September Nature Notes
The fall migration is underway. Many birds are heading south to warmer locations, and some are just arriving as they relocate from the north. Various factors and cues spur migratory movement such as the amount of daylight, the angle of the sun, cooling temperatures and the availability of food.
Several warbler species, flycatchers, swallows, ruby-throated hummingbirds and nighthawks are in the midst of their migration, and the majority of orioles and martins have already departed. Raptors are also on the move. Red-breasted nuthatches, crossbills and dark-eyed juncos should arrive very soon.
Birders will want to check out 6 Hot Spots for Watching the Fall Migration to learn about key locations in Minnesota for spectacular birding during the autumn season.
One of the most popular viewing sites for raptors is Hawk Ridge in Duluth where birders can see vast numbers of sharp-shinned hawks, broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, bald eagles, osprey, turkey vultures and other raptors from early September through mid-November. Peak migration typically occurs from mid-September to late October at Hawk Ridge. Approximate migration dates for each species can be found on the Migration Statistics page. Check out The Birds of Hawk Ridge to see images of the many species that pass through most years. Learn more about Hawk Ridge in an article by The Birding Wire, Fall Hawk Watch Hotspots - Plan a Visit Soon. If you're looking for another hot spot to view the hawk migration, visit the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings.
Did You Know?
Migratory birds need to consume additional calories this time of year to endure their arduous journeys to wintering sites. Some birders report that their feeders are already busy with migratory and resident birds. Draw these birds into your yard and view them from the comfort of your home while helping them get the calories they need. Fall Bird Feeding Tips from the DNR provides information on how to attract and what to feed migratory birds.
The flurry of activity at our feeders in the fall makes this a great time to introduce a child to birding. Audubon offers tips and games for children to promote interest in birding. Learn more at Easy Ways to Get Kids Birding.
Upcoming Birding Events
Sept. 7, Rochester
Monthly Bird Walk
Enjoy a casual walk through Quarry Hill Park. Bring binoculars if you have them, otherwise some are available to borrow from the nature center. Families and children are welcome. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last about one hour. Free and open to the public. Quarry Hill Nature Center. 507-328-3950
Sept. 7, Hastings
Minnesota Bird Hike
Join expert birder, Kevin Smith, on a morning hike around the Nature Center. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Field guides and binoculars are available to use or bring your own. Please RSVP. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Sept. 12-13, Rochester
Southern Minnesota Birding Days
This trip will be based out of Rochester and will cover birding locations in Olmstead and Fillmore counties. Time willing, the group will visit Izaak Walton Wetlands, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Oxbow Park, Geothetic WMA, Forestville- Mystery Cave SP, Kappers Ponds and the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. This should be a great time of year to search for migrants. Please contact Craig to register. 952-240-7647
Sept. 14, Two Harbors
Peregrine Falcons
Peregrine falcon numbers have rebounded along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Join Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society to learn about these remarkable birds, their recovery, and meet live peregrine falcons. The Visitor Center Auditorium at Gooseberry Falls State Park. 218-595-7100
Sept. 20-22, Duluth
Hawk Ridge Weekend Festival
Celebrate the fall bird migration during the annual Hawk Ridge Weekend Festival and enjoy one of North America's best places to experience the fall bird migration through field trips, bird hikes, workshops, presentations and social gatherings. Participants will likely see many broad-winged hawks and sharp-shinned hawks, bald eagles, American kestrels, merlins and peregrine falcons. Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve & Bird Observatory. 218-428-6209
Sept. 21, Grand Rapids
Fall Phenology Day
Learn from local naturalists and phenologists who study rhythmic biological events as they relate to climate. Explore plants, animals and birds, and learn what to look for and how to record your findings. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Sept. 26, Chisago County
Chisago County Birding Day
Wild River and Interstate State Parks, Carlos Avery WMA and Allemansratt Wilderness Park are a few of the locations the group will explore. Expect to see some late migrant song birds and migrant waterfowl. Please contact Craig to register. 952-240-7647
Sept. 27, Hastings
Bird Banding
Join CNC’s expert bird banders as they catch, band and release migratory birds. Banding runs continuously and visitors may come and go at any time. Donations of birdseed or suet are greatly appreciated in lieu of a program fee. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Sept. 27-29, Finland
Fabulous Fall Nature Geek-Out
Spend a glorious fall weekend in the company of fellow adults and nature geeks! Topics include Northern Saw-Whet Owl Banding, North Shore Geology Explorations, North Shore Coastal Kayaking, Agates, Wolf Ridge Sampler Weekend, and more. Courses will be led by instructors who have a passion for their subjects and love to share what they know with like-minded, curious folks. Wolf Ridge is spectacular in the fall. Expect a weekend of laughter, learning and beauty. Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. 218-353-7414
Sept. 28, Zimmerman
Wildlife Festival
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at the 26th Annual Wildlife Festival. The public is invited to enjoy a variety of family-oriented activities featuring live birds, reptiles and other animals from the Audubon Center of the North Woods and Wildlife Science Center, horse-drawn wagon rides, nature journaling, guided hikes, and wildlife discovery. Food trucks will be on site during the event. The Wildlife Festival will be held at the Oak Savanna Learning Center on Sherburne County Road 9, approximately 5 miles west of Hwy 169. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. 763-389-3323
Sept. 28, Rochester
Fall Sparrow Walk
Late September is a great time to look for migrating sparrows such as white-crowned, Lincoln's, white-throated, Savannah and Vesper. With a little luck, birders may see Nelson’s sharp-tailed, LeConte's and Harris’s sparrows as well. Meet in the parking lot on the east side of the Kalmar Reservoir (also known as the East Landfill Reservoir). Bring water-proof footwear as the grass may be wet. Quarry Hill Nature Center. 507-328-3950
Sept. 28, Hastings
Fall Raptor Release
Visitors will enjoy watching 4 to 6 wild birds of prey take to the air after being rehabilitated by The Raptor Center’s veterinarians. The day is full of fun including orchard hay wagon tours, educational raptors on display from The Raptor Center, kids' activities and more. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and stay for the day. Raptor releases will be at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Oct. 12, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call in Wild Owls
Owls live all around us but are very good at evading detection. Learn how to identify owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound. Following an indoor program, participants will carpool to known owl territories in and around Houston to call for eastern screech-owls, barred owls, and great horned owls. Please RSVP. International Owl Center. 507- 896-OWLS (6957)
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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