Meet Mary Dueren

Mary Dueren is the Beginner Bird Walk Coordinator for St Louis Audubon Society. She is a retired clinical lab scientist and a veteran birdwatcher with more than 30 years of experience (not to mention a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world!)

“Why should someone join us for a Beginner Bird Walk? There are many reasons!

1. There are expert guides from St. Louis Audubon leading each walk who will teach you about the birds who live here and others that migrate through our region.

2. We walk a leisurely pace on a paved trail (you don’t need a machete to cut through underbrush!)

3. You will have a decent pair of binoculars to view the birds.

4. You will be a part of a group that is coming together around a shared interest.

5. It is an easy way to get close to nature and a relaxing way to spend two hours outside.

6. You will have a good time!

One of my favorite beginner bird walks was along the Fee Fee Greenway. We saw some Great Horned Owls up in a tree; they were perched on some branches facing the sun. It was late in the day, most likely getting ready for their dusk hunt. Our group was so excited to see them, they couldn’t believe these owls were in front of them. It felt like a mini party right there on the greenway!”

We have more Beginner Bird Walks planned for Fall 2023- find them here.