Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds

The 28th annual Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds will be held May 15-17, 2025.

The Detroit Lakes area is located in a unique convergence of three biomes – tall grass prairie, hardwood and conifer forests – sprinkled with wetlands and lakes that provide habitat for more than 275 species of spring migrating birds. Friday and Saturday mornings birders head out by coach bus to sites with experienced leaders and a naturalist to see birds and learn about conservation initiatives.

Thursday kicks off the festival with a fun social of Bird Trivia. On Friday evening, Carrol Henderson’s special presentation is based on his new book, A Minnesota Treasure: Fifty Years in Nongame Wildlife Conservation, 1974-2024. The book, written by Henderson, is a 50-year story of the history and evolution of nongame wildlife conservation for Minnesota. It includes 200 color photos of wildlife conservation projects. The presentation is at M State College, Detroit Lakes. Saturday evening’s presentation at M State College in Detroit Lakes is by award winning science writer, Rebecca Heisman. She bases her presentation on her book, Wild Stories from the History of Bird Migration Research to unveil the varied and creative techniques scientists have used to study bird migration. Exhibitors and a silent auction are open to all on Saturday afternoon at M State College.

Grab your optics and let’s go birding!