As the weather warms and the threat of snow passes, the parks begin their annual transition period to summer operations.
Until all seasonal signage has been updated, pedestrians will be on the bicycle trails.
Seasonal trash and recycling receptacles are being distributed, and when the thawing ground allows, drinking fountains and outdoor restrooms will be made available for use.
Great Horned Owlets are poking their heads out of their nests, and the park naturalists ask that you please give them space to explore. Visit the
International Owl Center to learn more about how to respectfully observe owls, and please use binoculars instead of clustering under the trees the birds are in.
Thank you for your patience during this transition time.
The following is from The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota and pertains to one of the Great Horned Owl families that have been the joy of birders for several springs in the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park. It was heartbreaking for me to read of their deaths from this virus and I felt it was important to share this information with the community, because there is action we can take to help prevent the spread of this viral disease in our wild bird population. Its a longer read than I'd typical include here, but worthwhile.
On April 12th and 13th, The Raptor Center responded to reports of three great horned owl nest mates in distress from a nest in Lake Nokomis Park in Minneapolis. On admission to our triage hospital building, all three were suffering from extreme neurological signs and one suddenly died. Due to a high level of suffering, the remaining two youngsters were humanely euthanized and all three tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Today, not only did we receive notice that the young owl samples tested positive, but we also responded to calls about two deceased adult great horned owls in the same area, presumed to be the parents. We highly suspect that their samples will be positive too.
We are heartbroken at The Raptor Center to see the presumed loss of an entire great horned owl family due to HPAI and unfortunately this is not the first one we have responded to during this outbreak. Nearly every day we are admitting patients that come in suffering from the severe symptoms of HPAI.
Minnesota is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of HPAI in wild bird populations and unfortunately 90-100% of raptors who are infected will die from the disease. The Raptor Center is doing everything possible to continue to safely receive, triage, and treat birds in need during this difficult time and our team deeply appreciates all the help and the support from the community while we do so.
If you find a raptor in need please call us at 612-624-4745 or visit our website at
raptor.umn.edu.
Thoughts about bird feeders and highly pathogenic avian influenza, from The Raptor Center’s Executive Director and Veterinary Epidemiologist, Dr. Victoria Hall, DVM, MS, DACVPM
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The United States is unfortunately experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in our wild birds. It is important to remember that all bird species are potentially susceptible to HPAI- but how they show or do not show signs of illness and the role they play in carrying and spreading the disease will vary. This virus is shed in the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and is very hardy, with virus particles able to survive in the environment for weeks in cool, damp environments.
In wildlife, we know the most about how this virus works and presents in waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds- as these are the groups of birds who are most likely to carry and shed the virus without showing signs of illness.
We know some about how this virus impacts groups of birds like raptors, as these birds often get severely sick and rapidly die from the virus.
Unfortunately, we have a lot of gaps in knowledge about the role of songbirds in HPAI outbreaks. We have some data from previous outbreaks around the world, but this outbreak is very different. The 2022 outbreak is unique because of the very high levels of transmission of the currently circulating H5N1 virus strain in wildlife. With minimal viral surveillance being done with songbirds, it is hard to measure the risk of transmission from songbirds to other birds.
Every day at The Raptor Center, we are seeing the impact of HPAI- as we triage and test birds like bald eagles and great horned owls that are intensely suffering from fatal neurological illness due to HPAI. With these infected birds, humane euthanasia is the only tool we have left to help them. We also know that this strain and outbreak is causing severe illness in other species like geese, ducks, blue jays, and crows.
During these unprecedented times, we recommend doing anything that we can to try and help our wild bird populations. Because the science is unclear on the role of songbirds in this current H5N1 outbreak, one consideration is to not encourage birds to gather together at places such as bird feeders or bird baths. These are places where things like viruses could easily be exchanged between individuals.
In areas with HPAI transmission in any avian species, consider pausing the use of bird feeders and baths for the next couple of months until the rate of virus transmission in wild birds dramatically decreases. Not only will this action help to protect those beautiful feathered creatures that visit your yard, but will also help all wild bird species that are already having it hard this spring because of HPAI. We have it in our power to take a short term action so we are not accidentally assisting in the virus’ spread. This outbreak won’t last forever and I, for one, am greatly looking forward to when I can safely hang my bird feeders back up!
-Dr. Victoria Hall
Work in the Parks!
Work for the parks! We have a lot of fun, interesting and meaningful job opportunities open right now. We're hiring! Whether you want to gain experience at your first job, or grow your skill set for a future career, Minneapolis parks has something for you. Full-time, part-time and temporary jobs are available across a huge range of interests:
Environmental education
Canoe and bike instruction
Recreation programs and inclusion
Events
Trades
And much more!
Go to
minneapolisparks.org/jobs to view all openings and apply.
The Friends of Diamond Lake Annual Frog survey is underway!
Why the survey? The presence of toads and frogs in and around the lake helps us to evaluate the health of the Diamond Lake eco-system.
This is a unique local opportunity to become a citizen scientist. We want to extend a special invitation to families who are looking for a fun and educational STEM learning activity.
All you need to participate is familiarity with our online training tools, good hearing and a willingness to record your findings in our user friendly database.
We have provided a short video that gives all the direction you will need to participate in our 2022 survey.
CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO.
As you will see, the video encourages you to use your smart phone to enter survey information. You will find the survey
HERE. The app provides audio recordings of the most common frog calls and a database that allows you to enter your findings.
In recent years our surveys have revealed a couple of unusual events. For the first time, we heard Green Frogs. We are curious to see if they appear again this year and answer the question: Are they new residents or just lost lonesome stragglers?
The second unusual thing was the detection of toad activity in August. We have never heard toads calling that late in the year before, so we are wondering if this will be an on-going trend or if it was just an outlier occurrence.
It’s easy and rewarding to become a citizen scientist – and it helps to keep Diamond Lake, our valued neighborhood resource, vital and healthy. So as you are strolling around the lake this spring, listen for amphibians – and let FoDL know what you do (or don't) hear.
For additional information or questions be sure to check out
The Friends of Diamond Lake
website.
