October Nature Notes
Enjoy magnificent bird watching and fall color viewing during the month of October. Earlier this month, fall color was stunning in northern Minnesota and becoming more spectacular each day in central and southern Minnesota. During mid-October, consider a trip to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington and Frontenac State Park south of Red Wing for ideal bird watching and fall colors.
Another hot spot for birding and vivid fall color is Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman. Vast numbers of sandhill cranes gather here in October as they prepare for their long trip south. These magnificent prehistoric-looking birds are nearly 4 feet high and have a wing span up to 7 feet wide. The cranes feed in harvested fields during the day and rest in shallow water at night. The graceful flight and raucous calls of thousands of sandhill cranes is a rare and memorable sight. When visiting, be sure to bring along a self-guided tour map and brochure to help you navigate the park.
Many raptor species have been threatened over the years. Celebrate their recovery at Hawk Ridge, and view impressive numbers of hawks, falcons and other raptors as they continue their migration along the Lake Superior flyway. The larger raptors generally migrate in October which is also a good time to see the stunning yellow trees that line the Lake Superior shoreline. Some of the raptors you can expect to see include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, northern goshawks and turkey vultures. Check out the Hawk Count to find daily statistics for nearly 20 species of birds viewed from the ridge. Raptors can be difficult to tell apart when seen from a distance. Learn how to identify them at the Audubon’s Three Basic Ways to Identify Hawks, Eagles, Falcons and other raptors.
Did You Know?
An article in The Birding Wire indicates that there may be more finches at our feeders this winter. According to Ron Pittaway, seed crops are down, and this often results in greater numbers of northern finches moving south to find food. Some of the birds to watch for are purple finches, pine siskins, common redpolls, hoary redpolls, evening grosbeaks and pine grosbeaks. Learn more at Fill Your Feeders -- A Big Winter Finch Flight is Predicted.
Migrating birds need energy-rich food, as well as meals that don't require a lot of energy to locate. Find out how to help these migratory birds (and possibly some you don't normally see in the fall and winter months) at the DNR's Fall Bird Feeding Tips.
Upcoming Birding Events
Oct. 13, Houston
Moonlight Hoot Scoot
Enjoy a night run or walk in nature on the Root River Trail lit by luminaries. Each participant receives a reusable lighted bracelet as well as a Hoot Scoot T-shirt. Participants are encouraged to wear an owl costume or owl clothing, and those that do will receive a special treat and possibly win the award. Owl mascot Hooston will be available for photos. International Owl Center. Please RSVP. 507-896-6957
Oct. 13, Schroeder
Fantastic Fall Migration
The flow of traffic these days is towards the south. Who’s traveling, how far as they going, what are the advantages of migration, and what are some disadvantages? Learn fascinating facts about migration at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center. 218-525-0001
Oct. 15, Hastings
Saw-whet Owl Banding
Learn about the migration patterns of saw-whet owls. Join the naturalists as they venture out after dark to band some of our native owls. Space is limited so please reserve your spot ahead of time. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Oct. 18, 20, 24 & 27, Zimmerman
Sandhill Crane Tours
In the mid-October, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge hosts thousands of sandhill cranes. Enjoy guided tours of the best sandhill crane sites in the refuge. Reservations are required. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. 763-389-3323
Oct. 19-20, Wabasha
Midwest Peregrine Society
Visit with master falconer Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society, meet live falcons and learn about the ancient and exciting world of falconry. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Oct. 21, Two Harbors
Fast Flyers: Peregrine Falcons
Join Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society to learn about peregrine falcons, their recovery and the people who helped make their recovery possible. Afterwards, meet live falcons! Gooseberry Falls Visitor Center Theater. 218-595-7100
Oct. 26, Hastings
Public Bird Banding
Join expert bird banders as they catch, band and release songbirds. Banding runs for 3 1/2 hours but visitors may come and go at any time. A donation of bird seed or suet will be greatly appreciated. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Oct. 27, Bloomington
Celebrating Wildlife in the City
River otters, wild turkey, hawks, eagles, bats, muskrats and so many more animals live close to millions of metro area residents. This event will celebrate wildlife living in the urban landscape and share how wildlife refuges support resident and migrating animals. Enjoy bird banding with refuge biologists, leaf paint printing, Native American Stories, a Wildlife Costume Parade, building bat houses, educational exhibits and presentations to celebrate bats. Bloomington Education and Visitor Center. 952-854-5900
Oct. 27, Houston
Fall Owl Prowl
Attend an expert-led owl prowl this fall. Start with a program at 6:30 p.m., followed by time outdoors to call in wild owls. Dress for the weather, and try to wear clothes that don't make noise when you move. International Owl Center. Please RSVP. 507-896-6957
Nov. 3, Hastings
Bird Hike
Join expert birders on a morning hike around the nature center. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Field guides and binoculars will be available. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Nov. 3 & 17, Wabasha
Eagle Watching Field Trips
Learn about eagles in the Upper Mississippi River Valley and enjoy great views of bald eagles and golden eagles in the wild on a guided eagle tour. Attendees travel by coach bus with expert naturalists to eagle viewing hot spots in and around the Mississippi River Valley. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Recent Bird Sightings
Check the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union web site for recent bird sightings and rare bird alerts.
For additional information, consider joining the Minnesota Birding community on Facebook.
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