January Nature Notes
It’s hard to watch our beloved birds head south in the fall and see the color fade from our landscapes. Fortunately, we are blessed with the arrival of many boreal bird species that come down from the north in search of food. Roughly 100 bird species winter in Minnesota, and about 35 of these are common backyard birds. A few well-stocked feeders are generally all that is needed to draw in these beautiful and resilient birds. Some of the species to watch for include pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks, common redpolls, hoary redpolls, purple finches, and pine siskins. Learn what steps you can take to help and attract these birds during the winter months at the Minnesota DNR's Winter Birding Feeding Tips.
One of the best spots to view boreal birds is the Sax Zim Bog. In fact, the Sax Zim Bog is considered a world-class birding destination. This birding haven is about an hour's drive northwest of Duluth, and their welcome center is open from mid-December through mid-March. The Sax Zim Bog is also one of the top spots to view owls in the winter, including great gray, boreal, snowy and northern hawk owls. Anyone planning to visit and take pictures will want to first read the Audubon’s article Want to Photograph Boreal Birds This Winter? Head to Minnesota's Sax-Zim Bog.
Did You Know?
Project FeederWatch is in its 30th year, and participants have added a great deal to what scientists now know about a variety of birds. You can add to this base of knowledge by joining Project FeederWatch and monitoring the visitors to your feeders. Sign up today and you’ll receive a coupon good at participating Wild Birds Unlimited stores
Upcoming Birding Events
Jan. 14, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call In Wild Owls
Learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. Following the indoor portion of the program, participants will carpool to known owl territories to call for eastern screech owls, barred owls, and great horned owls. International Owl Center. Reservations required. 507-896-6957
Jan. 17, Hastings
Owl Prowl at Carpenter Nature Center
Many of the Midwest’s 12 owl species vocalize this time of year to attract mates. Enjoy a guided night hike to look and listen for these owls. If there is enough snow cover, snowshoes will be provided or you may bring your own. Please call ahead if planning to attend. 651-437-4359
Jan. 21, Afton
Bird Walk at Afton State Park
Spend a morning with a park naturalist on a two mile bird hike through prairie and floodplain forests. A limited number of binoculars and field guides are available for use. Meet at the visitor center. Be sure to stick around for Learning to Snowshoe offered 1-2:30 in the afternoon. Afton State Park. 651-231-6968
Jan. 27, Hastings
Public Bird Banding at Carpenter Nature Center
Join expert bird banders as they catch, band and release birds. Banding runs continuously and visitors may come and go at any time. Birdseed or suet are welcome in lieu of a program fee. 651-437-4359
Jan. 28, Wabasha
Eagle Viewing Field Trips
Take part in a brief classroom program, followed by a tour via coach bus to prime bald eagle viewing locations. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras if desired. Little walking is required – simply step off the bus for a great view! National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Jan. 29, Fridley
Boreal Wings Gala
Help protect the Sax Zim Bog for future generations by attending the 2017 Boreal Wings Gala! Enjoy a presentation by Big Year Birder, Olaf Danielson, as well as appetizers and a silent auction in the company of fellow birders. Arrive early to hike, ski or snowshoe the nature center’s many trails, and check out the new building and interactive exhibits. Springbrook Nature Center. 218-341-3350
Feb. 4, Hastings
Bird Hike at Carpenter Nature Center
Learn to identify birds with local experts. Binoculars and field guides will be available to use or you may bring your own. Please call ahead if planning to attend. 651-437-4359
Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings
A curve-billed thrasher was observed by numerous birders on Jan. 8 in Itasca County. The species is considered "accidental" in Minnesota, with five or fewer records in Itasca County for the winter season.
On Jan. 10, a brown creeper was found by David Brislance in Lutsen. These birds are considered "occasional" in Cook County in the winter season.
Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for other recent bird sightings.
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