Bet Shalom Birders

By Brian Shapiro and Rita Sandstrom

Are you interested in wild birds?  Quietly watching, photographing, and studying them, or simply enjoying nature? Then join our small group! The Bet Shalom Birding Group is for members interested in informal, social birding walks and other related activities. Prior birding experience is not required, and all ages (including kids who are interested in birds) are welcome. Our shared interest in birds provides opportunities to meet, socialize, and bond with other congregants.

The group currently has 21 members, from beginners to advanced birders. Among the more advanced birders, Rita has volunteered for 37 years with the Three Rivers Park District at Carver Park Reserve as a bird banding assistant; Jim Brickwedde and Laurie Levin have observed birds in different habitats throughout the United States; and Rob and Kay Kieval have traveled widely to observe birds in different countries. The more experienced birders freely share their expertise about where to find different bird species and how to identify them. Even they get animated at times; Lisa Vertelney was thrilled to spot her first female American Redstart singing in the branches of a nearby tree at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, and everyone felt her excitement. And our less experienced birders provide everyone with fresh energy.

Of course we look and listen for birds, but we also observe wildflowers, non-avian animals and the habitats where the creatures live during the different seasons. While Russ Sandstrom, Brian Shapiro, and Sam Stern are avid nature photographers, others are content to use their ears, binoculars, and scopes. And everyone gets some exercise on the walks.

The group has sparked some new friendships among the members. For example, soon after the group was formed, Russ and Brian hit it off and have enjoyed going on multiple field trips in Hennepin and Wright County to observe and photograph birds, butterflies, and dragonflies.  

Rita Sandstrom and Eric Bressler got the ball rolling in early March to form the birding group by asking six avid birders they knew in the congregation to a planning meeting at Rita’s home. Brian and Rita volunteered to co-chair the group. From May through August we've held five birding socials, with 6-11 attendees per event; so far 16 members have participated in at least one event. Sam Stern set up a Web site to view images from past birding events at https://photoesq.smugmug.com/Nature/Bet-Shalom-Birding-Group/

If you would like to find out more about the birding group and its upcoming activities,  email us at birding@betshalom.org.

Photo Credit: Brian Shapiro

Molly Bryant