Birding on Barker’s Island
photo: Everyone Can Bird participants look at a bird across the bay on Barker’s Island (credit: Luciana Ranelli)
The Lake Superior Reserve was home to the second Everyone Can Bird event of the 2026 series. As the event was titled “Graduation to Migration”, attendees were able to learn about how birds are preparing to make the long journey this fall as well as learn more about some of the birds in our neighborhoods and natural spaces.
Beginning at the Lake Superior Estuarium, attendees were able to introduce themselves to each other and talk about what they were excited to learn as part of the event. Though these events are centered around the birds, building community with one another is an important aspect to hosting these events.
Then, participants were led on a bird walk along the shores of Barker’s Island. Led by Pat Collins and Margie Menzies, these bird walks are perfect for amateur and expert birders alike. The boardwalk along the bayside provided folks with the opportunity to see different kinds of songbirds as well as species often found along the water. Some highlights included a Great Blue Heron that was spotted along with three Belted Kingfishers looking for some food in the estuary.
photo: Everyone Can Bird participants discuss what they learned at the event. (credit: Luciana Ranelli)
Overall, 15 community members joined the event organizers on Barker’s Island. As a highly collaborative event series, hosts include the Lake Superior Reserve, FOLSR, WI Sea Grant, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, the City of Superior, LiveWell, and IndiGo. Every event with Everyone Can Bird includes ASL interpretation at the event, an all-terrain track chair for use, transportation to and from locations in Superior and Duluth (if applicable based on location), and binoculars and spotting scopes to use free of charge.
If you missed the first two Everyone Can Bird events, no need to worry. The last Everyone Can Bird event of the series will be hosted on Saturday, October 17 at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory from 9:45-11:45am. Attendees will learn about migratory birds and hopefully get to see some raptors flying over the ridge.
Click here to register for the October event.
Article by Callie Grones
Cover photo: Everyone Can Bird participants look at a bird across the bay on Barker’s Island (credit: Luciana Ranelli)