Minnesota Lake Vacation: Minnesota birding report from White Birch Resort

Barred owl off Peary Road at the Sax Zim Bog; photo courtesy of Friends of the Sax Zim Bog

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, boreal, great gray, great horned, barred and northern hawk-owls. Listen closely for the call and response of courting owls. Owls can often be viewed up close since they generally have no fear of people -- please do your best not to disturb them. Learn more about owls through the International Owl Center.
February is also a great time to view bald eagles in southeastern Minnesota since portions of the Mississippi River do not freeze over and their food supply is abundant. These overwintering eagles can often be seen high in the trees along the river's edge or performing aerial displays to attract a mate. Also look for a wide array of waterfowl that can be seen in such open water areas, including power plants. Learn more at Watch for Eagles, Swans & Owls.

Did You Know?

Many eagles have already established bonds, and some have begun laying eggs. In fact, the bald eagle pair shown on the DNR’s Eagle Cam laid its first egg on Jan. 28. This pair generally lays three eggs, and on Jan. 31, a second egg was laid, and another on Feb. 3. DNR staff anticipate the first egg to hatch roughly March 3.
The 20th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take Feb. 17-20 in backyards throughout the world. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this citizen science event. Jot down how many of each species you see in your backyard (or park, trail, schoolyard, etc.) in a 15 minute period, then report your observations. A visual guide for participants is available at the GBBC "How To" Slideshow.

Upcoming Birding Events

Feb. 15, Elba
H.O.P. Into the Park: Owl CallingH.O.P. (Healthy Older People) Into the Park is offered monthly to provide opportunities for older adults to gather for social time, coffee and conversation near the bird feeding windows, followed by a formal naturalist presentation. During Owl Calling, learn about owls and take a short walk to try calling to them. Whitewater State Park. 507-932-3007
Feb. 17-19, Meadowlands
Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival
Meet birders from around the country and the world during the 10th Annual Sax Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival. This fascinating event includes speakers, guided birding tours, nature walks, photography walks, great meals, and a chance to see up to 240 species of birds including the great gray owl and boreal chickadee. The Meadowlands Community Center at the Sax Zim Bog. 218-749-8161
Feb. 18, Wabasha
Golden Eagle Viewing Field Trip
Learn more about golden eagles in the Upper Mississippi River Valley and get great views of golden eagles in the wild on a guided tour with expert naturalists. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Feb. 24, Toivola
Winter Bog Exploration Field Trip
Join Head Naturalist Clinton Nienhaus on a search for species that may be familiar or that could be entirely new! Plan for a mix of hiking, snowshoeing, driving, and searching for new bird species for the Sax-Zim Bog Species List! Sax Zim Bog. 218-341-3350
Feb. 25-26, HastingsMasters of the Sky
World Bird Sanctuary staff from St. Louis, Missouri will offer a captivating program about birds of prey at Carpenter Nature Center. Visitors will learn about raptors from around the world, and witness live hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures in free-flight. The presenters will introduce methods to help protect raptors and their habitats. Programs held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m. 651-437-4359
Feb. 26, St. Paul
All About Bluebirds
Bluebirds are one of Minnesota's most admired song birds, yet many people have never seen one. Learn about the life history of bluebirds and how you can help restore their population. Program will be inside the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Fort Snelling State Park. 612/279-3550
March 3-5, HoustonInternational 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 the presentation of the World Owl Hall of Fame awards and international speakers. Families can build an owl nest box, dissect an owl pellet, make a variety of owl crafts, and have a hoot eating owl-themed food. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957

Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings

A northern pintail was observed by Steven Brown on Feb. 10 at the Shakopee ponds. Northern pintails are considered "occasional" in Scott County in the winter season.
On Feb. 3, a rusty blackbird was found by David Keyes in his Scott County backyard. These birds are considered "occasional" in Scott County in the winter.Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for other recent bird sightings.