Great blue herons start returning to their rookery on the Mississippi River toward the end of March. Join Park Ranger Sharon at Marshall Terrace Park in Minneapolis to watch them rebuild nests and do a little flirting. If we are lucky, we might see the resident peregrine falcons fly over, as well as migrating ducks like buffleheads and goldeneye.

• We will be down on the banks of the Mississippi River, weather permitting. Prepare for some mud or ice.

• We encourage bringing binoculars and cameras. Ranger Sharon will have her spotting scope to aid viewing the birds.

• This event is free and open to everyone but registration is required to help with crowd control.

• A ranger and volunteers will greet you on the walking path near the path that leads to the river bank.

• The walking path is fully accessible, but the path that leads down to the river bank is not. The heron rookery is still visible from the walking path. Please ask a park ranger or volunteer for assistance.

• There is a small free parking lot at the park, as well as free parking on Marshall St NE.

COVID-19 Safety Protocol

• Please wear a mask and practice social distancing from others and the park rangers / volunteers.

• If you are not feeling well or have recently come into contact with COVID-19, please stay home.

• Ranger Sharon will be sanitizing the spotting scope between each use.

• The time slots will minimize overcrowding. Please adhere to your selected time.

• This event will take place entirely outdoors.