In June, storms hit Minneapolis very hard. On my way, I managed to flag down a Minneapolis Park and Recreation truck. I am fluent in bird. I can tell what bird territory boundaries are in my neighborhood or when an American Robin has spotted a bird eating hawk and when House Sparrows are agitated by Blue Jays are raiding their nests. I can even tell when a bird needs serious help. Some friends had come by to help me lift my window unit air conditioner into my window. MORE

Compassionate Action for Animals in Minneapolis, MN is now hiring! Compassionate Action for Animals is a nationally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Minneapolis, MN focused on eliminating cruelty to animals through vegetarian outreach, education, and community building. Now might be your chance! MORE

From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.I DeMuth and Carrie Feldman, another activist from Minneapolis have been jailed since Tuesday for refusing to answer questions before the federal grand jury in Davenport. don't see any mention in this article (or in this one from the Chicago Tribune ) about threats to human life in this incident. Straight vandalism and economic loss. Is this a valid prosecution? Is it terrorism? MORE

The other day, Minneapolis, Minnesota passed a feral cat ordinance. Let’s start with Minneapolis, because that is what sparked my interest. From the Star Tribune : Feral cats win a round at Minneapolis City Hall. … The ordinance would allow Minneapolis residents to establish cat “colonies” where abandoned and wild cats can be fed but also vaccinated, neutered and identified in an effort to humanely cut their population and control disease. MORE

Birdchick has the sad tale of the destruction of a Minneapolis heronry. Though we obviously recognize that extreme weather causes death and destruction to humans we shouldn’t overlook the damage that it can do to wildlife as well. Asides MORE

Blade & Sheath is the first beer by Burial I’ve reviewed for 10,000 Birds, but it’s not likely to be the last: their can-only offerings often feature birds thanks to the garish designs of their exclusive house artist, David Paul Seymour of Minneapolis. MORE

We have a large crow roost in downtown Minneapolis it takes forever for them to finally settle into sleep. Have you ever gone to look for a American Crow roost in the United States? In winter, crows gather by the thousands for form large roosts and sleep in the winter time. Some will travel as far as 20 miles during the day to forage, but return in late afternoon. It seems that more and more, American Crows are choosing to roost in urban areas. MORE

Even in a city the size of Minneapolis, it’s been difficult. What I hadn’t prepared myself for was that I might run into the same problems in Minneapolis. Filed under: Animal Rights , Veganism Tagged: Minneapolis wedding , Minnesota , planning a wedding , vegan food , vegan wedding , Veganism. Animal Rights Veganism Minneapolis wedding Minnesota planning a wedding vegan food vegan wedding MORE

If you might wish to thank Utne for helping inform about the land-grant-university (LGU) meat problem and ask them to do more on it, send a brief note to editor@utne.com or Editors, Utne Reader, 12 North 12th Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55403 -- or ring them up at 612-338-5040 (editors actually answer the phone, but don't take advantage!). MORE

Others may be perfect for a free morning on a business trip to Boston, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, or Las Vegas. There are more than 550 national wildlife refuges in the United States, with at least one in every state and one within an hour drive of almost every major American city. Many were specifically established for migratory birds and are strategically positioned along one of the four major North American migration flyways. MORE

qn Archaeopteryx-like theropod from China Runner-up: The Bald Eagle that swooped around over the Big Gay Race in Minneapolis in October, which I didn’t get a picture of. 2011 is about to become 2012 and birders the world over are taking a look at their year lists and reminiscing about the awesome sightings and devastating dips that they have experienced. MORE