Bay Area ornithologists and weekend bird-watchers have something to chirp about: Anoka County Parks are encouraging residents to get outdoors and meet the feathered locals. An impressively vast aviary of over 300 bird species has made Anoka County a premier destination for birders of all levels of experience. As spring migration brings an array of transient species through the area, the parks department is setting up a series of guided birding programs during May designed to educate participants on how to spot and identify these winged wayfarers.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, the Anoka County Parks website lists multiple bird walks taking place at various parks, including Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and Bunker Hills Regional Park. These walks are suitable for bird enthusiasts aged eight and up. Adding a bit of adventure, birding by boat will be available on May 14, starting from Wargo Nature Center. Participants will be able to paddle along the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes from 9 am to 12 pm, with the chance to spot avian life from the unique vantage point of the water.
In addition to birding activities, Anoka County is catering to the community with a selection of other nature-focused events. Young anglers can look forward to honing their fishing skills at the Kids Fishing Clinic on May 3 at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, an event open to children aged five and up and their adult companions at no charge. Wargo Nature Center will host an Eco-Art Series on the same day, guiding participants over the age of five to craft flower bookmarks for a small fee.
Keeping with the theme of fauna, "Once Upon a Story Time: Birds" will delight toddlers and young children on May 6 at the Wargo Nature Center, offering stories woven with avian antics. While for those who prefer flora, the "Lunch with a Naturalist" series on May 14 provides free educational insights into spring wildflowers, aimed at attendees 16 years and older.
Finally, the community can get their hands dirty for a good cause during the Wargo Restoration Project on May 17. Volunteers aged 12 and above are invited to assist with conservation efforts, contributing to the ongoing health of the nature center's ecosystem.
