This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update -- happy birding!

July phenology notes

July is an excellent time to walk or canoe along a shoreline to view great blue herons, Eastern phoebes, hooded mergansers, and kingfishers.

This is also a great time to view flocks of American white pelicans. Some of the best areas to view these birds are along the Minnesota River at the Minnesota River dam in Granite Falls, the spillway on Marsh Lake near Appleton, and the dam near Watson. Pelicans may be clumsy on land, but they are graceful in flight and lots of fun to watch as they scoop for fish.

Cool tool

A new video series called Inside Birding has been developed to help novice birders learn about bird identification by recognizing birds by their size, shape, color pattern, behavior and habitat.

Ways to help our feathered friends

The St. Paul Audubon Society has pulled together a list of tips on how we can help birds stay alive and thrive. Check out 8 Ways to Help Birds and learn tips such as how to help birds "see" your windows better, and how to create a mini wildlife refuge in your own backyard!

Upcoming birding events

Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely will offer Birding at Bear Head on July 18 & 25, with guided walks to listen and look for a variety of bird species.

Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul will present Birding for Beginners on July 19. Join the naturalist on a birding hike and learn the basic techniques of bird identification.

Check out the Bird Banding Demonstration at Whitewater State Park, located east of Rochester, on July 19 when participants will have an opportunity to handle and release birds.

And birders will want to begin planning for the very popular Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah held August 15 in the town of Henderson. This event celebrates the ruby-throated hummingbird with banding demonstrations, tours, speakers, children's activities, and a Hummingbird Mall!

Unusual bird sightings

A tropical kingbird was last seen July 9 at Murphy-Hanrahan Park Reserve in Savage, located just south of Minneapolis. View this bird and other unusual recent sightings at the Recently Seen Rare Birds page on the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union website.

This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update. Happy birding!

June phenology notes

By mid-June, recently hatched trumpeter swans, also called cygnets, can be seen in their nesting areas in central and northern Minnesota marshes. June is an excellent time for a paddle through shallow prairie marshes where waterfowl and waterbirds are abundant. This is a great way to view up close a variety of grebes, coots, ducks, geese and swans, along with their newly hatched chicks -- what a perfect opportunity to introduce a child to birding! To locate a park with canoe or kayak rental near you, check the DNR ParkFinder site.

Did you know?

There are 315 regularly occurring bird species in Minnesota, and nearly all of them have been recorded in state parks. Most state parks have birding kits which include binoculars, guide books and a list of birds for each park, and these kits can be checked out for free! A new Birds of Minnesota State Parks book is now available. This is a great addition to any birder's library. On June 27, meet Bob Janssen, bird expert and author of Birds of Minnesota State Parks, when he speaks at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. There will be a Q & A session following his presentation, along with a chance to get an autographed copy of his book.

Tools for birders

A great tool for birders is the amazing Merlin Bird Photo ID offered by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Visipedia. Just upload a photo, click on the bird’s bill, eye, and tail, and let the computer do the rest -- it's accuracy is astounding! And, the more people use it, the better it is at identifying birds.

Fun birding events

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will host Bald Eagle Days: Celebrating the Road to Recovery from June 24-27. This event kicks off June 24 & 25 with Fishing for Eagles, when kids can fish for free using the center's fishing equipment and bait. Afterwards, bring your catch to feed the eagles! On June 26 & 27, the celebration continues with special programs, activities, and information on other species that need our help such as whooping cranes and native bees.

The 3rd Annual Bog BioBlitz will be held June 27 at Sax Zim Bog to celebrate the biodiversity of the Bog. Birding field trips will begin the day, followed by a variety of field trips led by experts in areas such as butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers, fishes, and more. Bring your lunch, boots and bug spray and spend the day.

Recent spring migrant reports

According to the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes RBA post by Jeanie Joppru there were western grebes and eared grebes at the East Grand Forks water treatment plant in Polk County just late last week. Horned grebes were seen at the Thief River Falls water treatment plant in Pennington County. These ponds are a popular stop on the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail.

This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update. Happy birding!

Early to mid- May is the best time to view a wide array of warblers in full breeding plumage. Watch for stunning birds such as indigo bunting, scarlet tanager, and rose-breasted grosbeak. Towards the end of May, check Minnesota's prairies for marbled godwits, bobolinks, dickcissels, and sandpipers.

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are excellent sites to consider when planning an outing, and Minnesota is home to 57 IBAs. According to Audubon Minnesota, "Important Bird Areas provide essential habitat for one or more breeding, wintering, and/or migrating bird species." Check out Minnesota Important Bird Areas on the Audubon Minnesota site where you will find an interactive map and a downloadable map of Minnesota's IBAs. There is also a list of these sites along with descriptions of terrain, a list of birds associated with each site, and a nomination form which includes a detailed map and directions.

Also consider birding in Minnesota State Parks. The state parks are essential in preserving a variety and diversity of habitats that birds need to thrive. Check out the Department of Natural Resources website for:

• Park-specific bird checklists
• Parks with free loaner birding kits
• More birding resources

Did you know?

According to Audubon Minnesota, hummingbird nectar does not need food coloring since the color of the feeder itself will attract the hummingbirds. Audubon Minnesota offers a page of Frequently Asked Bird Questions which covers topics such as this. Additional topics covered include "What do I do if I see a young bird on the ground?" and "What do I do if I find an injured bird?"

Fun birding events to check out

The 7th Annual Bird Bonanza Weekend will be held May 22-24 at St. Croix State Park, located east of Hinckley on State Highway 48. This event is designed for birders of all ages and experience levels, and provides birders a chance to participate in a birding marathon, get close to birds at a banding demonstration, submit images for a photo contest, and take part in a variety of other activities and presentations.

Novice and experienced birders will enjoy the Urban Birding Festival of the Twin Cities held at a variety of locations throughout the Twin Cities, June 5-7. Enjoy guided bird tours, presentations, programs and art activities with fellow birders.

A Birding Bonanza Weekend will be offered at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, June 6-8. Highlights include field trips led by seasoned guides, engaging on-site workshops, bird banding sessions, a live raptor presentation, renowned keynote speakers, delicious homemade meals and comfortable accommodations. All-inclusive and commuter options are available.

And be sure to check out the many birding events listed on the Birding in Minnesota State Parks web page.

Recent spring migrant reports

According to Anthony Hertzel, statewide birding report compiler for the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, last week's warm temperatures brought more migrants into the state. Check out the variety of returning birds currently being observed at the MOU's Statewide Birding Report.

This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update. Happy birding!

Spring migration is in full swing!

A wide array of spring migrants are being reported, yet some species, such as the great horned owl, are already nesting and raising their young!

Mid- to late April, check out shallow wetlands and mudflats throughout the state to view abundant migrating shorebirds, including yellowlegs, willets, dunlins and other sandpipers. One area that generally offers great views of these birds is the Cannon River Wilderness Area. This park is a hot spot in the spring for various shorebirds, as well as many other spring migrants. It is also very picturesque, surrounded by rolling hills, bluffs, woods, and a picturesque gorge with soaring limestone cliffs.

Also consider a visit to an observation blind this month so you can experience the crazy antics of the male sharp-tailed grouse as they attempt to attract a mate. This is truly one of nature's most spectacular events. Lake Bronson State Park in the far northwest corner of the state offers reservations for Sharp-tailed Grouse Blind Viewing from early April through mid-May.

Locate and identify spring migrants

The Minnesota DNR offers a number of sites to help birders locate and identify the many bird species returning for the summer. Resources offered include a Nature, Wildlife Viewing & Birding web page to help you locate a nearby birding location, as well as a web page to help you Identify Birds You See and Hear.

Easy Tool for Comparing Birds

Do you ever get baffled by which bird you recently saw? Use Bird Comparison, a quick and easy tool, to help identify your bird. For instance, a birder might use this tool to understand the difference between purple finches and house finches. 

Calendar of Fun Spring Events

Join a Fort Snelling State Park naturalist for Birds, Books, and Binoculars on Sunday, April 19, for a birding hike following instruction on how to use a field guide and binoculars. Equipment will be provided; registration required. Check out all of the fun birding events at Minnesota State Parks!

Birders flock to Lac qui Parle and Salt Lake during the Salt Lake Birding Weekend. Held Saturday, April 25, this 40th annual event offers guided bird tours around Salt Lake, Big Stone Refuge and the lakes, wetlands and native prairies of Lac qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. Last year, birders located 16 species of shorebirds, including common goldeneye and American black duck. There were also snowy and cattle egrets, and white-faced ibis. Read more about Lac qui Parle and Salt Lake in the article Birders Flock to Lac qui Parle and Salt Lake.

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will host Hatch Day on April 22 and 25. On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, visitors will enjoy free cupcakes, eagle enrichment activities and programs, and receive white pine seedlings which eagles prefer for their nesting tree. And on Saturday, April 25, take home a white pine seedling, and check out many additional eagle enrichment activities and presentations. Complete details.

Flora and fauna abound at the Nerstrand Big Woods Birds and Blooms event at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park on Saturday, May 2. Enjoy a leisurely walk through this remnant of the big woods to view ephemeral springtime flowers and migrating birds. Later, have a picnic lunch surrounded by bluebirds and red-headed woodpeckers. Participants should bring cameras and/or field guides if available.

Recent spring migrant reports

According to recent birding reports, there is an abundance of migrants currently being observed. Check the Duluth/North Shore RBA post by Jim Lind, and the  Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes RBA post by Jeanie Joppru for the most recent list of birds.

Welcome to the Explore Minnesota Birding Update.

Spring migration has begun!

Longer periods of daylight and warmer temperatures make March a wonderful time to head outdoors in search of early returning migrants. In addition to changes in daylight and temperature, migration can be spurred on by changes in food supply and genetic predisposition. Listen for sandhill cranes in large wetlands. Watch for Canada geese, bald eagles, especially in open water areas. The first eastern bluebirds, wood ducks and American kestrels are also returning and in need of a nesting box.

Check out the All About Birds Nest Box web page and learn how to build your very own nest box and where to place it. Then, consider joining NestWatch and help measure the success of nesting birds.

Fun spring events

Head to the National Eagle Center to meet wild birds, and enjoy wildlife programs and presentations each weekend during SOAR with the Eagles. On the weekend of March 21-22, the featured program will be Wings to SOAR. The weekend of March 28-29 features the Wings of Wonder Flying Bird Show, along with various activities for children.

The city of Marshall will be home base for the Lyon & Lincoln Counties/Minnesota River Valley MBW Weekend held the weekend of April 4-5. The upper Minnesota River is a migration corridor which remains largely unknown as a significant birding area of the state. Expect to see a wide array of ducks and other water birds in the wetlands along the river. Participants need to be a member of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union. To learn more, contact Kim Eckert at eckertkr@gmail.com

Celebrate the arrival of spring and learn about our many bird species during the 2nd Annual Hastings Area Birding Day. Held at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center on April 18, this festival will feature an “Introduction to Birding” class, “Raptors 101,” bird banding demonstrations and guided bird trips in the Hastings area.

Recent spring migrant reports

According to a recent statewide birding report by Anthony Hertzel of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, many spring migrants have arrived. Some of the species include trumpeter swan, greater white-fronted goose, wood duck, turkey vulture, killdeer, yellow-bellied sapsucker, eastern bluebird, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, and common grackle. And some of the more significant sightings include Townsend's solitaire, black-backed woodpecker, and Le Conte's Sparrow.

Don't miss significant sightings

If you are looking for the most current information on bird sightings be sure to check out the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Birding Report, the Duluth/North Shore Birding Report, and the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Statewide Birding Report. These reports are written by experienced and knowledgeable birders, with updates most Thursdays throughout the year. Also consider joining the Minnesota Birding Network and have the most recent sightings sent directly to your inbox.

Welcome to the second edition of the new Explore Minnesota Birding Update, geared toward encouraging birding throughout the state, and developing new bird enthusiasts.

Winter Birding is a Special Treat

According to Jeannie Joppru, the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) Northwest Minnesota bird report compiler, there has been a winter irruption (a dramatic increase in population) of snowy owls, with an unusual number of individuals being seen in the far southern sections of Minnesota. Snowy owls continue to be seen in great numbers but soon will be moving north for the breeding season. This year, there have been a larger number of adult owls, as opposed to mostly immature snowy owls in previous years. A great article has been written about the snowy owl irruption in Minnesota and throughout the country -- see After the Snowstorm on the National Wildlife Federation's website.

Bob Dunlap, who serves on the MOU Records Committee and writes a phenology column for Minnesota Birding, adds that common redpolls irrupt in Minnesota due to a lack of spruce and birch seeds in areas to the north. Bob notes that over the past month the redpolls have been seen in larger numbers around the Twin Cities, as well as parts farther south. Look closely for hoary redpolls, which are lighter in color and have a "frosty" appearance. Occasional irruptions of crossbills, grossbeaks and finches also occur during Minnesota winters. 

The Traveler's Guide to Wildlife, written by Carrol Henderson, encourages birders to head out in February to see a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey in Minnesota's open water areas. Bald eagle populations have rebounded and these birds have become a common site along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. Also look closely for golden eagles, which are making a wonderful comeback.

Learning is Fun at Minnesota's Nature Centers

From Feb. 28 through Mar. 1, attend Masters of the Sky at Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings. Visitors will learn about the fascinating world of raptors, meet seven of the World Bird Sanctuary’s traveling avian ambassadors, and discover why owls hunt at night, why the barn owl is sometimes called the ghost owl, and how falcons attain such astounding speeds. Have fun at this amazing event then take in all that Hastings has to offer, and be sure check out the great lodging options available.

Locate Your Dream Bird

Is there a specific type of bird you've wanted to locate? A useful tool is the Wildlife Viewing Areas web site developed by Watchable Wildlife, Inc. Just choose the state of Minnesota under Find A Viewing Area, search for a type of bird (or animal), and the top Minnesota viewing areas will pop up!

Happy Birding!

Common redpoll in Cook County; photo by David Brislance

Hello fellow and future birders!

In an effort to connect with avid birders while attracting new enthusiasts, the Explore Minnesota Birding Update has taken on a new look and feel. In this “fledgling” edition, we offer some useful birding phenology (natural occurrences influenced by seasonal variations), interesting sightings, important observations, and fun birding activities and events.

We will send out future updates on a monthly basis.

Please share this update with anyone you know that may be open to discovering the wonders of birding and help us encourage a new “flock” of birders!

Happy birding!

According to Jim Lind, this has been a good winter for viewing "winter finches" such as common and hoary redpolls, pine siskins, evening grosbeaks, pine grosbeaks and purple finches. Bird feeders are always good places to check, but large flocks of redpolls can be found almost anywhere there are stands of birch and/or alders.

A variety of waterfowl and birds of prey can still be seen congregating in open water areas, including geese, swans, ducks and eagles. Watch carefully for the more unusual birds such as common goldeneyes, American mergansers and American black ducks. And of course, eagles are always a thrill to see!

Watch the progress here!

Fun Facts

According to Sparky Stensaas, this year's Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) demonstrated that there are record numbers of pine siskins and common redpolls, with very high numbers of purple finches this winter! Read up on the 2014 Sax Zim CBC Summary.

Fun Events for Birders of All Levels

See bald and golden eagles in the wild! The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will be the site of an Eagle Viewing Field Trip on Saturday, Jan. 24. The field trip begins with a brief classroom program, followed by a tour with an expert naturalist via coach bus. The day concludes with light refreshments and time to share pictures and stories. Field trips are also offered Feb. 7, Feb. 28, & Apr. 18.

Rochester's annual WinterFest celebration promotes wintertime activities for all ages, with a multitude of festivities including the Festival of Birds at the Quarry Hill Nature Center on Sunday, Feb. 8. Participants will help set traps to catch birds, and hold them for up-close observation and bird banding. Later, meet the center's very own resident birds, and make a bird feeder to provide bird watching opportunities throughout the winter at home! 507-328-3950

Snowy day cardinal; photo by Colleen Schueler