Winter in Minnesota offers many opportunities to connect with nature, whether it is at the bird feeder, on the road or through the Christmas Bird Count.
For over 100 years, the Christmas Bird Count has been a cherished tradition in Minnesota, organized by the National Audubon Society and the Minnesota Ornithological Union.
Since the program’s inception, 201 bird species have been logged throughout the state.
As Pam Perry, retired DNR wildlife biologist and recent Morning Show guest, explains, this data is critical for conservation. Researchers use it to identify population trends, migration patterns and the impact of climate change.
Bird lovers across the state have geographical areas of focus and designated 15-mile-diameter sections to record birds. Upcoming bird counts include:
- Dec. 14: Bemidji, Walker and Crosby
- Dec. 15: Grand Rapids/Cohasset area
- Dec. 17: Itasca State Park and Detroit Lakes
- Dec. 18: McGregor
- Dec. 19: Erskine
- Dec. 22: Ideal Corners
- Dec. 28: Cook and Fredenberg townships
- Dec. 31: Aurora
- Jan. 1: Hibbing and Pillager
- Jan. 2: Carlton/Cloquet
- Jan. 3: Beltrami Island
- Jan. 4: Isabella and Baudette
"You get to spend time with people who like to be outdoors and like to find birds," Perry said of the yearly count.
To learn more or find a Christmas Bird Count near you, visit moumn.org/CBC.
Winter bird-watching tips
Perry described her own bird feeder activity this season, noting common sightings of woodpeckers, goldfinches, chickadees, nuthatches and the occasional Purple Finch. She noted a decrease in sightings of Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls.
Woodpeckers over time have expanded their range northward, a trend Perry said is due to more feeding options and warmer winters with the changing climate.
For the bird nerds among us, Perry offered advice on what to be looking for during this season and at Christmas Bird Counts.
White-winged Crossbills have been showing up recently, and Snow Buntings and Rough-legged Hawks may be in open field areas.
Also look for elusive winter owls, which may be out right now. The Sax-Zim Bog is a hotspot for seeing these majestic birds — stop by the welcome center or check the bird report for recent sighting information.
Listen to the full conversation with information about more winter birds, woodpeckers and other cavity nesters above.
For more phenology, <b class="rte2-style-bold">subscribe</b> to our Season Watch Newsletter or visit the Season Watch Facebook page.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
