Birds

Birds
Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul

update

March 17, 2025
St. Paul's long-awaited Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance is finally coming up for public comment. Unfortunately, the updated draft removes bird-safe building requirements and other vital riverfront protections. Here's how to help. Read more
Birds fly over Harrient Island and river
Where to find herons in the Twin Cities metro

update

March 10, 2025
There's a reason our logo features a heron — we love these birds, and these birds love the river. We've put together a guide to heron hotspots so you can marvel along with us. Read more
Great blue heron approaches nest
Minnesota's own snow birds: 4 species you can see here only in winter

update

January 13, 2025
Just like spring warmth brings new birds to the Twin Cities, so does the winter chill. Read more
Northern shrike flying over branches
Must-see FMR spring birding sites along the river

update

April 15, 2023
Enjoy the wonder of spring migration season with a visit to some of FMR's top Mississippi River flyway restoration sites. Read more
A singing common yellowthroat grips a thorny branch.
Hundreds of birds in the one and only river gorge
by Betsy Daub

update

October 16, 2022
For more than three decades, Dave Zumeta has kept meticulous lists of the birds he's seen in the Mississippi River Gorge, a band of habitat FMR works to restore that is critical for migrators on the flyway. Read more
A photo collage showing a saw-whet owl and a trumpeter swan.
Endangered species found at Maplewood sites under development consideration
by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

November 18, 2021
When we learned that Ramsey County was considering developing open space that we believe provides essential habitat, FMR requested a natural resources inventory. The report confirms: Endangered and rare birds depend on this grassland. Read more
A short field guide to metro wildlife
by Casey Ek

update

November 12, 2021

Whether it's the return of grassland birds to a once-homogenous cropland we've restored to prairie, or the adaptive behaviors of urban foxes and coyotes, the well-being of Minnesota's wildlife can serve as a window into our ecosystems as we strive to be better stewards of the land. Get to know a few of the critters who find habitat in FMR restoration sites.  >>

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Upcoming Events

Join us at the annual river gorge Earth Day cleanup
Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Art and Science on the River: Carp Workshop
Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:30pm
MWMO, Northeast Minneapolis riverfront
Monitor monarchs with FMR's Pollinator Evaluation Program
Apply now for spring through summer program
Sites in Elk River, Hastings or Inver Grove Heights

See all Upcoming Events