Explore Minnesota Birding Update, April 16, 2015
Spring migration is in full swing!
A wide array of spring migrants are being reported, yet some species, such as the great horned owl, are already nesting and raising their young!
Mid- to late April, check out shallow wetlands and mudflats throughout the state to view abundant migrating shorebirds, including yellowlegs, willets, dunlins and other sandpipers. One area that generally offers great views of these birds is the Cannon River Wilderness Area. This park is a hot spot in the spring for various shorebirds, as well as many other spring migrants. It is also very picturesque, surrounded by rolling hills, bluffs, woods, and a picturesque gorge with soaring limestone cliffs.
Also consider a visit to an observation blind this month so you can experience the crazy antics of the male sharp-tailed grouse as they attempt to attract a mate. This is truly one of nature's most spectacular events. Lake Bronson State Park in the far northwest corner of the state offers reservations for Sharp-tailed Grouse Blind Viewing from early April through mid-May.
Locate and identify spring migrants
The Minnesota DNR offers a number of sites to help birders locate and identify the many bird species returning for the summer. Resources offered include a Nature, Wildlife Viewing & Birding web page to help you locate a nearby birding location, as well as a web page to help you Identify Birds You See and Hear.
Easy Tool for Comparing Birds
Do you ever get baffled by which bird you recently saw? Use Bird Comparison, a quick and easy tool, to help identify your bird. For instance, a birder might use this tool to understand the difference between purple finches and house finches.
Calendar of Fun Spring Events
Join a Fort Snelling State Park naturalist for Birds, Books, and Binoculars on Sunday, April 19, for a birding hike following instruction on how to use a field guide and binoculars. Equipment will be provided; registration required. Check out all of the fun birding events at Minnesota State Parks!
Birders flock to Lac qui Parle and Salt Lake during the Salt Lake Birding Weekend. Held Saturday, April 25, this 40th annual event offers guided bird tours around Salt Lake, Big Stone Refuge and the lakes, wetlands and native prairies of Lac qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. Last year, birders located 16 species of shorebirds, including common goldeneye and American black duck. There were also snowy and cattle egrets, and white-faced ibis. Read more about Lac qui Parle and Salt Lake in the article Birders Flock to Lac qui Parle and Salt Lake.
The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will host Hatch Day on April 22 and 25. On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, visitors will enjoy free cupcakes, eagle enrichment activities and programs, and receive white pine seedlings which eagles prefer for their nesting tree. And on Saturday, April 25, take home a white pine seedling, and check out many additional eagle enrichment activities and presentations. Complete details.
Flora and fauna abound at the Nerstrand Big Woods Birds and Blooms event at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park on Saturday, May 2. Enjoy a leisurely walk through this remnant of the big woods to view ephemeral springtime flowers and migrating birds. Later, have a picnic lunch surrounded by bluebirds and red-headed woodpeckers. Participants should bring cameras and/or field guides if available.
Recent spring migrant reports
According to recent birding reports, there is an abundance of migrants currently being observed. Check the Duluth/North Shore RBA post by Jim Lind, and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes RBA post by Jeanie Joppru for the most recent list of birds.
