NEWSLETTERS ~ CURRENT NEWS ~ BUTTERFLY COUNT ~ CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ~ NATIVE PLANTS & PRAIRIE ~ VOLUNTEER
Calendar of Events
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Everyone is welcome to attend our programs, walks and events, you don't need to be an Audubon member. Our field trips and bird walks are free of charge and open to the public.
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January 2025
Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 / 8 am - Noon
Join a team for the annual Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count to explore the area’s winter wonderland on foot for short walks and/or by car to document wintering birds. Anyone with an interest in birds, regardless of birding experience, is invited to participate. Counters will meet at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center in Whitewater State Park starting at 8 am. The feeders at the visitor center will be full of seeds and birds. What a great way to start the New Year! To sign up, call 507-312-2300 for details.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 / 8 am - Noon
Join a team for the annual Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count to explore the area’s winter wonderland on foot for short walks and/or by car to document wintering birds. Anyone with an interest in birds, regardless of birding experience, is invited to participate. Counters will meet at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center in Whitewater State Park starting at 8 am. The feeders at the visitor center will be full of seeds and birds. What a great way to start the New Year! To sign up, call 507-312-2300 for details.
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, January 4, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, January 4, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Wintering Golden Eagle Survey
Saturday, January 18
The survey is part of an on-going project to learn more about the golden eagle population in the bluff lands region. Golden Eagles were not previously considered regular inhabitants of this area. The Wintering Golden Eagle Survey gathers important data to document a regular wintering population of golden eagles in the bluff lands of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. If you are interested in volunteering please email golden@nationaleaglecenter.org. for details about training and getting assigned to a route. New volunteers must also attend a training session before the count. Additional information here: https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/golden-eagles/
Saturday, January 18
The survey is part of an on-going project to learn more about the golden eagle population in the bluff lands region. Golden Eagles were not previously considered regular inhabitants of this area. The Wintering Golden Eagle Survey gathers important data to document a regular wintering population of golden eagles in the bluff lands of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. If you are interested in volunteering please email golden@nationaleaglecenter.org. for details about training and getting assigned to a route. New volunteers must also attend a training session before the count. Additional information here: https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/golden-eagles/
ZVAS Monthly Program - TBA
Tuesday January 28, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday January 28, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
February 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, February 1, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, February 1, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
ZVAS Monthly Program - TBA
Tuesday February 25, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday February 25, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
March 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, March 1, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
International Owl Festival
March 7 - 9, 2025 in Houston, MN
Visit our booth at the International Owl Festival - a one-of-a-kind event hosting speakers from around the globe, exhibits, live owls, and many, many fun things to do for the entire family! Get more information about all the events and ticket prices at http://www.festivalofowls.com/
March 7 - 9, 2025 in Houston, MN
Visit our booth at the International Owl Festival - a one-of-a-kind event hosting speakers from around the globe, exhibits, live owls, and many, many fun things to do for the entire family! Get more information about all the events and ticket prices at http://www.festivalofowls.com/
ZVAS Monthly Program - TBA
Tuesday March 25, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday March 25, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
April 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, April 5, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Woodcock Walk
Date/time to be announced / 7:30 pm at Chester Woods Park
Every spring the Woodcock perform one of the strangest and most interesting mating rituals. We will try to observe it up close, beginning at dusk. Meet in the horse corral parking lot at Chester Woods County Park (southeast of Rochester, MN) at 7:30 PM.
Date/time to be announced / 7:30 pm at Chester Woods Park
Every spring the Woodcock perform one of the strangest and most interesting mating rituals. We will try to observe it up close, beginning at dusk. Meet in the horse corral parking lot at Chester Woods County Park (southeast of Rochester, MN) at 7:30 PM.
Rochester Reservoirs Field Trip
Date/time to be announced
Meet in the east parking lot at the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool. The flood control reservoirs around Rochester have created some of the best bird habitat in Olmsted County and are more often than not where local rarities are found. We will visit several to see what we can turn up during migration. There will only be a few short walks totaling less than a mile. Bring a scope and binoculars if you have them.
Date/time to be announced
Meet in the east parking lot at the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool. The flood control reservoirs around Rochester have created some of the best bird habitat in Olmsted County and are more often than not where local rarities are found. We will visit several to see what we can turn up during migration. There will only be a few short walks totaling less than a mile. Bring a scope and binoculars if you have them.
Armstrong Wetlands / Rice Lake State Park Field Trip
Date to be announced / 7:00 am - early afternoon
Meet in the Hy-Vee Barlow's south parking lot (nearest Civic Center Drive) at 7 am to car pool to the wetlands (about a 45 minute drive). Dress for the weather, bring your own binoculars, lunch, snacks and water. Trails are generally good at Rice Lake but be prepared for uneven ground and muddy/wet areas. At Armstrong Wetlands we'll be parking on the edge of a gravel road. Between both locations we should see several kinds of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, raptors, woodpeckers, early arriving warblers, and possibly Sand Hill Cranes. Note: Vehicles entering Rice Lake State Park park must have a MN State Park sticker or purchase a day pass. Note: this field trip will be postponed if the wetlands are dry or if it's raining.
Date to be announced / 7:00 am - early afternoon
Meet in the Hy-Vee Barlow's south parking lot (nearest Civic Center Drive) at 7 am to car pool to the wetlands (about a 45 minute drive). Dress for the weather, bring your own binoculars, lunch, snacks and water. Trails are generally good at Rice Lake but be prepared for uneven ground and muddy/wet areas. At Armstrong Wetlands we'll be parking on the edge of a gravel road. Between both locations we should see several kinds of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, raptors, woodpeckers, early arriving warblers, and possibly Sand Hill Cranes. Note: Vehicles entering Rice Lake State Park park must have a MN State Park sticker or purchase a day pass. Note: this field trip will be postponed if the wetlands are dry or if it's raining.
ZVAS Monthly Program - TBA
Tuesday April 22, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday April 22, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
May 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, May 3, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Bird Walks at Kutzky Park
Dates & Times to be determined /
Kutzky Park near downtown Rochester comes alive with migrating warblers, vireos, orioles, and more every Spring. Join us for a walk at the peak of migration. Arrive and leave as your schedule requires. Walks start near the picnic shelter. Later arrivals can locate the group along the creek between 11th and 16th Ave NW. Additional dates & times will likely be added as migration starts.
Dates & Times to be determined /
Kutzky Park near downtown Rochester comes alive with migrating warblers, vireos, orioles, and more every Spring. Join us for a walk at the peak of migration. Arrive and leave as your schedule requires. Walks start near the picnic shelter. Later arrivals can locate the group along the creek between 11th and 16th Ave NW. Additional dates & times will likely be added as migration starts.
Field Trip to Hok-si-la Park
Date to be determined / 8 am to mid afternoon / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Meet at 8 am at the east parking lot of the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool to Lake City. (Or meet up with us in the parking lot at Hok-si-la at around 8:50 am.) Located along the Mississippi River, Hok-Si-La is a magnet for migrating birds. Bring water, a snack or a bag lunch and dress for the weather. We'll return mid-afternoon. This park has nice walking trails and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. http://hoksilapark.org/
Date to be determined / 8 am to mid afternoon / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Meet at 8 am at the east parking lot of the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool to Lake City. (Or meet up with us in the parking lot at Hok-si-la at around 8:50 am.) Located along the Mississippi River, Hok-Si-La is a magnet for migrating birds. Bring water, a snack or a bag lunch and dress for the weather. We'll return mid-afternoon. This park has nice walking trails and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. http://hoksilapark.org/
Bird Walk at Assisi Heights
Saturday, May 17, 2025 / 8:30 - 10 am at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leader: Sandy Hokanson & Sue Hayes
Join us on a casual walk in this beautiful area as we search for migrating warblers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, the walk may be canceled. NOTE: There is a $5 fee payable to Assisi Heights - and you must register for this event.
A link will be available on the Assisi Height Event Calendar in late April or early May here: https://rochesterfranciscan.org/events/
Saturday, May 17, 2025 / 8:30 - 10 am at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leader: Sandy Hokanson & Sue Hayes
Join us on a casual walk in this beautiful area as we search for migrating warblers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, the walk may be canceled. NOTE: There is a $5 fee payable to Assisi Heights - and you must register for this event.
A link will be available on the Assisi Height Event Calendar in late April or early May here: https://rochesterfranciscan.org/events/
ZVAS Monthly Program - TBA
Tuesday May 27, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday May 27, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Bird Song Walk at Chester Woods
Date to be announced / 6:45 - 9 am at Chester Woods Park / Leaders: TBA
Meet in the boat landing parking lot. With the Spring migration over, birds are busily defending territories, nesting, and raising young birds. The birds are difficult to see but very vocal. This trip will focus on learning many of the songs and calls of the local breeding birds.
Date to be announced / 6:45 - 9 am at Chester Woods Park / Leaders: TBA
Meet in the boat landing parking lot. With the Spring migration over, birds are busily defending territories, nesting, and raising young birds. The birds are difficult to see but very vocal. This trip will focus on learning many of the songs and calls of the local breeding birds.
June 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird WalkZVAS
Saturday, June 7, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, June 7, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
July 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, July 5, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, July 5, 2025 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
27th Annual Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 19, 2025 / All Day / Various Locations
Join us as we survey our region’s butterflies! Enjoy finding beautiful and delicate butterflies as we document their populations. Many eyes are needed to locate as many butterflies as possible during our official one day count. Participants in this Citizen Science project should have some experience with butterflies, be prepared for the weather, and be able to walk a mile or more on and off trails. Novices will be paired with an experienced team leader. Bring close-focusing binoculars or a digital camera with close-focusing capability. These are key to field identification of butterflies. Chester Woods has excellent habitat, so we’ll spend considerable time there. See past years’ results here.
For more information or to sign up for a specific time or area, contact Sandy Hokanson at 507-202-4283 or email editor@zumbrovalleyaudubon.org
Saturday, July 19, 2025 / All Day / Various Locations
Join us as we survey our region’s butterflies! Enjoy finding beautiful and delicate butterflies as we document their populations. Many eyes are needed to locate as many butterflies as possible during our official one day count. Participants in this Citizen Science project should have some experience with butterflies, be prepared for the weather, and be able to walk a mile or more on and off trails. Novices will be paired with an experienced team leader. Bring close-focusing binoculars or a digital camera with close-focusing capability. These are key to field identification of butterflies. Chester Woods has excellent habitat, so we’ll spend considerable time there. See past years’ results here.
For more information or to sign up for a specific time or area, contact Sandy Hokanson at 507-202-4283 or email editor@zumbrovalleyaudubon.org
August 2025
Bird Walk at Assisi Heights
Saturday, August 9, 2025 / 8:30 - 10 am at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leaders: Sandy Hokanson & Sue Hayes
Join us on a casual walk in this beautiful area as we search for migrating warblers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, the walk may be canceled. NOTE: There is a $5 fee payable to Assisi Heights - and you must register for this event.
A link will be available on the Assisi Height Event Calendar in late July or early August here: https://rochesterfranciscan.org/events/
Saturday, August 9, 2025 / 8:30 - 10 am at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leaders: Sandy Hokanson & Sue Hayes
Join us on a casual walk in this beautiful area as we search for migrating warblers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, the walk may be canceled. NOTE: There is a $5 fee payable to Assisi Heights - and you must register for this event.
A link will be available on the Assisi Height Event Calendar in late July or early August here: https://rochesterfranciscan.org/events/
Swift Sit at Assisi Heights
Friday, August 22, 2025 /7:30 - 9 pm at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leader: Sandy Hokanson
Each year citizen scientists count migrating Chimney Swifts that gather in large numbers to roost for the night at sites all over the United States. The large chimney at Assisi Heights is an important roosting spot for these birds and we’ve been invited to come watch and count the Swifts as they enter the chimney for the night. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray and binoculars. Note: Assisi Heights is private property and not open to the public – do not visit this site without permission. Rain date will be Saturday, August 23.
Friday, August 22, 2025 /7:30 - 9 pm at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leader: Sandy Hokanson
Each year citizen scientists count migrating Chimney Swifts that gather in large numbers to roost for the night at sites all over the United States. The large chimney at Assisi Heights is an important roosting spot for these birds and we’ve been invited to come watch and count the Swifts as they enter the chimney for the night. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray and binoculars. Note: Assisi Heights is private property and not open to the public – do not visit this site without permission. Rain date will be Saturday, August 23.
Monarch Tagging
Date to be determined / at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Hold a live Monarch Butterfly in your hand and tag it for its journey south to Mexico. You'll learn about their life cycle and have fun walking in the prairie to catch your Monarch for tagging. (We'll have some pre-caught monarchs ready as well). Come and go on your own schedule - we'll provide some nets. This activity is for all ages. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Date to be determined / at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Hold a live Monarch Butterfly in your hand and tag it for its journey south to Mexico. You'll learn about their life cycle and have fun walking in the prairie to catch your Monarch for tagging. (We'll have some pre-caught monarchs ready as well). Come and go on your own schedule - we'll provide some nets. This activity is for all ages. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Click to view upcoming programs at Whitewater State Park
Click to view upcoming programs at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Click for information about Olmsted County Parks
Click to view upcoming programs at the International Owl Center
Click to view upcoming programs at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Click for information about Olmsted County Parks
Click to view upcoming programs at the International Owl Center