November Nature Notes
Tundra swans are migrating in large numbers with thousands viewed from the Brownsville Overlook on Nov. 6. Anyone who admires the beauty of tundra swans will want to visit the Weaver Bottoms marshes and the Brownsville Overlook along the Mississippi River during the month of November. The spectacular sights and haunting sounds of huge concentrations of these birds is something everyone should experience. From 25- to 40-percent of the eastern population of tundra swans use the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge as a resting site prior to their long journey to wintering areas on the Atlantic Coast. Bird counts for various locations within the refuge can be found at the Upper Mississippi River Recent Bird Sightings web page.
Sandhill cranes continue to gather at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman. Cranes from all over the state come to Sherburne, with numbers sometimes exceeding 10,000. In fact, as of Nov. 8, 11,286 sandhill cranes were at the refuge. Since cranes venture out to feed in area croplands during the day, morning and evening hours offer the most amazing views of vast numbers of birds. Stop by the headquarters for a map of the viewing sites, or print a crane viewing map ahead of time to help you plan your trip.
Did You Know?
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers a wonderful Winter Bird Feeding guide on what to feed winter birds and which feeders are best for your backyard. Some winter birds you may attract include American tree sparrows, pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks, common redpolls, hoary redpolls, red crossbills, white-winged crossbills and purple finches.
You can help scientists track the movements of winter bird populations, as well as bird distribution and abundance by participating in Project Feeder Watch. All you need to do is gather and report data while enjoying the birds at your feeders. This year's Project Feeder Watch begins Nov. 11. Join now!
Those who enjoy photographing birds will want to participate in the Bird Spotter Photo Contest. Submit your favorite birding stories and photos corresponding with a specific category every other week for a chance to win!
Upcoming Birding Events
Nov. 11, Winona
Swan Watch Bus Tour
This bus tour is open to the general public. Witness the spectacular tundra swan migration that takes place on the refuge. Bus tour, instruction and lunch included. Reservations are required. Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge. 507-454-7351
Nov. 11, Hastings
Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
Join bird expert Kevin Smith on a morning hike around the nature center. Field guides and binoculars are available or bring your own. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Nov. 18, Carlton
Winter Bird I.D.
Ever wonder what kinds of birds are flocking to the bird feeders? Learn how to identify some common Minnesota winter birds, what their favorite foods are and make and take your own winter bird mobile. Binoculars are available to use. Pre-registration is required. Jay Cooke State Park. 218-673-7006
Nov. 18, Victoria
Bird Banding
See wild birds safely trapped, studied, and tagged with numbered rings. Lowry Nature Center at Carver Park Reserve. 763-694-7700, 763-694-7650
Nov. 19, Maple Grove
Raptors in the Yard
Meet captive raptors and learn about these amazing birds of prey. Cameras are welcome, and participants may drop in anytime. Eastman Nature Center at Elm Creek Park Reserve. 763-694-7894
Nov. 24, Hastings
Minnesota Campus Bird Banding
Bird banders welcome you to see birds up close and learn about the birds who share our ecosystem. Banding runs continuously for 3 ½ hours but visitors may come and go at any time. Please call ahead of time to say you are coming -- donations of bird seed or suet are greatly appreciated. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Dec. 1, Marine on St. Croix
Rise & Shine Morning Bird Walk
Join Kyle TePoel on a special bird walk in the park. Kyle is a naturalist who has been guiding bird hikes since 2008. Bring a pair of binoculars or one will be provided for your use. Beginners and advanced birders are welcome. William O'Brien State Park. 651-433-0500
Dec. 2, Rochester
Zumbro Valley Audubon Society Bird Walk
Enjoy a casual walk through Quarry Hill Park to look for over-wintering and migrating birds. Bring binoculars if you have them or borrow a pair from the nature center. Quarry Hill Nature Center.
Dec. 2, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call in Wild Owls
Experience wild owls outdoors and learn how to identify owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound. Following an indoor portion of the program, participants will carpool to known owl territories in and around Houston to call for eastern screech-owls, barred owls, and great horned owls. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
Recent Bird Sightings
A rough-legged hawk was seen on Nov. 8 in Scott County by David C. Keyes.
An American tree sparrow was discovered by Allan Meadows on Rainy Lake in Koochiching County on Nov. 8.
Sparky Stensaas found a short-eared owl hunting for voles in the Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis County on Nov. 6.
Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwestern Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for other recent bird sightings. Recent sightings throughout the state can be found on the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union website. For additional information, consider joining the Minnesota Birding community on Facebook.
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