February Nature Notes
The month of February offers birders a chance to see and hear a variety of owl species including snowy, boreal, great gray, great horned, barred and northern hawk-owls. Listen closely for the call and response of courting owls. While many continue to establish territory, some have already begun nesting. Owls can often be viewed up close -- please do your best not to disturb them. View an owl avoidance behavior video by Sparky Stensaas. Learn more about owls through the International Owl Center.
February is also a great time to view bald eagles in southeastern Minnesota since portions of the Mississippi River do not freeze over and their food supply is abundant. These overwintering eagles can often be seen high in the trees along the river's edge or performing aerial displays to attract a mate. Also look for a wide array of waterfowl that can be seen in open water areas such as downstream from power plants. Visit the National Eagle Center's Winter Eagle Viewing Guide for some of the best viewing sites.
Did You Know?
Many eagles have already established bonds, and some have begun laying eggs. Check the DNR’s Eagle Cam to see if last year's eagle pair returns to the nest! While eagles have been visiting, staff have not been able to officially identify them. Eagle nests can measure 10 feet across and weigh as much as a ton! Learn more about Bald Eagles in Winter.
The 22nd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place Feb. 15-18 in backyards throughout the world. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this citizen science event. Participants are asked to jot down how many of each bird species are seen in their backyard or nearby park, trail or schoolyard in a 15 minute period on one or all days of the bird count, then report their observations. Please consider helping out since scientists depend on this information to help determine the status of our bird populations.
Upcoming Birding Events
Feb. 8, Hastings
Owl Prowl at Carpenter Nature Center
Many of the Midwest’s 12 owl species are vocalizing more often 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 you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Feb. 15-17, Meadowlands
Sax-Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival
Please note that registration is now full.
Meet birders from around the country and the world during the 12th Annual Sax Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival. This fascinating event includes speakers, guided birding tours, nature walks, photography walks, great meals, and a chance to see up to 240 species of birds including the great gray owl and boreal chickadee. Sax-Zim Bog. 218-744-7448
Feb. 16, Elba
Lovebirds Candlelight Owl Prowl
Learn about the natural history of native owls, including their mating calls, while sipping hot chocolate and eat strawberries by the fire of a wood stove. The group will then head out and practice the calls along candlelit trails. Live owls will be on exhibit in the visitor center. Registration required by February 13. Whitewater State Park. 507-312-2308
Feb. 16, Wabasha
Eagle Viewing Field Trip
Golden eagles use the blufflands of the Upper Mississippi River Valley as wintering territory. Learn more about golden eagles and see them in the wild on a guided tour led by expert naturalists. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Feb. 23-24, Hastings
Masters of the Sky
The World Bird Sanctuary staff from St. Louis, Missouri, will present a captivating program about birds of prey. Visitors will learn about raptors from around the world. Experience live hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures up close and in free-flight. The presenters will introduce methods to help protect raptors and their habitats. Please call ahead if you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
March 1-3, Houston
International Festival of Owls
Immerse yourself in owls at the only annual, full-weekend, all-owl festival in North America. Highlights include live owl programs, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a birding and natural history bus trip, and a banquet featuring the presentation of the World Owl Hall of Fame awards and speakers. Families can build an owl nest box, dissect an owl pellet, make a variety of owl crafts, participate in a hooting-contest and much more. International Owl Center & Houston High School. 507-896-6957
March 2, Meadowlands
Northern Owls Evening Program
Learn about some of the owls that can sometimes be found in the Sax-Zim Bog and the surrounding area. Following a short talk, the group will caravan looking for owls at dusk! Please RSVP as space is limited to 25. Sax-Zim Bog. 218-744-7448
March 2, Rochester
Zumbro Valley NWR Bird Walk
This monthly bird walk is free and open to the general public. No registration required, and birders of all skill levels are welcome! Quarry Hill Nature Center. 507-289-5662; 507-328-3950
March 2-3, Wabasha
SOAR with the Eagles - Weekend #1
The SOAR with the Eagles festival takes place each weekend during March with a variety of special programs and exhibits. Plus, enjoy the center's many exhibits and eagle ambassadors. 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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