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 Minnesota / Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Schedule

Bald Eagle, by T.R. Michels Outdoor Photography

Trinity Mountain Outdoor Adventures offers unique Natural History Eco-Tours, Game Animal, Birding, Wildflower, Scenic & Photography Trips to several state, national and provincial parks and natural areas in the United States and Canada. While you are on your tour with us you will be able to view and photograph the natural scenic areas, trees and wildflowers of the great outdoors. You will also be able to watch and listen to the birds and animals of North America. To help you enjoy your tour nationally recognized game researcher and naturalist T.R. Michels will discuss the biology and behavior of many of the animals; including their calls, mating behavior, habitat requirements and what we need to do conserve the environment and protect the flora and fauna of North America.

Of the 8 most wanted birds on the American Birding Association list, 4 are regularly seen in Minnesota, as are 11 of the top 25 most wanted birds. These birds include the Gyrfalcon, Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Spruce Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Connecticut Warbler and Yellow Rail. The Gyrfalcon, owls, woodpeckers and spruce grouse can be seen along the north shore of Lake Superior in winter. The Yellow Rail and Connecticut Warbler can be seen in St. Louis County, west of Duluth in the summer. The Connecticut Warbler can also be seen along the north shore and in several north central counties. More information near bottom of page.

T.R. Michels is a nationally recognized wildlife researcher and naturalist, who has spent several years roaming the woodlands, meadows and wetlands of west-central and southeastern Minnesota, and several state and national parks. He is an avid birdwatcher, wild flower enthusiast and outdoor photographer. In his efforts to better understand the big game animals of Minnesota he researched the daily and seasonal activities of white-tailed deer from 1994 to 2001, wild turkeys from 1997 to 2003, and North American elk from 2001 to 2004. View T.R. Michels Outdoor Photography.

T.R.'s passion for the outdoors, and his willingness to share their knowledge of the birds, animals, flowers and plants of North America; has made him one of the top naturalists and outdoor speakers in the country.

T.R.'s daughter Tawnya has been his assistant in all of his studies since 1996, with the result that she knows as much about the animals and birds as he does. Her bubbly personality makes her ideal as a tour guide. In addition Tawnya is an accomplished outdoor photographer. View Tawnya Michels Outdoor Photography.

Why not join T.R. and Tawnya Michels for a Natural History Eco-Tour your, your friends or your whole family will enjoy? 

Trinity Mountain Outdoor Adventures North American Natural History Eco-Tour Schedule.

Schedule of the best times to see Minnesota / western Wisconsin Birds and Animals.

Schedule of when to view the Wildflower Species of Minnesota / western Wisconsin.

View and listen to the Birds of North America.

View and listen to the Birds of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

View the Mammals of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Trinity Mountain Outdoors Natural History Eco-Tours & Travel Magazine. 

Wisconsin and Minnesota are the #1 and #2 birding destinations in the United States. The Minnesota State Bird List includes 430 species; of those species 312 commonly nest, winter or are seen in Minnesota; 35 of those birds are considered casual, and 80 are considered accidental. On spring "Big Day Bird Counts" held between May 15th and 25th each year Minnesota Birders regularly see 180 species of birds.

The northeastern corner of the state is one of the premiere birding areas in the United States, because it is home to many woodland warblers, grouse, woodpeckers and owls that are more common in Canada, and that you are unlikely to see in other parts of the state. In the summer you can see many woodland warblers (including Golden-winged, Tennessee, Nashville, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Pine, Palm, Bay-breasted, Black and White, Connecticut, Mourning Wilson's and Canada Warblers),

You may also see American Black Duck, American Wigeon, Long-tailed Duck, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Spruce, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Ruffed Grouse, Horned Grebe, Broad-winged and Sharp-shined Hawks, Northern Goshawk, Merlin, Peregrine, Black-bellied and American Golden Plovers, Whimbrel. Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, Little, Bonaparte's and Herring Gulls, Caspian, Arctic and Common Terns, American three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireo, Gray Jay, Common Raven, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Swainson's and Hermit Thrush, Lincoln's and White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finch, Red and White-winged Crossbill, Common and Hoary Redpoll, and Pine Siskin.

During most years you may have a chance to see Northern Hawk, Great Gray, Boreal, Northern Saw-whet Owls. The Boreal and Northern Saw-Whet Owls are difficult to locate anywhere in Minnesota because they are nomadic nocturnal (nighttime) owls. The best time to find them is during an irruption, when they may hunt during daylight hours along roadways hunting in the ditches, or near backyard bird feeders During irruptions you may also see Snowy Owls.

The Sax-Zim bog has long been known as an excellent place to see northern wildlife. The Northern Goshawk, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Great Gray Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Black-billed Magpie, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, and Red-breasted Nuthatch are just a few of the permanent residents found year round in the bog. Birds to look for in the winter include Rough-legged Hawk, Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Shrike, Snow Bunting, White-winged Crossbill, and both redpolls. Some species breeding here in the summer months are Upland Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Winter Wren, Sedge Wren, Golden-winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, and Bobolink. White-tailed deer and black bears are not uncommon; and pine martens, moose and timber wolves have also been spotted here.

The north shore of Lake Superior, including the port of Duluth, is where you can often see migrating and wintering northern, western and pelagic birds and raptors; plus loons of several species in the spring, fall and winter. In the spring and summer it is possible to see an additional 50 species of birds in this area (not found in the southeastern corner or the state) in one day. Seeing 70 species of birds in one day is not unheard of.

In the northwestern corner of the state you may birds you may not see in other parts of the state: Bufflehead, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Yellow Rail, American Avocet, Marbled Godwit, Franklin's Gull and Short-eared Owl. Seeing 60 species in one day is not unheard of.

The western edge of the state is where many shorebirds, waterfowl and western bird species that may not be seen on other parts of the state can be found: Tundra Swan, Clark's, Eared and Western Grebes, Sandhill Crane, Greater Prairie Chicken, American White Pelican, Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Wilson's and Red-necked Phalarope, Chestnut-collared Longspur and Western Kingbird. In the spring and summer it is possible to see an additional 15 species of birds in this area (not seen in the southeastern or northeastern corner of the state) in one day. Seeing 60 species of birds in one day is not unheard of.

The southwest corner of the state is where you can see Swainson's Hawk, Forester's Tern, and the only area where you are likely to see Blue Grosbeak. Seeing 60 species of birds in one day is not unheard of.

The southeast corner of the state, particularly along the Mississippi River, is where you may find many southern wood warblers that you may not find anywhere else in the state: Yellow-Breasted Chat, Cerulean, Prothonotary, Blue-Winged, Black-Throated Blue and Hooded Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush. Also Acadian Flycather, Bells' Vireo, Henslow's Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Common Moorhen and Loggerhead Shrike can be found during the summer.

It is a also good place to look for migrating birds, including Tundra Swans, Common and Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, raptors, and songbirds. Look for wintering Bald and Golden Eagles, and waterfowl. Of Minnesota's 312 commonly seen birds, it is possible to see 135+ species of birds in this area alone. Seeing 80 species in one day is not unheard of.

Gyrfalcon, sporadic in winter (North Shore of Lake Superior, Dakota)

Spruce Grouse (Lake County Road 2, winter)

Sharp-tailed Grouse (Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Floodwood to Zim in St. Louis)

Greater Prairie Chicken (Wilkin, Marshall)

Great Gray Owl (Roseau)

Snowy Owl (Duluth in St. Louis)

Boreal Owl during eruptions (Gunflint Trail in Cook)

Northern Hawk Owl (Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis)

American Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers (Cook, Lake)

Gray Jay, Common Raven, Boreal Chickadee, LeContes' Sparrow (Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis, Lake, Cook)

Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill (Cook, St. Louis, Itasca)

Hoary Redpoll (Cook)

Boreal Chickadee nesting (Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis), and Lake Superior North Shore Counties

Red-throated Loon, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck; Black, Surf, and White-winged Scoters; Whimbrel, Red Knot, Parasitic Jaeger, Little, Thayers and Glaucous Gulls (Lake Superior, often in Duluth Harbor) 

Horned Grebe (Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington)

Red-necked Grebe (Agassiz NWR, )

Eared Grebe (Swan Lake in Nicollet, Alberta Stevens, Breckenridge Stevens, Agassiz NWR Rice Lake National Wildlife refuge. 300,000 Ring-necked Ducks stop here in the fall. On Hwy. 65, 5 miles S of McGregor.)

Western Grebe (French Lake in Hennepin, Swan Lake in Nicollet, Big Stone, Lake Osakis in Todd, Agassiz NWR Rice Lake National Wildlife refuge. 300,000 ring-necked ducks stop here in the fall. On Hwy. 65, 5 miles S of McGregor.)

White-fronted Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Swainson's Hawk (Mower, Dodge, Olmstead, Goodhue)

Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Black-billed Magpie (Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington)

Mountain Bluebird, Sprague's Pipit, Lark Bunting, Smith's Longspur, Chestnut Collared Longspur (Kittson) western grassland and wetland counties.

Blue Grosbeak (Blue Mounds State Park in Rock )

Black-billed Magpie nesting, (Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis)

Snowy Egret (Bigstone, Pelican Lake in Grant)

Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron (Long Lake Island, Long Lake in Kandiyohi)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Pig's Eye Lake/Mississippi River in St. Paul in Ramsey)

Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Screech Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, (Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Houston, Murphy-Hanrahan Park in Goodhue/Scott)

Willow Flycatcher, Tufted Titmouse (Houston, Fillmore)

Northern Bobwhite, Common Moorhen, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Dickcissel (Houston, Goodhue)

Field and Henslow's Sparrows (Frontenc State Park in Goodhue)

Orchard Oriole, Bell's Vireo (Goodhue)

Blue-winged, Cerulean, Prothonotary, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers; Louisiana Waterthrush (Houston)

Common Moorhen Counties along the Mississippi River near Iowa

List of areas where you may see some northern species in December. The "percentages" indicate the number of birds seen in relation to the "minimum # count".

Black-Backed Woodpecker (minimum 10 counts) Isabella 71% Beltrami Island 67%

American 3-toed Woodpecker (minimum 5 counts) Beltrami Island 33% Isabella 21%

Common Redpoll (minimum 40 counts) Hibbing 90% St. Paul (Northeast Suburban) 83%

Hoary Redpoll (minimum 15 counts) Duluth 58% Crosby 42%

Evening Grosbeak (minimum 20 counts) Itasca State Park 100% Aurora 100%

Pine Grosbeak (minimum 20 counts) Aurora 100% Sax Zim 100% Isabella 100%

Pine Siskin (minimum 20 counts) Duluth 100% Owatonna 91%

Red Crossbill (minimum 15 counts) Beltrami Island 76% Isabella 75%

White-winged Crossbill (minimum 15 counts) Sax Zim 78% Duluth 77%

Snow Bunting (minimum 20 counts) Warren 97% Fargo 92%

Lapland Longspur (minimum 10 counts) Lamberton 68% Cottonwood 59%

Bohemian Waxwing (minimum 25 counts) Duluth 100% Bemidji 89%

Golden-crowned Kinglet (minimum 20 counts) Excelsior 56% Rochester 47%

Boreal Chickadee (minimum 20 counts) Isabella 96% Sax Zim 91%

Northern Goshawk (minimum 20 counts) Duluth 92% St. Paul (Northeast Suburban) 42%

Northern Hawk Owl (minimum 7 counts) Sax Zim 48% Roseau 42%

Townsend's Solitaire (minimum 5 counts) Grand Marias 43% Duluth 19%

Great Gray Owl (minimum 10 counts) Sax Zim 65% Aurora 50% Baudette 50%

Common Loon: spring, summer and especially fall migration: Mille Lacs Lake

Trumpeter Swan: November, February, Monticello

Tundra Swan: Mid November, Weaver Bottoms. Some of the best places to view tundra swans during migration are located on the Mississippi River between Pools 4 and 8. One of the best places to view the birds up close, is the platform at Rieck's Lake Park just north of Alma, Wisconsin on highway 35.

Sandhill Cranes: Crex Meadow, Grantsburg, Wisconsin (nesting, fall & summer migration), Norman County, MN, October

Loon, grebe, merganser and gull species: During the spring smelt run, Duluth

Ring-billed Gulls: nesting, Duluth

Franklin's Gulls, many ducks nesting: Agassiz NWR

Western Grebes and Forster's Terns nesting: Lake Osakis, Todd County

American White Pelicans: Marsh Lake, Lac Qui Parle. fall migration, Lake Pepin

Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Nighthawk: Fall migration Sept. 14 - Oct 25, Hawk Ridge, Duluth

Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings: western Minnesota in April

Gyrfalcon, possible in winter, Duluth harbor.

Northern Saw-whet Owl: spring calling, nesting NE Minnesota, North Shore, Gunflint Trail

Snowy Owl: Rothsay Wildlife Management Area: Co. Rd. 26 W from Rothsay to 300th Ave., drive north to the WMA.

Yellow Rail: McGregor Marsh

Spruce Grouse: Lake: winter, Mille Lacs, McGregor Marsh in Aitkin (County Road 2) all year

American Three-toed Woodpecker: Fall migration North Shore of Lake Superior, Sherburne NWR, Sax-Zim Bog

Black-backed Woodpecker: Coniferous forests, Sherburne NWR, Sax-Zim Bog

Connecticut Warbler: Summer, singing, Sax-Zim Bog

LeConte's Sparrow, summer, Sax-Zim Bog

Black-billed Magpie, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Northern Saw-whet Owl: Sax-Zim Bog

For information on where to find birds not listed contact TRMichels@yahoo.com

Gunflint Trail (Cook County) Nowhere else are the Black-backed Woodpecker or Boreal Owl found more often. Other species to watch for include Spruce and Ruffed Grouse, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Boreal Chickadee and Crossbills. Start at Grand Marais and follow Cook County Road 12 north. This 63 mile drive passes through boreal forests. Look for Spruce Good any time of year, but June and July are best.

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve (Duluth, Saint Louis County) Incredible hawk migration during most of fall. Habitat: Mixed deciduous/coniferous woods around the ridge. When To Go: Go in late September, October or early November. Birds to Look For: Hawk Ridge is at the south end of the North Shore of Lake Superior, which funnels migrants down the shore in fall. Very large (100,000+) movements of Broad-winged Hawks have occurred here, as well as large movements of Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks. This is a reliable spot late in the season for Northern Goshawk and Golden Eagle. Passerine migration can be quite good, with large numbers of birds (sometimes including crossbills and Evening Grosbeak) moving through. Early in fall, large numbers of Common Nighthawks pass by as well.

Park Point ([Minnesota Point] Duluth, Saint Louis County, Minnesota) A great migrant trap in fall and spring, both for birds on the lake (Lake Superior), and migrating passerines moving up the shore. Habitat: Open beach, lake, park, parking lot, and a strip of woods down the middle. Best during early spring and late fall migration This is one of the best places in Minnesota to find Red-throated Loon. Shorebirds may turn up on the beach, and on the bay side of the point, and scoters (tough to find in MN) may be found in either the bay on the south side, or on the lakeside. Foggy mornings in spring sometimes cause a fallout of migrating passerines on the point, waiting for better weather to cross the lake, and some mornings have 20+ warblers, and many other passerine birds.

Sax-Zim Bog.(St. Louis County) Some say this is the place to bird in Minnesota. Species that are difficult to find elsewhere are often much easier in "the bog." Upland Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, Connecticut Warbler, Black-billed Magpie and LeConte's Sparrow all nest here. Winter birds include Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Shrike, Snow Bunting, crossbills and redpolls. Drive the back roads in this area to see Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, Great Gray Owl and Connecticut Warblers. This is a good spot for raptors ion the winter.

Aitkin County Road 18 (Aitkin County) One of the better roads for finding such specialties as Sharp-tailed Grouse, Great Gray Owl, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Boreal Chickadee. According to Mike Hendrickson, yellow-bellied flycatcher may be found along "a snowmobile trail on the south side of 18, opposite of P. Road (that runs north of the snowmobile trail). This trail is the best place to find Boreal Chickadees." Also a good drive in winter for snow buntings and winter finches.

McGregor Marsh (Aitkin County) This is the best known spot in Minnesota for nesting Yellow Rails and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Arrive well after dark and listen for each of their distinctive calls; the sparrow's dry wheezing, and the rail's clicking sounds. Look and listen especially on the east side of Minnesota highway 65. Habitat: Sedge marsh. When To Go: Spring when both of these birds are breeding and calling. This area is probably best known for the fall ring-necked duck migration, but it also has a variety of nesting birds of interest (such as the American bittern, yellow rail, sora, black tern, sandhill crane, 12 species of nesting warblers (including the golden-winged warbler), trumpeter swan, bald eagle, American woodcock, wood thrush, black-billed cuckoo, LeConte's sparrow and bobolink. McGregor Marsh is south of State Hwy 210 on State Hwy 65 and Rail and Sparrows have been heard approximately 1 mile south of State Hwy 210 on State Highway 65. They were spread out between there and the Soo Line Trail.

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Aitkin County) Up to 75,000 Ring-necked ducks in the fall. Spring/summer: Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Tern, Caspian Tern, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos; Yellow Warbler, Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Brewers Blackbird.

Roseau Bog (Roseau County) This area, and the Lost River State Forest just to the east, are good birding spots for such species as nesting Wilson's Phalarope and Sharp-tailed Sparrow. In winter look for a possible Gyrfalcon, Northern Hawk Owl, Snowy Owl and winter finches. Resident birds include Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee.

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (Marshall County) A large, expansive refuge good at all times of the year, this is one of northwestern Minnesota's most interesting birding areas. In spring and summer look for Yellow Rail, Virginia Rail, American bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Franklin's Gull, Sedge Wren and Mourning Warbler, Black-billed Magpie, Le Conte's Sparrow, Nelson's sharp-tailed Sparrow; pied, horned, red-necked, eared and western grebes; 2,000 sandhill cranes. 17 species of ducks with 7200 breeding pairs. Agassiz is also an excellent place to bird during migration, especially for shorebirds. Come between late April and the end of October. These wetlands and tamarack bogs have recorded 280 species. The American Bittern is here. Warbler migration peaks around May 20th.

Felton Prairie (Clay County) Famous for its nesting Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Felton is also a good spot to look for prairie birds such as Swainson's Hawk, Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Sedge Wren, Loggerhead Shrike and numerous sparrows.Several tracts owned by the Nature Conservancy are located in this general area as well.

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge (Becker County) An interesting area in the northwest to look for woodland and boreal species. Great Gray Owl, Ruffed Grouse, Golden-winged Warbler and Mourning Warbler can be found here.

Itasca State Park (Clearwater and Hubbard counties) While this park is not noted for having specific Minnesota specialties, it is nonetheless a park with a great variety of northern species, and therefore good birding in general. Look for Common Loon, Northern Goshawk, Alder Flycatcher, Winter Wren, warblers and, in winter, finches.

Rothsay Wildlife Management Area (Wilkin County) Greater Prairie-Chickens nest here, and nowhere in the state are they easier to find. Also look for Marbled Godwit, Prairie Falcon and, in migration, flocks of Sandhill Crane and Smith's and Lapland Longspurs. Also an excellent place to find migrating Short-eared Owls.

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge (Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle counties) Big Stone has lakes, pools, meadows, fields, woods and marshes. Take the auto tour road (best by bicycle) and you can find water birds, prairie birds and woodland birds. This park is best visited during the spring migration or early summer. Western vagrants are always a good possibility, and there are many good nesting species. Cattle Egret, Swainson's Hawk, Marbled Godwit, Sedge Wrens and many Sparrows.

Salt Lake (Lac Qui Parle County) A good place in high water times for migrating grebes and ducks, in low water years it can be exceptional for shorebirds. Bollands Slough WMA, Lac Qui Parle County at the intersection of County roads 12 and 9. Just west and south of Bollands is another WPA slough.

The island in Long Lake (Kandiyohi County) One of the largest heron rookeries in Minnesota, 2,300 nests of cormorants, great egrets, cattle egrets, and great blue herons. Scan the lake along its north shore from County Road 27. From Willmar, take Hwy. 71 north and then turn left (west) onto County Road 27. The island is over a mile out into the lake, so consider putting a canoe in at the boat landing on County Road 27 or using a good spotting scope. Regardless of how close you may or may not get, the herons will be constantly on the move and easily seen flying to and from their foraging areas.

Lake Johanna (Pope County) There is a large rookery on the south end of the lake that provides nesting sites for great blue herons, cormorants, great egrets, and black-crowned night herons. Little blue herons and cattle egrets have bred here, too, the first recorded breeding sites for either species in Minnesota. The only real access is at the boat landing on the north end of the lake. Take Minnesota 104 south to County Road 8 and turn left (east). Go 0.9 mile and turn right onto a dirt road with a sign reading Public Water Access. The lake can't be adequately viewed from here, so put a canoe in for a remarkable birding experience. Even though you must stay a good distance away from the rookery, it is very exciting just to be a part of the general hubbub.

Egret Island (Pelican Lake, Grant County) A 34-acre island owned by The Nature Conservancy supports thousands of nesting great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, great egrets, and cormorants. A boat landing on the western shore provides good viewing, though the island is still a mile offshore. From I-94 take Minnesota 78 north 1.7 miles to the boat landing. Additional summer sightings in this area have included snowy egret, cattle egret (which may nest here), little blue heron, tricolored heron, and yellow-crowned night heron.

Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (Grantsburg, Wisconsin) The brush-prairie habitat and nearby wetlands attract a wide variety of species. You may even hear a Yellow Rail in spring (June). Sandhill Cranes are abundant in the fall.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (Sherburne County) Varied habitat, and a variety of possible species. In summer, look for Sandhill Crane, Eastern Screech Owl, Whip-poor-will and Golden-winged Warbler. In winter Barred Owl, Snow Buntings, crossbills and redpolls are likely.

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area (Anoka and Chisago counties) Over 2000 acres of marshland, lakes and swamp, Carlos Avery is best visited in spring migration when the shorebirds come through, usually in large numbers. Species usually found in summer include Sandhill Crane, Sedge Wren, and Golden-winged Warbler.

Creek West Regional Trail (Anoka and Pope Counties) Fridley Minnesota. This strip of East-West riparian habitat regularly hosts some of Minnesota's most sought after species of birds - one of the better spots in the metro area to find Connecticut Warblers during migration. Spring and fall migration are the best time to visit and it is not uncommon to see up to twenty species of warblers: Prairie Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Louisiana Waterthrush. Resident breeders include, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Great-crested Flycatcher, American Redstart, and Yellow-throated Vireo. Trumpeter Swans and a small number of Forster's Terns and Red-shouldered Hawks have been seen.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Gardens and Bird Sanctuary (Golden Valley, Hennepin County) Black-crowned Night Heron, Virginia Rail, Sora, Black Tern, Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-throated, Warbling, Blue-winged and Yellow Warblers; American Redstart, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Bobolink and Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge The Refuge contains several Units along the river from Fort Snelling to the town of Jordan. The Visitor Center is off 1-94 in Bloomington, where you can pick up maps of each area. The Long Lake Meadow area attracts ducks, geese and tundra swans; Black Dog Lake attracts ring -billed gulls, double-crested cormorants and occasional American white pelicans. Nesting prothonotary warblers may be found at the Bass Ponds Unit. The State Park marshes east of the Cedar Avenue bridge on Black Dog Road has wood ducks, blue-winged and green-winged teal, great blue and little green herons, great egrets; and in the fall American wigeons and northern shovelers. Spring and Fall warbler migrations, hawks, prothonotary warbler, Virginia rail, least bittern, scarlet tanager, dickcissel, peregrine, ducks, geese. Over 20 species of wood-warblers.

Black Dog Road & Black Dog Lake Summer: nesting bald eagles, peregrine and Cooper's hawks. Nesting prothonotary warblers may be found at the Bass Ponds Unit. The State Park marshes east of the Cedar Avenue bridge on Black Dog Road has wood ducks, blue-winged teal, great blue and little green herons, and great egrets. Winter: Wintering bald eagles and trumpeter swans, gulls of several species, including Minnesota rarities like Iceland Gull, Thayer's Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull. Large concentrations of wintering waterfowl, including common merganser and goldeneye - along Black Dog Road and Black Lake, off Black Dog Road & I-35W in Burnsville.

If you go north on I-35W, to the first intersection north of the Minnesota River bridge, and go right, and take the first right (down the hill), you will come to a parking lot. Take the trail east of the parking lot along the river to see Pileated, Hairy, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, American Redstart and other warblers, Bank Swallows and sparrows.

Black Dog Preserve SNA & MN Valley NWR Includes lake, marsh, calcareous fen, prairie, and upland and flood-plain forests. The calcareous fen, a rare habitat, supports uniquely adapted plants such as twig-rush and marsh arrow-grass. Because of the vulnerability of these habitats, access is restricted to portions of the SNA. A trail runs through the site. During the spring American woodcocks perform aerial mating displays over the fens north of the ball fields (across the railroad tracks) at the Fens Unit on the south side of Black dog Lake, off Cliff Road & I 35W. Wildlife to see: deer, red foxes, Bell's vireos, willow flycatchers. In winter look for water birds, eagles, Barrow's goldeneyes, and Thayer's, glaucous, and California gulls. Best viewing: A portion of the lake remains open all year because of the adjacent power plant, so this area is always worth checking for wildlife. Directions: From I-35W in Burnsville, take Cliff Road one-quarter mile east to the park and ride lot.

Long Meadow Lake Also part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, this 2,100-acre unit includes marsh, flood-plain forest, oak savanna, and basins known as the Bass Ponds, which were once used for raising fish. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now adjusts the pond levels to attract waterfowl and shorebirds. Wildlife to see: painted turtles, beaver, waterfowl, herons, shorebirds, warblers. Rare bird sightings include reports of a king rail and white-faced ibis. Best viewing: spring and fall for migrating warblers. Directions: From I-494 in Bloomington, exit on 34th Avenue South. Go south to East 86th Street, then turn left. Bass Ponds trailhead is at the end of the street. Call 612-854-5900.Large rafts of ducks, geese and Tundra Swan congregate to feed and rest here during migration. Spring: A variety of passerine migrants are found here: Winter Wren along the creek and Hermit, Swainson's and Gray-cheeked Thrush along the wooded paths. Twenty to twenty-five species of warblers, plus vireo, flycatcher, kinglet and woodpecker can be found in the trees and brushy edges in May. Winter: The creek is open and one can find wintering Song and Swamp Sparrow and an occasional Winter Wren or Virginia Rail.

Gun Club Lake Waterfowl congregate by the thousands in the spring and fall. This is a great lake for Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup and many species of "puddle ducks", such as Northern Pintail, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon. In addition, over 25,000 American Coot gather here in the fall.

Louisville Swamp These 2,500 acres of prairie, oak savanna, woodlands, old fields, and wetland are part of the 10,514-acre Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Because this area floods frequently, refuge managers installed a water-control structure on Sand Creek to allow the marsh to be better managed for wildlife.Wildlife to see: fox snakes, snapping and other turtles, herons, egrets, muskrats, beaver, mink; on higher ground, meadowlarks, wild turkeys, deer, coyotes. Best viewing: year-round. Directions: From Shakopee, take Highway 169 south about four miles to 145th Street West, go past the Renaissance Festival entrance and over the railroad tracks to the parking lot on your left. Call 651-854-5900.

Fort Snelling State Park Two hundred and forty-four avian species have been recorded, one of the highest totals for any Minnesota state park.

Bush Lake attracts water birds and the surrounding marshes draw a variety of wetland and marsh birds.

Hyland Park Reserve Diverse habitat provides resting and feeding sites for a variety of migrant sparrows, especially Harris's, White-crowned, Lincoln's and White-throated; wrens; thrushes, warblers and vireos. Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting are commonly sighted here during summer and the feeding stations at Richardson Nature Center provide excellent winter bird watching.

Purgatory Creek Wetlands Shorebirds during migration. Eden Prairie, between MN Hwy 5 and US Hwy 212 on the south side of Prairie Center Drive behind the Flagship Corporate Center and Flagship Athletic Club. Caspian, Fosters, Common Terns, and Dunlin, a Ruddy Turnstone, and Sandpipers seen during spring migration (mid to late May).

Carlos Avery Game Refuge: Nesting bald eagles, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, belted kingfishers, American bitterns and green herons. Woodland and marsh songbirds and sparrows. Deer, coyotes, river otters, and occasional black bears. I-35E north to Forest Lake, take Co. Rd. 2 (west) which turns into Co. Rd. 18, 8 miles W of Forest Lake.

Wildlife Science Center: Over 30 gray wolves, red wolves, gray and red fox, black bear, Canadian lynx, hawks and falcons. Behind the headquarters building of Carlos Avery Game Refuge on Co. Rd. 18. I-35E north to Forest Lake, take Co. Rd. 2 which turns into Co. Rd. 18, 8 miles W of Forest Lake.

Carver Park Reserve: Waterfowls, shorebirds, hummingbirds, nesting osprey pileated woodpeckers and trumpeter swans. Cerulean Warblers - northwest of the nature center between Crosby Lake and Stone Lake - and about 1/2 mile east-northeast of the nature center. Deer, raccoon. Co. Rd. 11 in Victoria.

Monticello: Wintering trumpeter swans. Off Co. Rd. 39 on Mississippi Drive.

Pigs Eye Lake, St. Paul: This may be the only rookery of yellow-crowned night herons in Minnesota as well as the largest colony of black-crowned night herons. Nesting cormorants, great blue herons, and great egrets.

Rice Creek West Regional Trail: Prairie Warbler, Yellow-throated warbler, and Louisiana waterthrush. Nesting Cooper's hawk, broad-winged hawk, great-crested flycatcher, American redstart, and yellow-throated vireo. Anoka County Parks system. One of the best spots to find Connecticut warblers during migration. During spring and fall migration you may see up to twenty species of warbler.

University of Minnesota Raptor Center: The center treats more than 800 eagles, hawks, owls and falcons a year. Those that cannot be returned to the wild are on display at the center. 1920 Fitch Ave. University of Minnesota, St. Paul.

Wood Lake Nature Center: Nesting yellow-headed blackbirds, Forester's terns, and common yellowthroats. Migrating spring songbirds; up to 20 warbler species per day. Deer, fox, woodchuck. Lakeshore Drive off 66th St., Richfield.

Ritter Farm Park: Take I-35W south to 185^th St W, south along Kenrick Ave to the first underpass, go west under the underpass, and take the first road to the right. Scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, grasshopper sparrow, cerulean warbler, rose-breasted grosbeak, brown thrasher, flycatchers.

Wolsfeld Woods SNA: The metro area's best remaining example of the Big Woods habitat that once covered south-central Minnesota. The large sugar maples (some more than 200 years old) that dominate this 221-acre parcel give visitors the feeling of walking through an arboreal cathedral. The closed canopy created by these huge trees allows only the most shade-tolerant shrubs and forbs to survive in the understory. Wildflowers bloom in early spring when the sun reaches the forest floor. The preserve's hilly terrain encompasses many small wetlands and most of Wolsfeld Lake.

Wildlife to see: Louisiana waterthrushes, nesting Acadian and other flycatchers, warblers, vireos, barred owls, gray and red foxes, coyotes, snapping turtles, garter snakes. Best viewing: spring for migrants.

Directions: From Highway 12 in the city of Long Lake, take Brown Road north to County Road 6. Park in the northeast corner of the Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot across the road. The trail begins there. You are required to stay on the marked trails to avoid harming the plant community.

Tucked between two of Minneapolis's busiest lakes is a favorite haunt of metro birdwatchers: the sanctuary named for Thomas Sadler Roberts, the first curator of the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota. This 13-acre site includes upland woods dominated by bur oak and sugar maple, and wetland habitat surrounded by cottonwoods and willows. An unpaved trail, accessible to people with handicaps, winds through the site and over a boardwalk across a marsh.

Wildlife to see: warblers, vireos, woodpeckers, soras, wood ducks, great blue herons. Best viewing: spring and fall for migrating songbirds.

Directions: Take Interstate I-35W to 46th Street, then go west to Kings Highway (Dupont Avenue) and turn right. Go to Roseway Road, then turn left and you'll see the sanctuary parking lot on your right. A parking fee is charged. For information call Minneapolis Park and Recreation, 612-370-4900.

Murphy-Hanrahan Park IBA, Savage. A number of species whose ranges are generally farther north (Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Chestnut-sided and Mourning Warbler) or farther south (Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean and Hooded Warbler). Twelve species of warblers have bred in this IBA (Blue-winged, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Cerulean, Mourning, Hooded, Prothonotary, Golden-winged, Kentucky, American Redstart, Ovenbird, and Common Yellowthroat). This is the only known nesting site for Hooded Warbler in Minnesota. The park's grassland trails are good places for Sedge Wren and both species of meadowlark. Marshes have Yellow-headed Blackbird, Marsh Wren and waterfowl. Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, and Alder Flycatcher. Common Loons nest annually, possibly the southernmost breeding in Minnesota.

Red-shouldered Hawk and Henslow's Sparrow. Substantial breeding populations of Black Tern, Wood Thrush, Veery, Dickcissel, Bobolink, Common Yellowthroat, Tree Swallow, Eastern Bluebird, Wild Turkey. Broad-winged Hawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Kingbird, Clay-colored Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow. Spring: Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead on the smaller lakes. Directions: I-35W south to County Road 42, west to West Burnsville Parkway, south to the park entrance on left (just after Hanrehan Lake).

Mississippi River IBA This Important Bird Area includes the Mississippi River and its adjacent floodplain forest and uplands extending 38 river miles through four Minnesota counties from Minneapolis to Hastings. The upstream extent is the Washington Avenue bridge in Minneapolis (river mile 852). Downstream its extends through Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as encompassing portions of three townships and ten other riverfront communities to the Highway 61 bridge (river mile 814) at Hastings. The entire portion of Pool 2, which occurs between Lock & Dam 1 (at Minneapolis) and Lock & Dam 2 (at Hastings) is included, as are the lower portion of Pool 1 and the very upper end of Pool 3. The other boundaries of this Important Bird Area are congruent with the boundary of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area-National Park Service between river miles 852 to 814. Within the IBA, there are 3 regional park reserves of at least 1000 acres each, 2 county parks, 3 state-owned Scientific and Natural Areas, a number of city parks, and 2 small, private nature reserves currently managed for their natural attributes.

Situated along the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory corridor for 40% of North America's waterfowl and shorebirds, an estimated 760,00 dabbling ducks use this corridor. Liddell and Cooper estimated 36,493 waterbirds (loons, cormorants, gulls, terns, ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets, pelicans, coots, grebes, eagles, shorebirds and kingfishers) used Pool 2 in the spring of l997. Waterfowl (mainly diving ducks and Canada geese), gulls (mostly Ring-billed Gulls) and terns were the most abundant species. Six Minnesota threatened and special concern species were seen at ground survey sites during l997. Several other species of interest; Black Tern, American Redhead, Canvasback, and scaup ducks, were observed during spring migration. Bardon observed 75,584 waterbirds and documented gull activity in know roosting locations at Pig's Eye Lake and Spring Lake with 2,000 Bonaparte's Gulls noted in the Lower Grey Cloud Island area in April /May l995.

3,725 waterbirds were counted during biweekly summer surveys. Gulls were most abundant followed by waterfowl, cormorants, pelicans, egrets, herons, eagles and shorebirds. MN DNR Natural Heritage database indicates that one mixed species heron rookery (Pigs Eye, listed above) totaling 1600+ nesting pairs of 4 species (including 80 nests of Black-crowned Night Herons). Eight Bald Eagle breeding territories and nest sites for 6-8 pairs of Peregrine Falcons are known to occur in the IBA. The fall waterbird population was 3X greater than spring and summer, with an estimated 126,071 birds; mostly gulls and cormorants through mid-October. D Zumeta recorded 157 species of birds (51 breeding) in the Mississippi River Gorge Area at the upstream end of the IBA (Washington Avenue Bridge, Minneapolis). T. Bell reports 207 species observed at the Lower Grey Cloud Island (St. Paul Park) area near the downstream end of the IBA.

The University of Minnesota's 935-acre arboretum contains such a large variety of plant communities that good wildlife watching is almost guaranteed. Although most people know the arboretum for sculptured formal gardens, it also includes natural woodland, marsh, and restored prairie areas, all accessible by trails.

Wildlife to see: The forests harbor eastern pewees, blue-gray gnatcatchers, great crested flycatchers, and red-eyed vireos. On the prairie, look for sedge wrens and butterflies. The formal gardens attract hummingbirds. On summer nights watch for fireflies, not often seen in the metro area anymore. Also look for other flycatchers, swallows, woodpeckers, soras, green herons, Virginia rails, swamp sparrows, and deer.

Best viewing: spring and fall for migrating songbirds, summer for nesting birds and butterflies. Directions: Take I-494 to Highway 5 west for about nine miles (past Chanhassen) to the entrance on your left. Admission is charged. Call 612-443-2460, extension 102.

More than 17 miles of trails meander through 2,231 acres, which includes woodlands, old fields, conifer plantings, lakes, and marshes, making this a good choice for a daylong or even two-day visit. Scattered openings attract numerous "edge" species such as yellow warblers and eastern bluebirds. A two-mile canoe route with several small portages begins at Jensen Lake. Canoeing allows you to see aquatic wildlife such as painted turtles and muskrats. You can also watch wildlife from horseback. Call Diamond T Riding Stable at 612-454-1464 to rent horses.

Wildlife to see: spring peepers, redbelly snakes, ring-necked ducks, grassland sparrows, bluebirds, flycatchers, phoebes, pheasants, deer. Best viewing: spring and fall. Directions: From Minneapolis take Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue) south to Cliff Road. Then go east. Turn right on Pilot Knob Road to reach the Jensen Lake park entrance or continue to the Holland Lake entrance. Call Dakota County Parks, 651-438-4660.

In the southern oak barrens landscape on the east side of the metro area, this 200-acre bluff prairie site contains a series of limestone ridges and dry swales where a rich collection of native prairie plants thrives among agricultural fields. Nearly 100 species of birds have been reported here, including clay-colored and vesper sparrows and grassland species. Wildlife to see: foxes, badgers, deer, bullsnakes, indigo buntings and other grassland birds, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks. The first confirmed sighting of a timber wolf in the metro area occurred here.

Best viewing: spring. Directions: From Cottage Grove, go south on Highway 61 to Highway 95, then north to County Road 78, and east to Nyberg Avenue. Go about a half mile north and park at the end of Nyberg.

Afton State Park: Field and savannah sparrows, eastern and western meadowlarks, indigo buntings, wood thrush, eastern bluebirds, Baltimore orioles, wild turkeys, scarlet tanagers and pileated woodpeckers. Spring warblers and other songbirds frequent the Trout Brook valley. You can hear frogs and toads calling in the spring.

Wildlife to see: American toads, wood frogs, hognose snakes, deer, field and savannah sparrows, indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, eastern bluebirds, Baltimore orioles, pileated woodpeckers. Best viewing: spring for migrating warblers, fall for raptors. Directions: Take I-94 east from St. Paul to County Road 15, then go south about seven miles to County Road 20, turn east and continue three miles to the park entrance. Vehicle permits are required.

North of St. Paul, the road that splits Lake Vadnais provides consistently good opportunities to see common loons during the nesting season. Numerous species of waterfowl stop by during spring and fall migration. Wildlife to see: western chorus and green frogs, painted turtles, loons, double-crested cormorants, hooded mergansers, black-crowned night herons.

Best viewing: summer. Directions: Take I-694 to County Road 49 (Rice Street). Turn north onto Rice, then right onto the frontage road (Vadnais Boulevard), then left at Waterworks Road, which cuts across the lake. To view the west side of the lake, follow County Road 49 north. Call St. Paul Water Utility, 651-484-2020.

This SNA includes a lake, wetland, wooded bog, old-growth white pines, and oak forest. More than 146 species of birds have been recorded using this 592-acre site. Wildlife to see: coyotes, red foxes, nesting alder flycatchers, golden-winged warblers, least flycatchers, Nashville warblers, pine warblers, northern waterthrushes. Sandhill cranes and Blanding's turtles are occasionally found here. Best viewing: spring and summer.

Directions: From the Twin Cities, go north on I-35 to the Wyoming exit, then go west on County Road 22 until you reach County Road 17, turn left and head for Jodrell Road. Take a left and watch for the SNA boundary signs on your left. Use the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area parking area on the right. The southwestern part of the lakeshore in the SNA is posted as a sanctuary and is open only to those with a DNR research permit.

If you've always wanted to see an American woodcock's courtship display or listen to frogs and toads calling, this 127-acre site is the place for you. The diverse plant communities attract numerous wildlife species year-round.

Wildlife to see: muskrats, beaver, gray and red foxes, American woodcocks, belted kingfishers, northern shrikes, green herons, nesting great horned owls. Best viewing: spring for frog and toad choruses. Scout for coyote tracks in the winter. Directions: Take the University Avenue exit off I-694 in Fridley, go north to 85th Avenue Northeast. Turn west and watch for the park entrance on the south. Call 612-572-3588.

This 5,000-acre preserve, managed by Hennepin Parks, is a haven for wildlife. Once maple and basswood forest, much of this land was later farmed. Now these old fields are being allowed to revert to woodland. Most of the park's 1,500 acres of wetlands are inaccessible. Look for wildlife along several streams and the adjacent flood-plain forest. The park has more than nine miles of paved hiking and biking trails and four miles of unpaved hiking trails. Wildlife to see: coyotes, deer, otters, beaver, mink, raccoons, Blanding's turtles, green treefrogs, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, common loons, barred owls, Acadian flycatchers, wood thrushes, and veery.

Best viewing: spring and summer. Directions: From I-94 northwest of the Twin Cities, take County Road 81 northwest to County Road 121, then north to Dayton. Go to Elm Creek Road, turn right and look for the Eastman Nature Center entrance on your right. Vehicle permits are required. Call 612-420-4300.

Blue Mounds State Park (Rock County) A habitat unlike the rest of Minnesota, the park has cactus, a herd of buffalo and a feel to it more like states found farther west. Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Western Kingbird, Say's Phoebe and Mountain Bluebird have all been seen here. And nowhere in the state is Blue Grosbeak easier to find than here.

Rochester: Izaak Walton wetlands just SW of Rochester, good for warblers during spring migration, and wildflowers.

Lake Byllesby: Check the western end of the lake off of Hwy 56, just south of Randolph. You can also go south of the bridge over the river and take Sciota Trail east, turn left at the "T" intersection and into the parking area for the boat landing (watch for the "No Trespassing after 10 PM" sign). The landing is approximately 1.4 miles from Hwy 56. American White Pelicans have been seen here in the spring, in recent years.

Just north of the Town of Randolph, at the Industrial Park, look for Bobolink, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark and Shorebirds,

Twelve miles further north of Cannon Falls, on Hwy 52, look for sod fields on the west side of the highway. Or turn left (west) at Empire on Hwy 66 and go west a few miles to a sod farm on the left. Drive the gravel roads that circle the sod farms to find shorebirds in the spring (especially Buff-breasted Sandpipers), plus songbirds and sparrows in the fields.

Maltby Nature Center: South of the town Randolph, about 2 miles, you will see a sign for the Maltby Nature Center, west of Hwy 56. Trails wind through the woods, and along the Cannon River. You'll find lots of birds, and in the prairie along the road there are several species of beautiful prairie wildflowers. Further west along the road, around the first bend in the road, and at the second bend, you'll see a parking lot where they sell Christmas Trees and wreaths. Across form the parking lot, at the corner of the fence, there is a gate. In April follow the path up to the top of the hill, where you will find Pasque Flowers. Look or Northern Harrier, Eastern Bluebird and Western Meadowlark.

Big Woods State Park: This is a good place to look for migrating warblers and other songbirds. Re-headed woodpeckers may be found near the parking area. The grassy areas east of the headquarters are a good place to look for meadowlarks, bobolink and dickcissel; follow the tar road south of Nerstrand to get there. There are several trails to walk, but you might want to follow the ones closest to the water. Take Hwy 246 south out of Northfield or north out of Faribault to get to the park.

East of Big Woods State Park, on Hwy 56, go east on Goodhue County Rd. 44, to Bow Trail north and west - at the "Y" intersection take the gravel road to the north and east. At the intersection with Hwy 14, go south, back to Cty Rd 44 (north of the river), and take it west back to Hwy 56. Look for Indigo Bunting, Savannah Sparrow, Hummingbird, Brown Thrasher, Kestrel, Pileated, Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the powerlines (and especially at the chicken/egg farm with the house on one side of road and the barn on the other side, with all of the bird feeders in the yard), Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Ring-necked Pheasant. At the intersection of Hwy 56 and Cty 44, stop and listen for Bobolink and Upland Sandpiper (west of Hwy 56). Check the CRP fields at the intersection of Cty Rd 44 and Hwy 14, and north along Hwy 14, for Western Meadowlark and Bobolink.

Cannon River Wilderness Area: South of Northfield on Hwy 3, four miles north of Faribault; take the road with the sign for the area - to the east. Good for migrating warblers and thrushes in the spring. A variety of woodpeckers, and wading birds. Good for wildflowers all summer long. Absolutely beautiful.

River Bend Nature Center: On Hwy 60 east of downtown Faribault, after you cross the bridge), turn south on Shumway to Rustad and then east to the center. Lots of trails in the woods and along the river. Warblers, Thrush, Buging, Woodpecker, Wading Birds.

Rice Lake State Park: West of Cannon Falls. Hike the trail along the lake shore to the east of the picnic area all the way to the campground to get your fill of both waterfowl and songbirds. Check the small wetland west of the park entrance. 3 Black-necked Stilts were seen here in mid-May of 2004. A month earlier an American Avocet, a Black-Crowned Night Heron and a Snowy Egret were seen. Shorebirds may be seen at the wetland during migration, and Sandhill Cranes. A Whooping Crane was seen here in 2003. East of the park entrance there is small marsh, just inside Dodge County; at the northeast corner of the intersection with Dodge County 20. Look for Marsh Wren, and Sora and Virginia Rails, as well as sparrows.

Claremont Sewage Pond: Several species of shorebirds have been seen here, including Red-necked Phalarope and Red Phalarope. Check the scrubby area around the south side of the ponds for sparrows and other song birds. Check out the gravel pits 2 miles north of Claremont on Cty 1 (check all four corners of the intersection), especially the private pond NE of the intersection for shorebirds and waterfowl. There is a wildlife area (Pheasants Forever) on Cty 5 for sparrows and song birds. A mile east is a parking area where there is a large pond, which has attracted waterfowl and Black-crowned Night-Heron.

Big Island State Park: The road to the island leads past different habitats, and provides a good view of the lake. Check the parking area for land birds. You can hike or drive to the smaller "island" to the north, where there can be good concentrations of warblers and sparrows in migration. Check out the road leading straight south from the ranger station, it leads to a good view of the lake and a marsh. American White Pelicans are often seen here.

Colville Park, Red Wing: Look for waterfowl and gulls at both dock areas and along the river itself- all year long. Also check the woods for warblers, sparrows and other song birds, and bald eagles in the winter.

Lake City / Hok-Si-La Park: Just north of Lake City on Hwy 61.

Frontenac State Park: Henslow's and Clay-colored Sparrows, and Orchard Orioles, can be found in the grassy areas south of the park entrance. You can also hike the trails along the bluff to see raptors during migration. You may also see birds along the streets of the city of Old Frontenac (you may see pelicans on the lake during migration). The better areas tend to be (along the road) along the Villa Maria property, and the trail out to Sand Point, across from the parking lot on Hwy 61 and Cty 2. Both areas are excellent for migrating warblers. The trail out to Sand Point can be muddy; plan for the right footwear. The trek out to sand Point is well worth it, not only for the birds seen along the way (Pileated Woodpecker, Indigo Bunting), but also for the gulls, terns, and shorebirds you may find on the point.

Reads Landing: Wintering Bald Eagles, and waterfowl.

McCarthy Lakes WMA: Hike west to the tree and shrub surrounded lake for Orchard Oriole, Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher. From Hwy 61 in Kellog, left on Cty 84. Follow Cty 84 to the WMA.

Minneiska and the Weaver Bottoms: Traditional resting area for Tundra Swans, ducks and gees from late October to November.

Whitewater SP & WMA: Stop at Whitewater State Park and check the trails around the swimming area by the nature store. Also the park headquarters and nature center building (further north, after you cross the river) where you can check out bird feeders and hike some of the trails near the nature center.

A trip to visit the Altura sewage treatment ponds might be in order during shorebird migration time. As you pass through Elba, take Cty 26 to the right and up the hill (about 4 miles). Just before the stop sign, turn right and go up the hill to the ponds. There is a no trespassing sign on the gate that might not be visible if the gate is open. The view is quite adequate from outside the fence.

Just after you pass through Elba, there were (years ago) Townsend's Solitaire in the junipers near the cemetery, and on the juniper hillside further north of town. North of State Park check the pond/marsh across from the WMA headquarters building for Red-shouldered Hawks. Check the activity at the feeder by the building. A mile or so further up the road there is a pool on the left that is good for many species of waterfowl, waders, common moorhen etc. Check the shrubs along the roadside for warblers and songbirds. Red-shouldered Hawks are often heard calling just east of this pond. In winter watch for Golden Eagles soaring or perched high up on the hillsides. When you get to Cty 30, go left to the area where the stream is wider (waterfowl). Watch for Golden Eagles in the area.

Prairie Island, Winona: Check the marsh and lake area for ducks and grebes. About 1.5 miles along the road you will find Prairie Island Park; look for migrant thrushes, warblers and vireos along with woodpeckers and nuthatches. From Hwy 61 go east on Pelzer St, past Theurer Boulevard (on the left) and onto River View Drive. Turn left (north)on Prairie Island Road.

Wabash to Brownsville Highway 61: There are several Bald Eagle nests along this stretch of highway, and from November through December that ate thousands of migrating American White Pelicans, Tundra Swans, Canada Geese and several species of ducks, as well as wintering Bald Eagles.

Forestville State Park: Start at the picnic ground parking area right across the road from the big opening (where part of the old town used to be). Check the trees around the picnic area, then take the hiking trail across the road that runs right along the edge of the opening right next to the trees.

Hvoslev WMA: Tufted Titmouse, Ruffed Grouse, warblers and vireos can be found along the road as it wanders through the valley.

Beaver Creek Valley SP: Nesting Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher. Tufted Titmouse and Cerulean Warbler can be found here in the summer. Look for the waterthrush and flycatcher west of the main parking area. Go across the bridge and walk the main path that parallels the river. Acadian Flycatcher may be found near the buildings. Louisiana Waterthrush nest along the bank of the river. Winter Wren have been found in this area during nesting season.

Hike the path that runs between the camping area and the river (in the opposite direction from the parking area). Walk across the rocks that have been placed in the river, and take the path on the left. Tufted Titmouse, Cerulean Warbler and Indigo Bunting. During migration, warblers and thrushes can be found just about anywhere in the park.

Reno: Hwy 26 south of Reno (on the Mississippi River) down to the Iowa border offer good views of the backwaters. Tufted Titmouse are found along the road and Prothonotary Warbler may be found by checking the boat landing areas, especially Millstone Landing.

Mound Prairie: Between Houston and LaCrescent. Common Moorhen, Least Bittern and Sandhill Cranes are often found here. Take Hwy 16 east from Houston about 6 miles, turn north on Cty 25, and then turn right on Cty 21 after you pass through Mound Prairie (you'll know you went through when you hit Cty 21).

Great River Bluffs SP: The best spot to find Henslow's Sparrow is along the road, after the ranger station, and right before you get to the trail head for the Queen's Bluff Scientific Natural Area (on the left). Watch for the bird singing from the top of the taller grasses or plants on the northern side of the road (left). Bell's Vireos are often just across the road. Check the brushy area and listen for their repetitive song. Orchard Oriole as well.

LaCrescent: Look for vantage points onto the water. Check behind the highway department garage, just off of Hwy 16 near Hwy 14. You can drive through the parking area and right up to the water. Check for Common Moorhen and Least Bittern as well as waterfowl and wading birds. Another good spot is along the railroad levee east of the main north-south tracks. Find the crossing over the tracks and follow the road to the end. You can walk along the levee, or go up the hill to the tracks. You might find Least Bittern, egrets and herons and waterfowl. This is an excellent place to look for warblers in the spring, and nesting Prothonotary Warbler (near the water's edge).

Brownsville: There are several birding areas along Hwy 16, from the junction with Hwy 26 almost to Hokah. You can also take Cty 21 for 5 or 6 miles west, where you will find Mound Prairie marsh; you may see Least Bittern, Common Moorhen, and Sandhill Crane. Backtrack to Hwy 26 and go south to Brownsville and the river access points. At Brownsville look for birds along Cty 18 for a couple of miles; especially Tufted Titmouse.

Crex Meadows Grantsburg, WI Crex Meadows is part of Wisconsin's scenic Indianhead Country, the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is located in beautiful Burnett County, just north of the Village of Grantsburg. At 30,000 acres, Crex is the largest state owned wildlife area in Wisconsin. This intensively managed property is home to 270 species of birds and 600 species of plants. A wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects also reside here. Originally part of the Northern Wisconsin Pine Barrens, it is now the state's largest remaining portion of this globally endangered ecosystem. The rare sedge marsh and brush prairie habitats make the area a utopia for wildlife which makes Crex a paradise for bird watchers, naturalists and botanists.

Devil's Lake State Park Great scenery and a mix of northern and southern birds can be found here. For worm-eating Warbler, try nearby Baxter's Hollow Preserve. The International Crane Foundation is located just north of here in Baraboo.

Horicon Marsh Roger Tory Peterson once selected this as one of his top dozen birding spots. Huge staging area for migrating waterfowl.

Important Birding Areas (IBA's) in Minnesota

Minnesota River Valley Birding Trail Map

Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Map

Minnesota State Bird List

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Middle River, MN

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge Ortonville, MN

Fergus Falls Wetland Management District Fergus Falls, MN

Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge Audubon, MN

Hennepin Parks Plymouth, MN

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Bloomington, MN

Minnesota's Prairie Pothole Region Fergus Falls, MN

Minnesota Waterfowl Production Areas Fergus Falls, MN

Morris Wetland Management District Morris, MN

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge McGregor, MN

Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge MN

Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Erskine, MN

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Zimmerman, MN

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge MN

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Rochert, MN

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Winona, MN

Windom Wetland Management District Windom, MN

Birding Optics Blog: A monthly news bulletin that is being distributed through the generous support of Steiner Binoculars as a service to active and concerned birders. http://www.opticsblog.com/

Index of Recent Birding Listserv Traffic (North America) - This site gives you a great look into what birders are talking about across the country right now: http://server1.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/

Index of Current Rare Bird Alerts (RBAs) - Here are RBAs, the regular alerts on the most interesting birds: http://birdingonthe.net/hotmail.html

Index of Birding Festivals - This page from the website run by Bird Watcher's Digest; it can lead you to a birding festival, near or far: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/finderTool/birdFestFinder/birdFestSearch.aspx

Index of Birding Trails - This page is also from Bird Watcher's Digest, with a way to look up exciting birding-routes: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/travel/trails_list.aspx

ABA's Code of Birding Ethics - Here are the essential rules of birding afield: http://www.americanbirding.org/abaethics.htm

Google Maps - This is one of the best ways to help guide you to your next birding site: http://maps.google.com/

Minnesota Bird Conservation http://www.birdconservationminnesota.org/

North American Bird Conservation Initiative - The NABCI site provides you with an essential guide to integrated bird conservation in North America: http://www.nabci-us.org/

Important Bird Area Program - The IBA Program is a land-based conservation program prioritizing important sites year-round: http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/

Bird Observatories in North America - Find all the bird observatories in North America through this site: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/OBSERVATORY.html

American Bird Conservancy - This organization is doing important work in a number of different bird-conservation area: http://abcbirds.org/

BirdLife International - BirdLife is a global alliance of organizations working to preserve the world's birds: http://www.birdlife.org/

Birders' Exchange - A fine project of the American Birding Association, designed to get binoculars, field-guides, scopes, and other vital equipment to our counterparts in Latin America and the Caribbean: http://www.americanbirding.org/bex/

Visit Owling.com, A Site Dedicated Exclusively to Owls.

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