Opening eyes to the sky

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu

Lisa Keitel enthusiastically enjoys Minnesota’s diverse natural landscapes, ranging from urban to rural, including the Twin Cities’ bird sanctuary. “We are so privileged to live in Minnesota, with our flyway — and so many states only have one biome!”

Minnesota Master Naturalist Lisa Keitel welcomes communities to birding.

“Wow, that’s beautiful.” The fifth-grader’s breathless words hung in the air as he gazed through binoculars at a bald eagle, his first-ever sighting.

It’s one of many moments of quiet awe that Lisa Keitel, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, values. From hosting riverboat tours with elementary school students to leading accessible bird walks with neurodivergent adults, Keitel dedicates hours to introducing people from many walks of life to the avian world.

Finding her flock

Born into a family of scientists, Keitel’s journey in the birding world began as a preteen, tagging along with her cousin Peter during bird banding sessions. She admits to being a “secret birder” in high school, spending Saturday mornings along the Rock River watching birds while friends slept in.

After careers in customer service and retail, she found her way back to her passion for the outdoors through the Minnesota Master Naturalist classes.

“I feel like I’ve found my way back to what I was meant to do all along,” says Keitel. “The Master Naturalist program gave me the confidence and validation that my volunteer work is worthwhile.”

Creating access for all

“Birding should be accessible to everyone in whatever way fits their life best.” Keitel puts this belief into action through specialized programs designed for communities that can benefit greatly from connecting with birds.

For neurodivergent young adults at Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC), her bird club offers a safe entry into the sometimes-overwhelming outdoors.

She says, “My intent was purely to get people outside, which can sometimes seem daunting. I was surprised that some folks were already deeply interested in birds. They’re key participants on the walks, excellent at spotting birds and identifying them for our group.”

These experiences create lasting connections to nature, such as the memorable moment when a participant described the northern shrike, also known as a butcherbird, as having “a real dark side” after witnessing one save its kill for later. 

Healing through nature

At Gilda’s Club Minnesota, cancer survivors find respite through birding. 

Keitel secured funding from the Minnesota Ornithologists Union for a feeder station. Members can watch birds from the comfort of indoors during winter months and venture outside when weather permits.

“Birding was a significant part of my own recovery from breast cancer treatment,” she shares. “My primary motivation is that I feel so fortunate to be alive to do this work.”

Nurturing young birders

As a guide for MYBirdClub, she introduces youth to birding with “patience and endless flexibility,” allowing children’s natural curiosity to lead the way. 

“The kids get to be with other kids, sharing their love of birds,” says Keitel. “They hardly need to be introduced to each other before they head off in a group up the trail. Although I love birding with adults, it’s the most fun to go birding with this group.” 

Through binoculars she’s placed in countless hands, Keitel creates accessible entry points to nature for those who face unique barriers, creating a space where anyone can more deeply tune in to the sights and sounds of their wild neighbors.

Lisa Keitel scoped out this Eastern screech owl resting high in a tree.

How Lisa Keitel spots more birds 

• Search for movement: When looking at a landscape, gaze calmly at the entire environment and watch for movement, rather than focusing on specific details. The movement will often lead you to a bird.
• Look for baby birds: If you see an adult bird, look for young birds nearby. They’ll flap their wings and beg for food, even if they are standing on a bird feeder full of seed!
• Listen up: When you’re in nature, take out your earbuds and listen. You’ll hear birds, frogs and insects. How many songs do you hear? You don’t need to know their names to appreciate it, or to look for the source of the sound.