Despite last week’s frigid weather, spring is on its way. Fittingly, one of its first signs comes with a winter-themed name: Snow Buntings.
Much like Red-winged Blackbirds, male Snow Buntings migrate north early to claim breeding territories. They have a few weeks to sing, display, and settle territorial disputes before the females arrive.
These arctic-adapted birds can withstand –40°F with barely a shiver, thanks to their superior insulation. Snow Buntings also burrow into snow or huddle in warm spots (including decomposing manure piles) to survive frigid nights.
Over the next month, watch for large flocks of these white-and-brown birds flying low over fields and roadsides, foraging for seeds. Wish them well as they wing their way north—spring is coming!
What have you seen out there? Let us know: email us at comments@kaxe.org or text us at 218-326-1234.
That does it for this week! For more phenology, <b>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).
