Explore Minnesota Birding Update - February 2016
This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update. Happy Birding!
February Nature Notes
The month of February offers birders a chance to see and hear a variety of owl species including snowy, great gray, boreal and northern hawk-owls. Some of the best areas to view owls are in St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties in the northeast, and Roseau County in the northwest. Owls can often be viewed up close since they generally have no fear of people. And listen closely for the call and response of courting owls. Learn more at All About Minnesota Owls.
In open water areas, watch for pairs of bald eagles performing aerial displays to reestablish their bonds. There are numerous prime eagle viewing sites in the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
While it may seem early, some birds of prey such as eagles and owls are already mating and laying eggs. In fact, as of Jan. 31, three eggs had already been laid in a Minnesota eagle's nest monitored by the DNR’s Eagle Cam. Watch for chicks to arrive around March 1.
Did You Know?
Owls are unable to use their eyes as we do, and cannot look up, down or to the side. Instead, they move their heads. Head-bobbing helps the owl determine an object’s position. Check out Why Owls Bob Their Heads by the Audubon Society and learn more about this head-turning phenomenon.
Upcoming Birding Events
Feb. 12-14, Meadowlands
Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival
Birders from throughout the U.S. and other countries gather each year for the annual Sax-Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival. Highlights include numerous guided birding tours, speaker presentations, nature walks, and photography walks. Sax-Zim Bog. Complete details. 218-749-8161
Feb. 13, Bloomington
Tech Nature
Join Sharon Stiteler (a.k.a. the Bird Chick) for Tech Nature. Sharon will tell demonstrate various smartphone apps that you can use to enhance your birding experiences. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. 952-854-5900
Feb. 13, Ely
Ely Birding Tour
During the Ely Winter Fest , enjoy a birding tour with Ely area birders and naturalists when you carpool to local birding hot spots. Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. 218-365-2326
Feb. 15, Duluth
Boreal Wings Gala
Join the Friends of the Sax-Zim Bog and other bog buddies for bird films, dinner, silent auction and fun. Temple Israel. 218-341-3350
Feb. 20, Park Rapids
Owl Hooting Snowshoe Hike
Take part in a late afternoon snowshoe hike along the North Country Trail past Sibilant, Iron Corners and Josephine lakes. February is the time of year that owls begin to call as they establish nesting territories, and this is a great time and place to hear barred owls. Itasca State Park. 218-732-4111
Feb. 20, Wabasha
Golden Eagle Tour
Golden eagles are elusive raptors that can be found in the bluffs and valleys of the Upper Mississippi River Valley in the winter months. Learn more about golden eagles and see them in the wild on a guided tour led by an expert naturalist. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Feb. 27-28, Hastings
Masters of the Sky
Learn how owls hunt at night, why the barn owl is sometimes called the ghost owl, and how falcons attain such astounding speeds. Be amazed by the barn owl’s silent flight, the beauty of the Australian wedge-tailed eagle, and the maneuverability of the Harris’ hawk as it glides over the audience. Also meet seven of the World Bird Sanctuary’s traveling avian ambassadors. Carpenter St. Croix Nature Center. 651-437-4359
March 4-6, Houston
International Festival of Owls
Plan ahead for the 14th Annual International Festival of Owls featuring live owls and experts from across the globe. Highlights include live owl programs, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a birding and natural history bus trip, family activities, and a banquet featuring World Owl Hall of Fame awards and international speakers. Complete details. 507-896-6957
Rare Bird Alerts and Sightings
An American kestrel was seen on Feb. 6 at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge parking lot in Bloomington. American kestrels are uncommon for this area in the winter.
A black-backed woodpecker was seen on Admiral Road in the Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis County on Feb. 1. These birds are uncommon in St. Louis County during the winter months.
Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for additional, recent bird sightings.
