Explore Minnesota Birding Update, Feb. 19, 2015
Snowy owl in Dakota County; photo by Troy Hattemner
Welcome to the second edition of the new Explore Minnesota Birding Update, geared toward encouraging birding throughout the state, and developing new bird enthusiasts.
Winter Birding is a Special Treat
According to Jeannie Joppru, the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) Northwest Minnesota bird report compiler, there has been a winter irruption (a dramatic increase in population) of snowy owls, with an unusual number of individuals being seen in the far southern sections of Minnesota. Snowy owls continue to be seen in great numbers but soon will be moving north for the breeding season. This year, there have been a larger number of adult owls, as opposed to mostly immature snowy owls in previous years. A great article has been written about the snowy owl irruption in Minnesota and throughout the country -- see After the Snowstorm on the National Wildlife Federation's website.
Bob Dunlap, who serves on the MOU Records Committee and writes a phenology column for Minnesota Birding, adds that common redpolls irrupt in Minnesota due to a lack of spruce and birch seeds in areas to the north. Bob notes that over the past month the redpolls have been seen in larger numbers around the Twin Cities, as well as parts farther south. Look closely for hoary redpolls, which are lighter in color and have a "frosty" appearance. Occasional irruptions of crossbills, grossbeaks and finches also occur during Minnesota winters.
Golden eagle; photo by Dan Tallman
Golden eagle; photo by Dan Tallman
The Traveler's Guide to Wildlife, written by Carrol Henderson, encourages birders to head out in February to see a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey in Minnesota's open water areas. Bald eagle populations have rebounded and these birds have become a common site along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. Also look closely for golden eagles, which are making a wonderful comeback.
Baby barn owl; photo by Dan Tallman
Baby barn owl; photo by Dan Tallman
Learning is Fun at Minnesota's Nature Centers
From Feb. 28 through Mar. 1, attend Masters of the Sky at Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings. Visitors will learn about the fascinating world of raptors, meet seven of the World Bird Sanctuary’s traveling avian ambassadors, and discover why owls hunt at night, why the barn owl is sometimes called the ghost owl, and how falcons attain such astounding speeds. Have fun at this amazing event then take in all that Hastings has to offer, and be sure check out the great lodging options available.
Great gray owl in Aitkin County; photo by David Cahlander
Great gray owl in Aitkin County; photo by David Cahlander
Learn All About Minnesota Owls through a fun, colorful and informative pamphlet courtesy of the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society. Owl-lovers will also want to check out the International Owl Center in Houston where they will find a wide array of owl-related information, an owl cam, DIY activities, programs, and details on the Festival of Owls occurring Mar. 6-8.
Locate Your Dream Bird
Is there a specific type of bird you've wanted to locate? A useful tool is the Wildlife Viewing Areas web site developed by Watchable Wildlife, Inc. Just choose the state of Minnesota under Find A Viewing Area, search for a type of bird (or animal), and the top Minnesota viewing areas will pop up!
Happy Birding!
