Birds in winter in Minnesota are a great reason 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, 453 bird species have been logged throughout the state.
Researchers use this data for conservation: the counts help 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 for 2025 include:
- Dec. 14: McGregor, Grand Rapids and Two Harbors
- Dec. 15: Walker
- Dec. 16: Detroit Lakes and Itasca State Park
- Dec. 18: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge- Rochert and Glacial Ridge Wildlife Refuge - Erskine
- Dec. 20: Crosby, Isle and Hawk Ridge in Duluth
- Dec. 21: Jenkins
- Dec. 27: Cook, Ely and Fredenberg Township near Canyon
- Dec. 30: Aurora and Carlton/Cloquet
- Jan. 1: Hibbing and Pillager
- Jan. 2: Beltrami Island
- Jan. 3: Baudette and Isabella
Click here for more locations and information.
What have you seen out there? Let us know: email us at comments@kaxe.org or text us at 218-326-1234.
For more phenology, subscribe 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).
