IBAs - Volunteer

Twin Cities Mississippi River IBA

Belted kingfisher

Mississippi River Twin Cities IBA Monitoring Project

The goal of Audubon’s Important Bird Area (IBA) program is to identify areas that are particularly valuable habitat to one or more species of bird, during migration, breeding, or winter seasons. The Mississippi River Twin Cities IBA stretches from downtown Minneapolis to Hastings, MN, roughly following the bounds of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) and covering over 37,000 acres. Located on the Mississippi Flyway, much of the value of this IBA lies in its function as migratory habitat. While ongoing surveys indicate that large numbers of waterbirds use this IBA, less is known about its potential value to migrating land birds. This monitoring project seeks to evaluate trends in land bird species in the Mississippi River Twin Cities IBA to better understand how this habitat benefits this group of birds. Monitoring guidelines and related forms are provided below.

Audubon Minnesota Needs Bird Monitors

Audubon Minnesota is looking for volunteers to help us monitor the Twin Cities Mississippi River IBA. This project is a long-term migration and breeding season monitoring program for the Mississippi River Twin Cities Important Bird Area. The results of this program will allow us to track trends in migrating and breeding landbirds in this IBA.

WHO?
We are looking for experienced birders to volunteer to conduct surveys on landbirds.

WHAT?
We will be using a point-count method for the surveys; survey points are along hike/bike trails in parks along the river. Each surveyor will work the same site for the season.

WHEN?
Migration surveys will be weekly from mid to late April to the end of May (5-6 visits). Breeding season surveys require 2 visits between early June and early July.
Surveys will be conducted from around sunrise - 10 am.

WHERE?
The Mississippi River Twin Cities IBA survey sites are park and reserve areas including the Mississippi River Gorge, Minnehaha Park, Hidden Falls, Crosby Farm, Battle Creek, Grey Cloud SNA, and Schaar’s Bluff.

We would love to have you join us. The information we collect will be valuable for assessing changes to bird communities within our urban landscape. Please contact the program coordinator Tania Homayoun if you can help or have any questions.

Related Files:
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