Explore Minnesota Birding Update - January 2020

January Nature Notes

During the month of January, much of the landscape is dull and drab. Fortunately, a variety of boreal birds, including many colorful finches, have descended from the north for more easily accessible food sources. Roughly 100 bird species winter in Minnesota, and about 35 of these are common backyard birds. A few well-stocked feeders are generally all that is needed to draw in these resilient birds. Some of the species to watch for include pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks, common redpolls, hoary redpolls, purple finches and pine siskins.

One of the best spots to view boreal birds is the Sax-Zim Bog since it is situated within one of the southernmost portions of boreal forest. In fact, the Sax-Zim Bog is one of the most accessible areas of boreal forest to view boreal birds which generally reside in more secluded portions of boreal forest to the north. This world-class birding haven is roughly a one hour drive northwest of Duluth. The Sax Zim Bog is also one of the top spots to view owls in the winter, including great gray, boreal, snowy and northern hawk owls. The Zumbro Valley Audubon Society offers a wonderful guide about Minnesota's ten owls. Check it out at All About Minnesota Owls. Learn about other winter bird watching opportunities in Minnesota at Watch for Eagles, Swans and Owls.

Did You Know?

Birding is an easy and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors, and many believe that bird feeding may be as beneficial to us as it is for the birds! Learn about birding feeding and other ways to help our feathered friends in the winter at Top 10 Ways to Help Birds in Bad Weather by the Bird Watcher's Digest.

January Events

Jan. 11, Houston
Owl Prowl at Carpenter Nature Center
Learn how to identify our local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. Following the indoor portion of the program participants will carpool to known owl territories in and around Houston to call and listen for eastern screech-owls, barred owls and great horned owls. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center, Minnesota Campus. 651-437-4359

Jan. 11, Park Rapids
Owls in Winter with the Nature Connection
What are owls doing in the winter? What kind of adaptations do they have to help them survive? Join Chris Tolman from the Nature Connection as she brings live owls to help us learn about these nighttime birds. Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251

Jan. 11, Elba
Live Golden Eagle Program
Find out about golden eagles in Minnesota's blufflands. Learn how to identify golden eagles in the wild and discover some of the best places to look for these elusive raptors. Whitewater State Park. 507-312-2300

Jan. 18, Bloomington
Refuge Bird Trek - Bass Ponds
Join a naturalist for a walk in search of migrating and wintering waterfowl, raptors and other species. All levels of experience are welcome. Please bring binoculars and a field guide, and dress for the weather. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 952-854-5900; 952-240-7647

Jan. 18, Victoria
Bird Banding at Lowry Nature Center
See wild birds safely trapped, studied and tagged with numbered rings. Bring a camera, and drop in anytime! Please RSVP. Lowry Nature Center. 763-694-7650

Jan. 24, Hastings
Public Bird Banding at Carpenter Nature Center
Join expert bird banders as they catch, band and release birds. Banding runs continuously and visitors may come and go at any time. Birdseed or suet are welcome in lieu of a program fee. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359

Jan. 24, Hastings
Owl Prowl at Carpenter Nature Center
This time of the year, many of the Midwest’s 12 owl species are vocalizing to attract mates. Explore Carpenter Nature Center on 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. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359

Jan. 25, Meadowlands
Winter Birding Field Trip
Learn how to bird during the winter months in the Sax-Zim Bog. Owls will not be targeted, but the group will stop to take a look if any are encountered. Please register ahead of time as spots are limited. Sax-Zim Bog. 218-341-3350

Feb. 1, Wabasha
Eagle Viewing Field Trip
Take part in a brief classroom program about eagles, followed by a tour via coach bus to prime eagle-viewing locations. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras if desired. Little walking is required. Photography is highly encouraged! National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989

Feb. 1, Bloomington
Refuge Bird Trek - Bass Ponds
Join a naturalist for a walk in search of migrating and wintering waterfowl, raptors and other species. All levels of experience are welcome. Please bring binoculars and a field guide, and dress for the weather. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 952-854-5900; 952-240-7647

Feb. 1, Rochester
Zumbro Valley NWR Bird Walk
Enjoy a casual walk through Quarry Hill Park on this free, monthly bird walk. Bring binoculars if you have them, otherwise some are available to borrow from the nature center. Families and children are welcome. Walks usually last about one hour; stay for any length of time. No registration required. Quarry Hill Nature Center. 507-328-3950

Feb. 8, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call in Wild Owls
Learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. Following the indoor portion of the program, participants will carpool to known owl territories to call for eastern screech, barred and great horned owls. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957

Please note that registration is now closed for the Boreal Birds Adventure Weekends at the Sax-Zim Bog held Jan. 11-12 and Feb. 1-2.

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.