Minnesota Birding Update. Happy Birding!
October Nature Notes
Hawks, falcons and other raptors continue their migration over Hawk Ridge along the Lake Superior flyway. In October, the largest birds of prey increase in number as they avoid the open water of Lake Superior. Just some of the raptors you can expect to see in large numbers include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks, and golden eagles. Check out the Hawk Count to learn daily statistics for nearly 20 species of birds viewed from the ridge.
According to the Minnesota DNR, vast numbers of sandhill cranes can often be seen at wildlife refuges during the month of October. One such refuge, the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman, offers birders a chance to watch the graceful flight and hear the raucous calls of thousands of sandhill cranes. The highest numbers converge here in mid- to late October, roosting in the refuge at night, and flying off to area croplands during the day making dawn and dusk the best viewing times. Be sure to bring along a self-guided tour map to help you plan your trip.
Did You Know?
We celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty, an intercontinental effort to protect migratory birds, on August 16, 2016. But the plight of the snowy egret played a pivotal role in raising awareness for the need to protect our birds even before the Migratory Bird Treaty was considered. In the late 1800s, huge numbers of snowy egret’s were slaughtered for their beautiful plumes which were used to adorn women’s hats. This practice enraged two women from Boston who established a bird conservation movement that helped pave the way for the Migratory Bird Treaty. Learn more in the Raptor Center’s Raptor Release Fall Newsletter.
During migration, one of the biggest threats to birds is window glass, and roughly half of all the collisions occur at our private residences. The Birding Wire explains how to safety-proof windows at Help Migratory Birds Avoid Window Collisions.
Upcoming Birding Events
Oct. 15, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call In Wild Owls
Learn how to identify our local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. After the program, carpool to known owl territories to call for eastern screech-owls, barred owls, and great horned owls. Please RSVP. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
Oct. 15-16, Wabasha
Midwest Peregrine Society
Visit with falconer Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society as she introduces you to a variety of raptors, including a peregrine falcon, kestrel and more! Part of the SeptOberfest celebration. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Oct. 20-21, St. Paul
Family, Friends and Feathers Programs
Learn about the different raptors in Minnesota, the three key features of all raptors, why they are different from other birds, and their important roles in the environment. Raptor Center on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. 612-624-4745
Oct. 22, Onamia
Kids' Activity: Let's Get Owly
Learn what makes owls such great hunters of the night through the 'What's For Dinner' program and activities. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. 320-532-3269
Oct. 22, Two Harbors
Fast Flyers: Peregrine Falcons
The fastest bird in the world nests along the North Shore of Lake Superior! Meet live peregrines, and participate in a program offered by The Midwest Peregrine Society about these remarkable birds and the story of their recovery. Gooseberry Falls State Park. 218-595-7100
Oct. 29, Schroeder
Bird Banding at Sugarloaf Cove
Take a closer look at songbirds through bird banding, and learn about the banding process and its importance in understanding the lifespan, movement, and productivity of songbirds. Weather permitting. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center. 218-525-0001
Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings
A black-crowned night heron was found by Douglas Johnson in Library Park along the Lake Bemidji waterfront on Oct. 10. These birds are classified as occasional in Beltrami County in the fall season.
A winter wren was observed by Todd Mitchell at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia on Oct. 3. Winter wrens are considered uncommon in Houston County in the fall.
Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for other recent bird sightings.
You can access additional reports through eBird Reports offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology -- discover which birds have been observed within 20 miles of your area in the past 30 days.
And during migration periods, check out Bird Cast Forecasts courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to learn about weekly movement for your area.
