March Nature Notes
The spring migration has begun and a variety of birds are already traveling to and through Minnesota in search of mates and breeding grounds. It may seem early, but the amount of daylight since the winter solstice has increased, and birds respond to changes in daylight and other natural occurrences that signal it’s time to move on.
Migrant birds returning early to claim prime nesting sites include American robins, Eastern bluebirds, wood ducks, great blue herons, tree swallows, common grackles, common mergansers, American woodcock, American kestrels, killdeer and red-winged blackbirds. Check out Songs of Spring in the most recent Minnesota Volunteer Magazine. The article provides information about the red-winged blackbird and its status as a harbinger of spring.
Birds sing more enthusiastically in the spring as they attempt to attract a mate and defend their territory. Springtime birds also have an expanded repertoire of songs which are generally more complex than their year-round calls. Listen carefully for the diverse songs, especially at dawn. It's no wonder this a favorite time of year for birders.
March is a great time to watch for huge flocks of snow geese traveling overhead in V-formations on their way to breeding grounds in the Artic. Canada geese arriving in Minnesota are quick to find a mate and select the best site to raise their goslings. Look for large groups of swans, geese, ducks and other waterfowl in open water areas, and in lakes with early ice-out dates. National Wildlife Refuges are also ideal sites to view returning waterfowl. See if you can spot a redhead duck in open water areas.
Did You Know?
The beginning of March is the best time to prepare your bird houses for Eastern bluebirds, and your nesting boxes for wood ducks. "House cleaning" involves removing all debris such as egg shells and old nesting material, and cleaning the interior with soap and water. Once dry, wood duck houses should be filled with a few inches of fresh wood shavings or straw. Learn more at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Bird Houses. To see which species use nest structures in your area and to find plans to build these structures, check out Right Bird, Right House.
There has been a lot of activity at the bald eagle nest monitored by the MN DNR. The eagle pair has three eggs, and both parents are working diligently to keep the eggs warm and safe. Watch the eagles in action on the Eagle Cam.
Smartphone owners can now have a variety of birding information right at their fingertips through a single app. The Minnesota Birding News App, developed by Rich Hoeg and sponsored by the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, allows birders to access eBird, MOU alerts and numerous birding blogs from one source. Learn more.
Upcoming Birding Events
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 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 7-29 (Saturdays & Sundays), Wabasha
SOAR with the Eagles
The SOAR with the Eagles festival takes place each weekend in March with a variety of special birds of prey shows, bird programs, eagle programs and events for learners of all ages. Plus, enjoy the center's many exhibits and eagle ambassadors. March is a great time to visit Wabasha as spring bald eagle migration is in full swing in the Upper Mississippi River Valley! National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
March 7 & 22, Bloomington
Refuge Bird Trek - Bass Ponds
Walk with naturalist Craig Mandel in search of migrating and wintering waterfowl, raptors and other species. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring binoculars and a field guide, and dress for the weather. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 952-854-5900
March 15, Victoria
Raptors Up Close
Participants will have a chance to meet captive raptors, and learn about these amazing birds of prey. Cameras are welcome. Drop in anytime. Lowry Nature Center. 763-694-7650
March 21, Marine on St. Croix
Gems of Blue — Bluebirds
This is the time of year when the first wave of bluebirds head into Minnesota. Join special guest presenter Julie Ostenbauer as she talks about the beautiful eastern bluebird, and learn about its life history and how you can attract these birds to your property. William O'Brien State Park. 651-539-4986
March 21, Victoria
Public Bird Banding
Stop by to see wild birds safely trapped, studied and tagged with numbered rings. Drop in anytime. Lowry Nature Center. 763-694-7650
March 21, Little Falls
Habitat Day Event at Crane Meadows
Habitat Day celebrates birds, habitats and natural resources. Highlights include wood duck and bluebird house building, wildlife identification displays, hiking and snowshoeing along the Platte River Trail, and socializing around a roaring bonfire. All activities are free. Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. 763-389-3323
March 27, Hastings
Public Bird Banding
Banding records help us learn how long birds live, where they travel, when they migrate and many other interesting facts. Bird banding runs continuously for 3 ½ hours but visitors may come and go at any time. Donations of bird seed or suet are greatly appreciated. Please call ahead if you plan to attend. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. 651-437-4359
April 4, Rochester
Zumbro Valley Monthly Bird Walk
This monthly bird walk is free and open to the general public. Bring binoculars if you have them. No registration required, and birders of all skill levels are welcome. Quarry Hill Nature Center. 507-289-5662; 507-328-3950
April 4, Hastings
Minnesota Campus 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 you may bring your own. Please call ahead to reserve your spot. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. 651-437-4359
April 11, Carver
Rapids Lake Bird Walk
Attend a bird walk at the Rapids Lake unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and learn about some of the 220 species that stop here during their migration. Birders of all levels are welcome. Bring your binoculars and a field guide if possible. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 952-240-4647
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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