The Lake Country Scenic Byway is a premier area
for birding and wildlife observation. In fact, this is one of Minnesota’s
best areas for birdwatching enthusiasts. It’s possible to view over
250 species of birds in the Byway region, with 162 breeding in the area.
Numerous birding refuges and trails offer excellent viewing and habitat
opportunities. Hiking trails offer premier birdwatching. There are over
11 trails specially geared to birdwatching.
CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST/SHINGOBEE
AREA
The Chippewa is home to one of the largest populations
of breeding bald eagles in the continental US. Observers can also
view waterfowl and songbirds in abundance. Also see Eastern bluebirds,
parula warblers, scarlet tanagers, least fly catchers and bald eagles.
Six miles of birding trails wind through jack pine, red pine, cedar
swamp and birch forest.
HEARTLAND TRAIL
The Trail’s excellent birding terrain is a
mix of jack pine, red and white pine and spruce, all mixed with farmland
and meadows. The Trail’s habitat is home to one of the area’s
largest bluebird populations, boasting 110 houses. Birds commonly
observed include the bald eagle, brown thrasher, great blue heron,
green heron, ruffed grouse, northern orioles, scarlet tanagers and
a variety of ducks. Wildlife includes whitetail deer, raccoon, red
fox, porcupine, beaver and muskrat.
PAUL BUNYAN STATE FOREST/GULCH
LAKES AREA
The forest provides a favorable environment for
viewing birds and wildlife. Steep hillsides surrounding small lakes
harbor bald eagles, osprey, black bears, gray wolves, white-tailed
deer, beavers, hooded mergansers and Common Loon. A great blue heron
rookery can be seen from Highway 64 north of Akeley.
ITASCA STATE PARK
There are abundant birding and wildlife viewing
opportunities in the 2,000-acre wilderness sanctuary and 6,000 acres
of old growth forest in Itasca. Hiking and self-guided nature trails
allow observers to view bald eagles, black-backed woodpeckers, black
bears and 27 species of orchids.
PINE-TO-PRAIRIE BIRDING TRAIL
The western side of the Lake Country Scenic Byway,
near Detroit Lakes, is on this premier 200-mile trail that begins
at the Canadian border and offers over 43 sites to view birds. The
Trail is comprised of a unique collection of birding habitats including
pine forests, deciduous woodlands, native tall grass prairies, aspen
parkland, sand dunes, bogs, marshes, lakes and rivers. Two-hundred-seventy-
five species of birds can be found along the Pine-To-Prairie Birding
Trail. The Pine-To-Prairie Trail includes the following prime birding
areas:
HAMDEN SLOUGH NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
Habitat includes large and small wetlands, grasslands
and wooded shelter belts. The trails overlooking wetlands offer an
abundance of birding and wildlife opportunities. Birds to see include:
green-winged teal, canvasback, redhead, common Goldeneye, ruddy duck,
snowy owl (winter), sedge and marsh wrens, grassland sparrows, bobolink
and yellow-headed blackbird. Best Time To Visit: April-November
TAMARAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The 43,000-acre refuge provides a natural habitat
for more than 200 species of birds at this location alone. Wildlife
habitat features conifer and deciduous woodlands, lakes, bogs, marshes
and prairies. Birds To See: common loon, trumpeter swan, wood duck,
bald eagle, red shouldered and broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcon,
ruffed grouse, American woodcock, sedge and marsh wrens. View 25 species
of warbler in mid-May. The Refuge hosts the Detroit Lakes Festival
of Birds in May. Best Time To Visit: April-June, August-October
DETROIT LAKES WETLAND MANAGEMENT
DISTRICT/PRAIRIE-MARSH TRAIL & BOARDWALK
The habitat range features cattail marsh, wetland,
prairie and woodlots. Birds To See: trumpeter swan, Northern harrier,
common nighthawk, woodpeckers, flycatchers, sedge wren, Eastern bluebird,
prairie sparrow, rose-breasted grosbeak, Baltimore oriole and finches
Best Time To Visit: April-June, August-October
DUNTON LOCKS COUNTY PARK
Wildlife habitat features lakes, marshes and woodlands.
Offers outstanding opportunities to view Great Blue Herons up close
in their natural environment. Birds To See: common loon, red-necked
grebe, waterfowl, woodpeckers, vireos, warblers and finches Nearby
is a great blue heron rookery. Best Time To Visit: May-October
AREA BIRDING EVENTS
March Return of the great blue heron
April Bald eagles and great blue herons lay eggs
May Pine-To-Prairie Birding Trail Count Bald eagles
& great blue herons lay eggs Loons return to nesting territories
Annual Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, Detroit Lakes A celebration
of migration. Enjoy guided field trips, workshops, speakers and trade
show.
June Loon chicks hatch December Audubon Bird Count,
Itasca State Park.
For more information contact the local Chamber
of Commerce.
Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber:
http://www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Park Rapids Area Chamber:
http://www.parkrapids.com
Leech Lake Area Chamber:
http://www.leech-lake.com
Itasca State Park:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us
