Locations
- 04
- June
- 2014
The birding locations listed in this index are not intended to represent a comprehensive list, as many more sites could be included. I welcome suggestions, and/or content to include to additional Southwest Minnesota sites. Feel welcome to contribute to this birding resource, that others might benefit from your knowledge and experience. For a comprehensive resource, […]
read moreField Notes Sheets
- 06
- January
- 2014
Bird watchers interested in increasing their identification skill will likely benefit from taking field notes. These two samples (simple, and detailed) are examples of field not taking. As forms, they help to remind one of the characteristics to cue into when observing a bird. DOWNLOAD: SAMPLE-Quick Field Notes DOWNLOAD: SAMPLE-Detailed Field Notes
read moreBird Family Typical Characteristics
- 06
- January
- 2014
Each family grouping of birds tends to have a few identification characteristics that are most useful to conclusively identify, This chart is a quick reference list of those important characteristics. DOWNLOAD: Family Characteristics
read more99 Best Birds to Know
- 01
- January
- 2014
Especially for beginners, here is a list of 99 of birds that Southwest Minnesota bird watchers will benefit to know by sight. DOWNLOAD: 99birds
read moreBird Feed Guide
- 27
- November
- 2013
Selecting a bird feeder should be an easy task, however, there are an increasing number of choices of feeders, and many companies are designing feeders to “attract” a specific species. To complicate matters, an increasing variety of choices of bird feed are commercially available. Feeling the burden of too many choices? The two charts accessible […]
read moreFruiting Shrubs Chart
- 27
- November
- 2013
There are several beneficial shrubs that provide fruit for migrating (or summer nesting) species. Many of these shrubs have another benefit in that the spring flowers attract insects, which in turn attract insect-eating birds. The chart accessed through the link below provides brief information about selected shrubs considered beneficial to bird species. Included in the […]
read moreBird Migration dates
- 27
- November
- 2013
Before Spring has sprung its time to prepare for the arrival of waves of bird species that may visit your backyard, or rural environment. The link below opens a chart that lists migration dates for the most common species that may visit our yards and acreages, and what they may be looking for. Keep in […]
read moreEdgerton City Park
- 14
- November
- 2013
This is one of my all time favorite stop ins during spring migration, for it never fails that something interesting is lurking in the small spaces. Spotted Towhee, Blue-winged Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting to name a few in the last 20 years. Its a quick stop for a short walk, and even if the birds […]
read moreLake Maria Lake Sarah
- 14
- November
- 2013
Here’s a couple Murray County lakes worth a visit in migration, and during nesting season. There’s not much to them, but they often seem to hold a surprise. In summer look for nesting Western Grebe, or perhaps Common Loon (seen with young in 2013). The diversion structure gives a vantage point at the busy area […]
read moreBig Slough WPA
- 14
- November
- 2013
This vast tract of wetland is a glimpse of what the prairie pothole region was all about. As such, the best way to explore this area is by canoe or kayak. To do so might reveal White-faced Ibis, or Trumpeter Swan, but will certainly take you smack in to the world of nesting rails, and […]
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