A rafting trip on the Mississippi River is planned for birdwatchers. Family-friendly rafts will leave from the Coon Rapids dam in Brooklyn Center on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. The trip will end about 4 p.m. at the Camden Bridge in Minneapolis. Target birds will be herons, orioles, and Osprey. Participants will explore islands to look for birds that use the river corridor as a migration route. Early fall migrants will be on the move.. Shuttle transportation back to the dam will be provided, along with snacks and beverages. Participants should bring binoculars, water bottles, and lunch. Wear shoes that can get wet. No rafting/paddling experience is necessary. Details on the trilp can be found at

http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/M/mississippi-river-rafting--birding-along-the-river.aspx

This female Baltimore Oriole was photographed at her nest.