The 2026 Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Paper Session focuses on citizen science and the important role that birders, volunteers, and community members play in advancing bird research and conservation.
Presentations will cover citizen science initiatives, long-term monitoring programs, emerging technologies, and collaborative research projects that help scientists track bird populations, study their behavior and habitats, and address conservation challenges.
The keynote speaker is Matt Young, President and Founder of the Finch Research Network (FiRN), who will participate remotely via Zoom and present:
From Finches to FiRN, the Crossbill Project and the Evening Grosbeak Road to Recovery Project.
Other presentations include:
- Monitoring and Tracking Kestrels from the Arden Hills Army Training Site – An 11-year Summary.
- Red-headed Woodpecker Research and Conservation.
- Audubon National Christmas Bird Count.
- Where Migrants Pause: Mapping Stopover Sites to Inform Avian Conservation in Minnesota.
A dedicated citizen science monitoring panel will feature:
- Sounds of Nature Bioacoustics Research.
- Red-headed Woodpecker Research and Conservation.
- Bluebird Program of Minnesota.
- Chimney Swift Monitoring Program.
- Twin Cities Osprey Watch.
The event also includes a book sale, silent auction, vendors, informational tables, networking, and opportunities to connect with researchers and conservationists.