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, especially during evening and pre-dawn hours. While many continue to establish territory, some are already nesting. Owls can often be viewed up close, but birders are asked to do their best not to disturb them. 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. Visit the National Eagle Center's Winter Eagle Viewing Guide for some of the best viewing sites. Also, since juvenile bald eagles are often mistaken for golden eagles, review the National Audubon Society's Is That Golden Eagle Actually a Bald Eagle? before you head out.
During the winter months, if you find yourself near open water areas, such as rivers and power plants, watch closely for trumpeter swans, Canada geese, common mergansers, American black ducks and common goldeneyes.
Did You Know?
Many eagles have already established bonds, and some have begun laying eggs. Check the DNR’s Eagle Cam to see a new eagle pair at the nest. While these eagles appear to be the same pair that nested here last year, staff have not been able to officially identify them. Learn more about Bald Eagles in Winter.
Some of the early returning migrants will soon arrive. Watch for small flocks of horned larks along county roads, and listen for flocks of American crows stopping to rest as they travel northbound.
The 23rd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place Feb. 14-17 in backyards throughout the world! Everyone is encouraged to participate in this free, fun and easy citizen science event. Participants are asked to count birds for a 15-minute period on one or all days of the count, then report their observations online. Scientists depend on this information to help determine the status of our bird populations — please consider participating!
Upcoming Birding Events
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
Feb. 8, Elba
Moonlit Owl Prowl
We often hear them calling in the dark of night, but most of us are unfamiliar with the elusive creatures known as owls. After the presentation, the group will go prowling for owls using newly learned owling skills. If there is enough snow, participants can snowshoe. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair at the office. Whitewater State Park. 507-312-2308
Feb. 15, Bemidji
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend the annual Audubon Society's Great Backyard Bird Count. The park naturalist will be available to give guidance and answer any questions. Lake Bemidji State Park. 218-308-2300
Feb. 15-17, Meadowlands
Sax-Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival
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. 21, 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. 22, St. Paul
Winter Birding for Beginners
Join the park naturalist for this winter birding hike and learn about the basic techniques of bird identification. Binoculars and bird guides will be available. Fort Snelling State Park. 612-725-2724
Feb. 22, 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. 218-744-7448
Feb. 29 - March 1, 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 6-8, 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 7, 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 7, 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
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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