most of our programs are FREE and open to the public. Check our calendar and join the fun! Recent happenings:
March 26, 2024 - Birding Under the Influence
What a journey! Last night's talk by Dorian Anderson was full of adventures (and birds). Dorian told us how he loved birds as a young child, but lost interest when he was consumed by the challenges of medical school and the need to be perfect. He dreamed of being a professor but somehow along the way he got mixed up in alcohol and drugs. He was successful in his field but very unhappy, and eventually gave up his career, got sober and returned to the birds he loved. In 2014 he challenged himself to do a low impact "Big Birding Year" via bicycle. He traveled across the United States, tallying 17,830 miles by bike, 493 miles (at least) by foot, had 34 flat tires, ate countless pizzas, raised $49,000 for conservation, and met many new lifetime friends. Oh - and he also saw 618 species of birds. What a story! Dorian is now a Birding Advocate, Author, Guide and public speaker. You can read more about his story in his book "Birding Under the Influence" available via his website at https://www.doriananderson.com/ Dorian, thank you for sharing your journey with us! March 4, 2024 - International Owl Festival
We had a great time at the International Owl Festival in Houston, MN this past weekend. It was invigorating to talk with hundreds of people who were interested in owls, (really all birds), and wanted to learn how they can help preserve habitat and help them survive in these changing times. A big thank you to our ZVAS volunteers and all the staff and volunteers from The International Owl Center and the city of Houston - your hard work made for a fun and informative festival once again. March 2, 2024 - Bird Walk at Quarry Hill
Sunny skies brought 29 people to Quarry Hill Nature Center on Saturday morning for our monthly bird walk. The temperature was very mild, more spring than winter, like so much of this past winter. Walk leader Joyce Grier gave out binoculars for some to use and Minnesota bird lists for people to keep track of what they see. We took our time starting out in the sunshine at the feeders by the nature center and saw many of the common resident birds including 5 Northern Cardinals at one time. Mixed in with our locals birds were a few wintering Pine Siskins on finch feeders and Dark-eyed Juncos on the ground. The pond, which was covered by ice 2 days ago, was totally open and ice-free. Some Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks had already discovered that as well as a Muskrat who was out enjoying his newfound freedom. It was a very nice morning for a nature walk. Thanks to Joyce and Terry for leading the trip! Species list: Muskrat (in the pond) Canada Geese (in the pond) Mallard (in the pond) Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy woodpecker Northern Flicker Blue Jay American Crow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse (heard) White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper House Finch Pine Siskin American Goldfinch Dark-eyed Junco Photos by Terry Grier Zumbro Valley Audubon needs your help to pay for programs, printing brochures and outreach supplies to teach kids and adults about nature. Donate to Zumbro Valley Audubon via giveMN.org
© ZVAS 2023 - Zumbro Valley Audubon Society - PO Box 6244 - Rochester, MN 55903
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