July Nature Notes
This glorious time of year is enhanced by the call of loons on Minnesota lakes, and the sights and sounds of the wide array of bird species and their fledglings. Birders will also want to keep an eye out for the many great blue heron, great egret and double-crested cormorant rookeries in Minnesota's floodplain forests. A canoe trip along lake and river shorelines can offer spectacular views of hooded mergansers and kingfishers. Birders will also want to check out the large flocks of American white pelicans. These graceful fliers work together to corral fish into the shallows of southern and western Minnesota’s prairie pothole lakes. Some of the best viewing sites are in the Western Minnesota Prairie Waters region.
Did You Know?
Audubon Minnesota recently named Bemidji the newest Bird City! To receive this honor, a city must improve bird habitat, reduce threats to birds, and engage citizens in conservation activities. Learn why Bemidji was selected and about our other bird-friendly cities.
The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (MOU) has created a new birding resource which provides current and historical breeding data for all Minnesota bird species. Multiple overlays are available for comparison, context and control. Give it a try.
Upcoming Birding Events
July 15, Preston
Bluffland Bird Hike
Join a park naturalist on a hike to see and identify a wide array of birds. This activity is for good all ages and abilities. Bring binoculars and bird identification books if you have them since a limited amount of loaners will be available at the program. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. 507-352-5111
July 15, 22 & 29, Ely
Birding at Bear Head
Enjoy a guided walk to listen and look for the variety of bird species. A limited number of binoculars will be available for free checkout -- please bring your own if possible. Insect repellent is recommended. Bear Head Lake State Park. 218-235-2520
July 22, north of Stillwater
Special Bird Walk in the Park
Don't miss this special walk with naturalist Kyle TePoel. Kyle formerly worked with the National Audubon Society and the National Park Service, and has been guiding bird hikes since 2008. Bring a pair of binoculars if possible. William O'Brien State Park. 651-433-0500
July 22, north of Willmar
Birding By i-Phone
Wake up to birding basics then grab your smart device to hit the trails. Download Merlin Bird ID app available for free on both Google Play and the i-Store. Coffee and donuts will be available. Sibley State Park. 320-354-2055
July 29, Hastings
Bird Banding at CNC
See songbirds up close and learn about the birds who share our ecosystem. Banding runs continuously for the full 3 ½ hours but visitors may come and go at any time. Please call ahead so staff know you will be attending. Donations of bird seed or suet will be greatly appreciated in lieu of a program fee. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
July 30, Bloomington
Bird Walk at Minnesota River Valley National Chapter
Attend a bird walk with Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist, and search the Bass Ponds area for approximately 100 species of nesting birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress appropriately for the weather. Minnesota River Valley National Audubon Chapter. 952-240-7647
August 17-18, Wilkin, Traverse & Grant counties
Western Minnesota Birding Days
Plan ahead and reserve your spot at the Western Minnesota Birding Days. Participants will search for species that nest in the prairies, as well as migrant shorebirds in Wilkin, Traverse and Grant counties. 952-240-7647
Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings
A king rail was observed by Raymond Tervo on July 9 at the North Ottawa Impoundment. King rails are considered "accidental" in Minnesota, with five or fewer records in Grant County in the summer.
On June 27, a scissor-tailed flycatcher was found by Michael Henry near Dexter. These birds are considered "casual" in Minnesota, and this was the first record for Mower County.
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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