A Birder's Guide to Minnesota  -  Kim Eckert, Author

INTRODUCTION

References and Resources / Books (p.7)

The new "Minnesota River Valley Birding Trail" booklet includes 17 loops to 132 birding areas in the vast Minnesota River watershed of western and south-central Minnesota. It is available for $2.00 from Audubon Minnesota, 2357 Ventura Dr., Suite 106, St. Paul 55125; you can also download the information at www.birdingtrail.org.

A Guide to Minnesota's Prairie Passage Route and Sites is a free booklet available from the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Office of Environmental Services (address on p. 7; telephone 651-284-3765). It includes historical, natural history, and other information on 38 sites along the so-called Prairie Passage Route, most of which are included in the West Region.

References and Resources / Maps (p. 7-8)

The DOT county highway maps are now available from the Minnesota Bookstore (see above).

A new and recommended atlas with detailed county maps is the Minnesota Highway and Recreational Atlas ($19.95; published by Cloud Cartographics in St. Cloud, telephone 800-731-8005, website www.ccimaps.com). Almost all back roads statewide are now signed as numbered streets and avenues, and this is currently the only complete set of maps with this information. Sold at many convenience stores and other retailers along side the DeLorme atlases.

Bob Ekblad's website address is now birding-minnesota.com. This website includes good information on birding locations (especially Olmsted County), contacts, and other resources (including these updates to A Birder's Guide to Minnesota).

References and Resources / Hotlines (p. 8)
The Duluth Birding Report telephone number has been changed to (218) 834-2858.

References and Resources / Bird Clubs (p. 8)
The MOU's new website address is moumn.org.

To subscribe to the MOU-net listserve (mou-net@moumn.org), see the instructions at <http://moumn.org/subscribe.html>.

ANNOTATED LIST OF MINNESOTA BIRDS

As of 1 January 2007, the MOU Records Committee recognizes 432 species recorded in the state. Since the publication of this guide in 2002, Cackling Goose, Brown Pelican, Wood Stork,  Slaty-backed Gull, Costa's Hummingbird, and Green Violet-ear have been added, and Black Phoebe has been deleted. There are now 312 species classified as Regular, 35 Casual, 82 Accidental, 2 Extirpated, and 1 Extinct.

Kittson County (p. 54-55) 

The Wallace C. Dayton area, part of The Nature Conservancy's Tallgrass Aspen Parkland Project, now has Sharp-tailed Grouse observation blinds; call (218) 498-2679 for information.

Amended directions to the Hallock sewage ponds: from Highway 175, go 2.1 miles south on Highway 75, then 1 mile west and 0.2 mile north.

Roseau County (p. 55-59)

The habitat along the back roads south and west of Roseau River Wildlife Management Area (inset B), including the sedge marshes along County Road 7 (4), is not as productive as before. The remaining grasslands and marshes are now fragmented by brushlands, aspen stands, and agriculture.

The north-south road through the meadows on inset C (C5) is now signed 360th Avenue. To reach this area from Roseau, it is best to go west 3 miles on Highway 11 to County Road 123 and then north 4 miles. This area can be reached by going north 4 miles from Roseau on Highway 310 and then west 3 miles, but this east-west road may be impassable in wet weather.

Pennington County (p. 62-63)

As of May 2005, the north-south road past the west side of Goose Lake (see inset A) was in good condition and passable its entire length. The mixed habitats of marshes, thickets, and grasslands are still intact here and, except for prairie-chickens, remain potentially good for the species mentioned.

Red Lake County (p. 63)

The productive cemetery for birding is Oak Grove Cemetery on County Road 1, located 1.5 miles east of Highway 32. (The cemetery a mile east of 32 has little or no birding potential.)

The Red Lake Falls sewage ponds have been enlarged and are definitely worth checking. Amended directions are: from downtown, take Third Street west to its end at the edge of town, then go 0.5 mile north and 0.2 mile west.

The smaller Plummer sewage ponds are on Central Avenue (not Main Street), 0.2 mile west of the river.

Polk County (p. 64-67)

Amended directions to the McIntosh sewage ponds: 0.7 mile east on Highway 2 to 370th Street, north 0.1 mile to the T, then continue north on the dirt track 0.2 mile.

The east-west road to the Wetlands, Pines, and Prairie Audubon Sanctuary (1) is now signed 190th Street.

The so-called Melo water impoundment near the Wetlands, Pines, and Prairie Audubon Center (1) can attract a variety of water birds in wet years during summer or migration (in dry years, this location has been plowed up and planted): from the Audubon Center on 190th Street, go 1.5 miles east, 2 miles south, 2 miles east, and 1 mile south. 

 Note the county road numbers in this area have been renumbered and can be confusing: 

• County Road 23 goes east from Angus for 5.3 miles, then 3 miles north, and now continues 4 miles east to the Pennington County line (where it becomes County Road 8). 

• At the corner where County 23 turns east, County Road 69 goes west 1 mile, north 1 mile, then west 6 miles to Highway 75. 

• And where County 69 turns west, County Road 68 goes north 2.4 miles to the Marshall County line (where it becomes County Road 36 to Highway 1).

The Malmberg Prairie west of Crookston (see p. 65) was wet enough in 2005 to attract Yellow Rails; accordingly, Le Conte's and possibly Nelson's Sharp-tailed sparrows should also occur here during summer or migration.

There are now prairie-chicken observation blinds at The Nature Conservancy's Glacial Ridge Project / National Wildlife Refuge (see p. 66); call the Crookston Chamber of Commerce (218) 281-4320 for information. Glacial Ridge N.W.R. (see inset C) now has a headquarters building on Highway 32, 3 miles south of Highway 2. This refuge, which includes portions of the former Crookston Cattle Company (C5) and other nearby areas, has created some water impoundments along County Road 45 west of Highway 32.

The county landfill east of Crookston often attracts good numbers of gulls during migration. On Highway 2, go 6 miles west from Highway 32 (or 8 miles east from Highway 9) to County Road 44, then 1 mile north and 0.3 mile east.

There are now prairie-chicken blinds at Neal Wildlife Management Area, with visits arranged by the Twin Valley Heritage & Arts Center: telephone (218) 584-5658. From the road, prairie-chickens have recently been most easily observed along County Road 28, 1-2 miles north of County Road 39 (see inset A).

Clay County (p. 72-74)

Although the American Crystal Sugar sewage ponds in Moorhead are still off-limits, there are new municipal ponds nearby which can be birded from a public road: from Highway 10, go north 1 mile on Highway 75 to N. 15th Street, then east 0.5 mile on 15th to N. 28th Street, and north 0.5 mile. 

Wilkin County (p. 74-76)

The roads in the Rothsay area (inset A) and elsewhere in the county are now numbered on street signs: the east-west road by the prairie-chicken lek (A1) is 190th Street; the parallel road a mile to the south is 200th Street; and the north-south road at the east end of 190th and 200th is 300th Avenue.

There are small sewage ponds in Rothsay on Third Avenue N.W., just south of the giant prairie-chicken!

Otter Tail County (p. 76-79)

The sewage ponds in Perham just south of Highway 10 and east of Highway 78 are along Minnesota Street (not 425th Street). The Underwood sewage ponds are 0.5 mile east (not west) from County Road 35.

There are new sewage ponds in Henning and Urbank: from the junction of Highways 108 and 210 in Henning, go 0.8 mile northeast on 210 to County Road 67, then 0.1 mile west and 0.6 mile north on 67; the small Urbank ponds are 0.2 mile west on County Road 38.

Douglas County (p. 79-80)

Amended directions to the Osakis sewage ponds: on Highway 27, go west 1 block from the County Road 3 junction, then south 1 mile on Clifford Lake Road.

Grant County (p. 80-82)

Black-crowned Night-Herons apparently no longer nest at Egret Island (B2). However, Cattle Egrets are still there, and they still favor the pasture on the south side of Pelican Lake, along the dead-end road north off County Road 54, a mile west of the county line (see inset B).

There are sewage ponds at Elbow Lake located on County Road 25, 1.5 miles west of Highway 54 (see inset A).

Amended directions to the Hoffman sewage ponds: 0.3 mile south from Highway 27 on 7th Street N., then 0.3 mile east on Carolina Avenue.

Traverse County (p. 83-84)

Amended directions to Miller Prairie West: south on County Road 15 for 2 miles from Highway 27, then west 1 mile to the 320-acre tract's northeast corner; turn south for 0.5 mile along the tract's east side, and/or continue west for 1 mile along the north side.

A third area worth birding in the Mud Lake vicinity (see inset A) is White Lake Wildlife Management Area, 2 miles north of the lake on County Road 10 just east of the Red River. There are thickets and planted conifers for migrants, and in dry periods the river's mudflats can attract herons/egrets and shorebirds.

There are new sewage ponds in Dumont: from the junction of Highway 75 and County Road 6, go 1.2 miles north on 75, then 0.2 mile east.

Stevens County (p. 84-85)

The Morris Wetland Management District has a 2.5-mile auto tour road which passes by several wetlands (and some planted junipers) and is worth checking especially if water levels are low enough for shorebirds. To reach the headquarters, where maps of the auto tour and other information are available, go east from Morris on County Road 10 (see directions on p. 85 to the sewage ponds) for 3.4 miles.

There are new sewage ponds in Hancock: from downtown, take the first street west of the railroad tracks (Pacific Avenue / Old Highway 9) and go 1.3 miles southeast.

Kandiyohi County (p. 87-88)

Lac Qui Parle County (p. 93-96)

The Nature Conservancy tract west of Appleton along Swift County Road 51 (see inset A) no longer exists.

The road which turns northwest off Highway 119 towards the Marsh Lake dam is now numbered 115th Street S.W. (see inset A); the road which goes southwest and dead-ends at the dam is now numbered 100th Street S.W.

In recent years, both Sharp-tailed Grouse (natural range expansion from South Dakota) and Greater Prairie-Chickens (reintroduced) have established leks in Lac Qui Parle and other adjacent counties. One lek where both species have been seen displaying is along the east edge of Plover Prairie (see area C2 on p. 94); another is in southwestern Swift County: from Appleton, go 3 miles west on Highway 7 to County Road 51, then 1.4 miles south on 51 to 90th Street and west a half mile (see Lac Qui Parle County inset A on p. 95).

Renville County (p. 99-102)

Amended directions to the area along the Minnesota River northwest of Granite Falls (see inset C): turn north off Highway 212 on 15th Street (the first street west of the railroad viaduct), go 3 blocks to a T, jog east 1 block to 14th Street, and follow 14th as it turns west onto 306th Avenue along the river; 306th comes out on Highway 212, about 4 miles west of town.

Yellow Medicine County (p. 102-103)

There are now large sewage ponds at Canby: from downtown, go 0.9 miles northeast on Highway 75 to County Road 3, then east 1.1 miles.

There are new small sewage ponds in St. Leo: 0.5 mile north on County Road 11, then 0.2 mile east.

Lyon County (p. 106-108)

The Lincoln-Lyon county line shown on inset B should be located 1 mile to the east.

The Lyon County landfill just north of Black Rush Lake is 1 mile west of Highway 23 on County Road 59 and 0.5 mile north; confirmed records here include California Gull.

There are sewage ponds at Russell: west 1.1 miles from Highway 23 on County Road 59, then 0.5 mile south.

Brown County (p. 109-110)

The correct spelling of the brewery in New Ulm is Schell.

Cottonwood County (p. 111-113)

Another name for Regier Slough (see inset A) is Regehr Wildlife Management Area.

Great-tailed Grackles appear to have nested at Bat Lake in 2002 and 2003: the west side of the lake is 0.5 mile south, 0.5 mile east, and 0.5 mile south from Delft.

Pipestone County (p. 116-117)

As they did several summers ago near Cazenovia, Chestnut-collared Longspurs may still breed in northwestern Pipestone County: some were found in 2006 in an Altona Township pasture north of Cazenovia. Because the site is on private land, the exact location was not given, but the best potential habitat may be in the 3 x 3 mile area bounded on the east by Highway 75, on the north by the Lincoln County line, on the west by County Road 15, and on the south by County Road 10.

There is a new flood-control reservoir bordered by grasslands just south of Ruthton which might be worth checking for marshes or mudflats, depending on water levels. From Ruthton, go 2 miles south on Highway 23, and turn east at the sign for the Minett Krintz Reservoir, just north of the County Road 18 junction.  

Rock County (p. 117-119)

As of May 2007, it was possible to arrange birding access to the sewage ponds in Luverne (B3) at the Gold ‘N Plump plant: the contact person was David Smith at the Luverne Chamber of Commerce, telephone (888) 283-4061 or e-mail <luvernechamb@iw.net>. (However, do not attempt to enter the site without advance permission.)

Nobles County (p. 119-120)

In the recreation area at the south side of Lake Bella (see inset A), be sure to check the extensive stands of planted conifers during migration/winter for roosting owls, crossbills, etc.

Alternate directions to the county park at Indian Lake: from the south side of Lake Bella, go 0.5 mile east, 2 miles north, 5 miles east, and 1.5 miles south. Be sure to check the heavily wooded south end of Indian Lake for migrants: follow the road east through the county park until it ends.

The power plant in Worthington has shut down and been dismantled; therefore, Okabena Lake (inset A) is no longer a potential site for wintering waterfowl.

Amended directions to the Worthington sewage ponds from the north (see inset A): from Interstate 90, go 2 miles northeast on Highway 60 to County Road 36, then east on 36 across the tracks, and south 0.5 mile on Sundberg Avenue to the ponds (visibility limited).

Jackson County (p. 121-123)

Amended directions to the mudflats in the Heron Lake Outlet stream (shown but not labeled on inset A): from Highway 60, go 1.3 miles south and east on County Road 24 to the junction with a north-south road; from here, one view of the Outlet is 0.4 mile east, and the other is 0.3 mile south.

The point for birding in Sandy Point County Park (see inset A) is accessed next to the observation tower, before you reach the end of the park road. There is now access to another good point just north of the park: follow the dead-end road which turns north by the park entrance.

The wooded road along the Des Moines River just northwest of Jackson is now numbered 530th Avenue (see inset C).

The town of Round Lake in southeastern Nobles County has its sewage ponds in Jackson County: from downtown, go south on Main Street to 6th Avenue, turn east on 6th (or County Road 51) for 1/2 mile, and where it curves south continue east on the dirt road to the gated ponds on the Jackson side of the county line.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Principal Birding Locations (p. 125)

On the Migration map, "s" is Mille Lacs Lake; on the Summer/Breeding map, "s" is St. John's University, "t" is Lake Osakis, and "u" is Crane Meadows NWR.

Faribault County (p. 126)

The sewage ponds at Winnebago and the ponds off County Road 29 at Wells no longer exist.

Mower County (p. 128)

Fillmore County (p. 129-131)

The two best areas for woods birds (e.g., Acadian Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush) at Forestville State Park (A1) are along Forestville Creek (near the park's west entrance and contact station) and Canfield Creek (immediately east of the contact station, turn south on the road which dead-ends at the group campground, and hike south on Big Spring Trail).

Henslow's Sparrows have been found in recent summers in the weedy field at Hvoslef Wildlife Management Area (see directions, p. 131).

There are also two good heavily wooded areas just north of Hvoslef WMA, To reach the first, return to County Rd 23, go north 2.6 miles to County Road 12, then east on 12 for 2.3 miles, bear left on the gravel road where 12 curves south, and 1 mile north is the Cabbage Rock / Shattuck Creek area.

To reach the second area, return to County Road 12, go left or southeast 0.5 mile, and turn right or south on a minimum maintenance road which leads downhill about 2 miles to the Root River.

Another good area for woods birds is Good Earth Village, a religious retreat near Spring Valley which is open to birders. From the junction of Highways 16 and 63 in Spring Valley (see inset C), go north 2 blocks on County Road 1 to Farmer Street / County Road 8, turn east on 8 past the fish hatchery ponds, and continue another 4.3 miles northeast on County 8 to the Good Earth sign. Follow the driveway to the main lodge where trail maps are available; the best areas are along the south end of the Fish Trail and the north end of the Clover Trail.

Houston County (p. 132-136)

The area in southern Houston County for Northern Bobwhites (A2) can no longer be recommended. After thorough research, it has been determined that the species has been essentially extirpated from Minnesota as a "wild" bird, with any bobwhites sighted at present or in recent years all presumed to have originated from local game farm releases.

On inset B, County Road 29 leading north out of La Crescent and continuing northwest as Winona County Road 1 is the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive. It is not only scenic, but this road also has places to scan for raptors and other migrants above the Mississippi River, and it passes thickets and fields with potential for such rarities as Bell's Vireo and Henslow's Sparrow. The main stoplight intersection in La Crescent is where Highway 16 / 14 / 61 turns east towards La Crosse. From this intersection, take the frontage road on the west side of the highway (Walnut Street) 1 block north to Third Street, then go 2 blocks west to Elm Street, and then north on Elm which becomes the Scenic Drive.

The marshy wetlands at Mound Prairie (B5) appeared drier than normal in spring 2004 and were unproductive for water birds. However, a large nearby wetland appeared to be potentially as good as Mound Prairie used to be: it is located along the north side of Highway 16, 3.4 miles west of the Highway 44 junction in Hokah.

In the Reno area (C6), Tundra Swans have been congregating along the Mississippi River by the thousands in recent Novembers, their numbers normally much greater than in the Weaver area of Wabasha/Winona counties. Estimates of the swan numbers here have been as high as 20,000. The best places to scan for them and other waterfowl are between mile markers 9 and 12 along Highway 26, or about 1-3 miles north of Reno.

The road out of Reno to the recreation area campground (C6) is now named Hillside Road. It is worth following this road north for about another 4 miles to another recreation area campground where Tufted Titmouse and Cerulean Warbler have been found. (Farther north, in about another 4 miles, Hillside Road comes out on County Road 3, a mile west of Brownsville (see inset B).

Winona County (p. 137-141)

The wooded trail at Donehower at mile marker 13 on Highway 61 (C1) was posted as closed to public entry as of spring 2006.

Waseca County (p. 147)

Moonan Marsh is said to be the best wetland in the county, as evidenced by two Common Moorhen broods here in 2006 and Sandhill Cranes recently nesting in the area. From downtown Waseca, go 1.5 miles east on Highway 14 to County Road 4, then about 4 miles northeast to the site with the best visibility on the east side of 4. 

One of the county’s best sites for migrant woods birds is Courthouse County Park: from downtown Waseca, go 3.5 miles south on Highway 13, then 0.7 mile west to County Road 4, then 0.5 mile south to County Road 75, and 0.5 mile west. The other wooded site is Maplewood Park just east of Waseca on County Road 4, on the southeast side of Clear Lake.

Bell’s Vireos were still present in 2006 at the Senn-Rich Wildlife Management Area on the west side of Highway 13, about 6 miles south of Waseca. Look especially in the southeast corner of the WMA and west of the county’s brush/compost site just north of the WMA.

Blue Earth County (p. 148-149)

Kentucky Warblers were also found at Williams Nature Center (A1) in 2001 and were still present in 2007. The Mankato vicinity (including Seven Mile Creek County Park in Nicollet County in the 1990s) has been the only reliable area for this rare-Regular warbler in recent years.

Louisiana Waterthrush can also be found in Minneopa State Park (also A1) along Minneopa Creek.

The extensive tracts of junipers, rock outcroppings, and grasslands on the Le Sueur County portion of inset A just north and south of Kasota Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (A2) look just as good as (or even better than) the SNA for birding. Also check for Prothonotary Warblers along the creeks and Minnesota River backwaters in this vicinity, especially just north of the Le Sueur/Blue Earth county line.

Sibley County (p.151-152)

The only sewage ponds at Gibbon are the ones along Highway 19 east of town. The other "Gibbon" sewage ponds (on County Road 67, 0.6 mile east of Highway 22) are actually in Gaylord, and these are the best ones in the county. Also, the smaller and less productive sewage pond in Gaylord is on Tower (not Town) Street.

Le Sueur County (p. 152-153)

The Elysian sewage ponds on County Road 14 are located 0.7 mile east (not west) of County Road 11.

Goodhue County (p. 154-157)

Amended directions to Colville Park in Red Wing (A2): going southeast from Red Wing on Highway 61, turn right at the signs for Highway 262 and "City Park", take an immediate right and turn right again at the Colville Park sign, and turn at the bottom of the hill into the park.

There are some heavily wooded spots for warblers and other migrants in Red Wing along the road past Barn Bluff. Follow the street off Highway 61 (E. 7th Street) leading to the turn-off for Colville Park (A2), continue west past Colville to Centennial Street, at the Barn Bluff signs turn right to 5th Street, and then right again past Barn Bluff until the road dead-ends by the river beyond the power plant.

There are sewage ponds at Cannon Falls: 1 mile north on Highway 20, then 0.4 mile west on County Road 17.

Dakota County (p. 157-159)

A reliable spot for Prothonotary Warblers has been on the east side of the Vermillion River, adjacent to the public access area on County Road 68 (see inset C).

Amended directions to birding access points around Lake Byllesby (2):

•  To reach the south side in Goodhue Co., about a mile south of Randolph, follow the public access signs east from Hwy 56, which lead you on Scotia Trail and 23rd Avenue for 1.3 miles to a parking area.

•  On the north side along County Road 88 / 292nd Street, hike south past the county park sign and gate, 0.2 mile east of Highway 56. Also, 0.3 mile farther east, turn south into the cemetery and follow the track back to the right.

•  To reach the east side, turn south off County Road 88 on Gerlach Way, 2.2 miles east of Highway 56, which leads to Lake Byllesby Regional Park, which has some good-looking stands of conifers. (Or from the east, go north 1 mile from Cannon Falls on Highway 20, then west on Goodhue County Road 17 / Dakota County Road 88 for 1.5 miles to the park sign.)

Water levels in a wetland along 180th Street just north of Vermillion are often low and attractive to herons/egrets, shorebirds, and marsh birds. From Highway 52 / 56, go 2.7 miles east on 180th Street; or from Goodwin Avenue / County Road 85, go 0.5 mile west on 180th.

The sod farms along Blaine Avenue are the Jirik Sod Farms. Amended directions to the Castle Rock Sod Farms: along the west side of Highway 3, just south of County Road 86 / 280th Street.

Carver County (p. 162-163)

One of the best areas of woodlands along the Minnesota River in the county is around Chaska Lake, where Acadian Flycatcher and Prothonotary Warbler sometimes summer. From Highway 41 in Chaska, take W. First Street to the west edge of town, turn south just before the railroad tracks to the ball fields, and follow the hiking trail behind the ball fields south to the lake and eventually west into the town of Carver.

South of Carver, Orchard Orioles and the local Lark Sparrow can be found in summer. Just west of town, turn south off County Road 40 on County Road 45, and listen for the orioles in semi-open areas between 45 and the river. The best place for Lark Sparrows is beyond the gated east end of Carver Highlands Drive, which turns east at the junction of County Roads 45 and 50.

In addition to the Whip-poor-wills and Prothonotary Warblers mentioned for the gated trail off County Road 40 just east of Highway 25 (see p. 163), there are recent summer records for Bell’s Vireo, Cerulean Warbler, and Louisiana Waterthrush.

In Carver Park Reserve (1), the best deciduous woodlands are said to be along the trails north of Steiger Lake, where Cerulean Warblers have occurred; trail maps are available at Lowry Nature Center.

Hennepin/Ramsey/Washington Counties (p. 166-176)

Because of increased security concerns, the Blue Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant (A2) is now off-limits to birders; efforts to reestablish access are ongoing.

At Black Dog Lake (Aa2), usually the best place to check both halves of the lake for ducks, gulls, and other water birds from late fall into early spring is from Black Dog Park on the south side. If the gate is closed north of the park's parking lot, one can usually still get through the fence and take the path via the pedestrain bridge which leads towards the power plant between the lake halves.

In this same Black Dog area, the Park and Ride access to the Scientific and Natural Area along Cliff Road is now named Cliff Fen Park. From the kiosk north of the parking lot, one of the better trails for birding crosses and leads north away from the railroad tracks.

In Hastings, the access to the Rebecca Lake area (B4) has been renamed Spring Street (formerly Lock and Dam Road). Another access to the river farther west: from Spring Lake Regional Park, return to County Road 42 on Idell Avenue, go west less than a mile to the public access sign at Hilary Path, which leads through a densely wooded area on the river 

Another good area near Hastings to check for migrant and wintering water birds is Point Douglas Park, at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers: the park is 3 miles east of Highway 61 along Highway 10, immediately before the bridge to Prescott, Wisconsin.

There are three other pedestrian-bridge accesses to the levee along the Mississippi River near Pigs Eye Lake in South St. Paul (inset Bb). Besides the access at Verderosa Avenue (see p.173), one is 1 mile farther north on Hardman Avenue at Grand Avenue, and two are on Concord Street at Bryant Avenue (1 mile north of Grand) and at Butler Avenue (1/2 mile north of Bryant).

Amended directions to Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis/Golden Valley (see inset Ab): exit Interstate 394 at Penn Avenue S., go west on the frontage road along the south side of 394 for 1/2 mile to the sign for Theodore Wirth Parkway, turn left and then right to follow the parkway north 1/2 mile to the signed Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden / Bird Sanctuary parking lot. Coming from the north, this site is immediately south of Glenwood Avenue.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan (see p. 175) is a current favorite of Twin Cities birders in spring and summer, especially for breeding birds. During the last few summers, a few Hooded Warblers and Summer Tanagers have been found (along with Red-shouldered Hawk, Wood Thrush, and other southeastern-type woods birds), plus several singing Mourning Warblers (at the southern edge of their range). To reach the most productive woods for these, start at the parking lot/trailhead at the corner of Cliff Road and Lexington Avenue (1 mile east of Pilot Knob Road), and follow the signed trails which lead generally southwest towards the parking lot/trailhead on Pilot Knob, 3/4 mile south of Cliff Road.

The relatively new Purgatory Creek wetlands area in Eden Prairie is often attractive to waterbirds, sometimes including shorebirds when water levels are low. From the junction of I-494 and Highway 5, go west on 5 to Prairie Center Drive (the first intersection west of 494); then south on Prairie Center to Technology Drive (the first intersection south of 5); turn right and go west about 1/2 mile to St. Andrew's Church on the north side of Technology; park here, cross over to the south side of the street, and follow the asphalt path which leads south to the west side of the wetlands.

Amended directions to the Hamel sewage ponds (see p. 176): from "downtown" Hamel (just off Highway 55, about 3 miles west of Interstate 494), follow Hamel Road 0.7 mile west, and turn south to the gate.

Amended directions to the Loretto sewage ponds (also p. 176): from the south side of town, go east from County Road 19 on Hamel Road for 0.6 mile and turn north to the gate; or continue another 0.2 mile east on Hamel, turn north on Tomahawk Trail, and there are gates in 0.3 and 0.8 miles. (Without permission for access from someone, however, there is little or no visibility.)

“A Guide to Birding Ramsey County,” a 40-page bird-finding booklet with 26 sites, is available on-line at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/naturalresources.

Sherburne County (p. 181-182)

The Becker sewage ponds are no longer in use.

Amended directions to the Princeton sewage ponds: from Highway 169, take the Rum River Drive / County Road 29 exit, go east to the first stoplight (County Road 2), go 0.8 mile south on 2 until it turns east and becomes 317th Avenue, then go 0.4 mile east on 317th to 120th Street, and north 0.2 mile.

Amended directions to the Zimmerman sewage ponds: turn south off County Road 4 on 2nd Street E., go 1/4 mile to the stop sign at Main Street, then jog left and continue south past the Park and Ride lot to the gated ponds beyond the composting site.

Benton County (p. 182-183)

The best side roads along the Mississippi to explore for birds associated with pastures, junipers, and planted conifers are in the vicinity of Rice. County Road 2, which extends from the river east to Highway 25 and passes through Rice, has scattered stands of conifers where nesting Pine Warblers and wintering crossbills have been found. Also check for possible Bohemian Waxwings in the junipers in the county park about 1.5 miles south of Rice along County Road 55 (turn south from town on 55 along the west side of the railroad tracks).

Amended directions to the Gilman sewage ponds: from Highway 25, go southwest on County Road 3 for 0.4 mile, and turn right (north) to the gate.

Amended directions to the Rice sewage ponds: from Highway 10, go west for 0.7 mile on County Road 2, then at the cemetery turn south 0.5 mile.

Stearns County (p. 183-186)

At St. John's University (inset B), the pine plantation along the former entrance road is more easily accessed from the community of Collegeville via the pedestrian bridge which goes south across Interstate 94. Additionally, there are other conifer stands worth checking in the immediate vicinity of Collegeville.

Also on inset B, Millstream Park is an excellent wooded area for migrants on the west side of St. Joseph: it is signed on the north side of the highway just east of County Road 3.

Access to the Belgrade sewage ponds has changed: from downtown, take Washburn Street 3 blocks south to School Street, go 1 mile east to Farmcrest Road, then 0.8 mile southeast and south on Farmcrest, and 0.5 mile west.

Todd County (p. 186-187)

In the town of Osakis, the best place to scan Lake Osakis (inset A), is from the public access north of downtown: turn north from Highway 127 on Central Avenue. Clark's Grebes have been spotted here several times.

There are sewage ponds at Clarissa: 1 mile southeast on Highway 71, west on 340th Street for 0.1 mile to Lace Wing Drive, then south to the ponds.

Morrison County (p. 187-189)

As mentioned on p. 188, Yellow Rails and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows had been found a few years ago by researchers at undisclosed sites in the county; one of these may have been along Highway 27, 1/2 mile east of the Todd County line, where Yellow Rails were heard in 2005.

It is still possible to arrange access to Camp Ripley, and the current contact for information is William Brown, Camp Ripley Training Center Environmental Office, 15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345, telephone (320) 616-2719. Since training activity is highest in the summer, May is usually the best month for birding and access.

There are new sewage ponds in Pierz: from the junction of Highways 25 and 27, go 1 mile south on 25 to County Road 38, then 2 miles east to 280^th Avenue, and 1.2 miles south.

Mille Lacs County (p. 189-190)

Some updates to access points on Mille Lacs Lake (see inset A):

• To reach Mazomannie Point from Bayview, follow 92nd Avenue north to Waseca Street and turn west; it can also be reached by following the road along the shore west from Izaty's Resort.

• In Wahkon, the lake is best scanned from Wahkon City Park on the north side of town.

• There are no longer good views of the lake from Malone Island.

Amended directions to the Wahkon sewage ponds: 1.4 miles south on County Road 17, where 17 curves east, continue south on the gravel road to the gate.

There are sewage ponds in Foreston: from downtown, go south 2 blocks on Washington, east 4 blocks on South, south 1 block on Clearfield, then zig-zag east, south and east on School Street for about 1 mile to the ponds.

NORTHEAST REGION

Pine County (p. 193-195)

For access to Sharp-tailed Grouse blinds near Sandstone, call the local Department of Natural Resources office at (320) 245-6789.

Amended directions to the water impoundment and woods of Chengwatana State Forest: From downtown Pine City, go east on 3rd Avenue S.E. for 4 blocks to 2nd Street S.E., and turn right on 2nd to County Road 9 on the east side of town. Follow County Road 9 north for 3.5 miles to County Road 10, and turn east on 10 for 4.7 miles to Evergreen Road. Turn right on Evergreen, take an immediate left on Forest Road, and follow Forest Road 2 miles east to the water impoundment. This road dead-ends in the deciduous woods a couple miles east of the impoundment.

There are new small sewage ponds in Willow River: 1 mile south on County Road 61 to Long Lake Road, then 0.3 mile west and 0.2 mile north 

Carlton County (p. 195-196)

The road to the Moose Lake sewage ponds, 2 miles west of town off Highway 27 / 73, is now named Hagfors Road.

Aitkin County (p. 197-201)

In 2003, there was an active Sharp-tailed Grouse lek 0.4 miles south of Tamarack, on the east side of County Road 16.

Another active Sharp-tailed Grouse lek site is on the west side of Kestrel Avenue / County Road 31 north of Tamarack: from Highway 210, go north 1 mile on County Road 6 until it curves left, bear right to continue north on County Road 31, and go 1.6 miles. Grouse can often be seen feeding here on winter mornings around the farmhouse.

In 2005 there were blinds available from the Department of Natural Resources to view Sharp-tailed Grouse in the Township Road 380 / 450th Street area (A2); for information, call (218) 927-6915 in Aitkin.

The back roads of this county are now numbered or named: Pietz's Road (A1) is signed 320th Place. The east-west portion of Township Road 380 (A2) is now 450th Street, and after 380 turns south it becomes 330th Avenue. The Township Road 49 access in Wealthwood to Mille Lacs Lake (5) is opposite County Road 51 and is now signed 385th Avenue.

Amended directions to the Rabey tree farm: The best way to bird this area is to hike south from Highway 200 on the snowmobile trail, 0.3 mile west of Elliot Forest Road (which is at mile marker 186). Chickadees and Cape Mays can also be found right along 200 on both sides of the road.

Aitkin County Naturally! is a new and thorough 86-page bird-finding guide to the county. It is currently sold at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, or you can download a free on-line version of it at http://www.aitkinbirds.com.

Crow Wing County (p. 201-202)

There are new small sewage ponds in Emily and Pequot Lakes: from Highway 6 in Emily, go 1.4 miles west on County Road 1 to Yost Road, then 0.4 mile north; from the junction of Highway 371 and County Road 11 in Pequot Lakes, go 1 mile south on 371, then 0.4 mile east.

Cass County (p. 203-205)

Some updates to access points on Lake Winnibigoshish (1):

• Forest Road 2163, the road to Birches and Tamarack Point public accesses, is now named Tamarack Point Road.

• In Bena, there are access points at the end of South Winnie Road / County Road 140 and just west of town at Nodak Lodge.

• Forest Road 2074, the road to Richard's Townsite public access, is now named Richard's Road.

• There is another access via Painted Turtle Drive, about 3 miles up West Winnie Road.

• The road to the public access about 5 miles up West Winnie Road is now named Trapper's Drive.

Pelican Island on Leech Lake can be accessed by boat from any of the three public accesses off Highway 200 (see p. 203). Recent records here include Parasitic Jaeger, Whimbrel (among other shorebirds), and even an amazing Elegant Tern! The island is off-limits from May through August to protect the gull and tern nesting colony.

On the east side of Leech Lake, shorebirds are often seen at Sugar Point's beach and rice paddies: from Highway 200, go north about 12 miles on County Road 8, then west 4 miles on County Road 73, and turn right on County Road 136 for 1.5 miles to Sugar Point.

Local birders especially recommend two roads farther east of Leech Lake for breeding warblers and other boreal forest specialties. One is County Road 135 and its mile-long tamarack bog (good for Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Connecticut Warbler, etc.): from Boy River, go 2 miles north on County Road 63, then east 3-4 miles on 135. The other is County Road 129 and its 6 miles of varied habitats between Highway 200 and County Road 7 (good for 20 species of breeding warblers, Le Conte's Sparrow, etc.): turn south on 129 from Highway 200, either 6.5 miles east of Highway 84 or 7 miles west of Remer.

As mentioned on p. 203-204, Yellow Rail and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow are possible in the marshes along the Boy River (3), and in 2005 the sparrow, at least, was found where County Road 8 crosses the river.

In the region where prairie-chickens were formerly resident near Oshawa (5), both Yellow Rail and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow were found in 2006. From Oshawa, go 3 miles west on Highway 87, and listen on the north / Hubbard County side of the road just east of the Highway 64 junction. (Note that the small prairie-chicken population in Cass/Wadena/Hubbard counties is reportedly nearly extirpated, except for one small Wadena County lek.)

In southern Cass County, the sod farms along County Road 1 can attract Buff-breasted Sandpipers and other shorebirds in early fall: from County Road 24 go south on 1 for 7 miles, or from Highway 210 go north on 1 for 10 miles. 

Also in southern Cass County, there are deciduous woodlands along County Road 36 (and connecting side roads) where such southeastern species like Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Northern Cardinal occur. County 36 turns south off Highway 210, 4 miles east of Pillager, goes 2 miles south, 2.5 miles east, and 2 miles north back to 210.

Amended directions to the Longville sewage ponds: from Highway 84 on the north side of town, turn east on Pond Road (formerly Forest Road 2309) to the ponds.

There are now sewage ponds at Walker: from Highway 200 / 371, go south 2 miles on Highway 34 to 73rd Street N.W., then east 0.7 mile.

There are now sewage ponds at Cass Lake: from Highway 2, go 4 miles south on Highway 371 to County Road 143 / 144th Street, then east 0.6 mile and north 0.2 mile.

The current staff at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve east of Hackensack is especially knowledgeable about Cass County birding: from Hackensack, follow the signs to Deep Portage (east on County Road 5, then south on County Road 46), and inquire at the front desk for information, both on the Reserve and throughout the county.

Wadena County (p. 205)

In 2006, there was still one small Greater Prairie-Chicken lek near Burgen Lake within the otherwise extirpated population in Cass/Wadena/Hubbard counties. Look and listen along County Road 18, 5-7 miles north of Nimrod.

Access to the Verndale sewage ponds has changed: from downtown, go 0.9 mile west on Highway 10, then south across the railroad tracks, and take an immediate right (west) on the access road for 0.3 mile.

There are new small sewage ponds in Menahga: from downtown, go 3 blocks south on Highway 71 to County Road 31, then 1 mile east to County Road 147 / 139^th Avenue, and 0.5 mile south.

Hubbard County (p. 206)

There are new sewage ponds in Park Rapids: from the junction of Highways 71 and 34, go 2 miles south on 71 to 160^th Street, then 2.4 miles west.

Clearwater County (p. 206-208)

The Clearbrook sewage ponds are reached via County Road 4, 2 miles east (not west) of County Road 5.

Amended directions to the Bagley sewage ponds: south 0.6 mile on Highway 92 to County Road 32, then east 0.7 mile (32 changes to County Road 19 after 1/4 mile), and north 0.3 mile to the gate.

Beltrami County (p. 209-212)

A new and excellent interpretive boardwalk provides foot access into the Big Bog off Highway 72 (1): turn west at mile 45.2 at the sign for Big Bog State Recreational Area Boardwalk, which is 5.7 miles south of the Lake of the Woods County line or 8.5 miles north of the Tamarac River bridge in Waskish. Northern Hawk Owls nested here in 2006.

Some of the access points from which to scan Upper Red Lake (see inset A) no longer exist. Four locations still provide access:

 • Just north of Waskish along the north side of the Tamarack River; 

 • 0.2 mile south of the Tamarack River; 

 • On Sunny Beach Road: turn west on County Road 111 about 4 miles south of Waskish, go west 1 mile to where 111 turns south, and continue west 1.3 miles on Sunny Beach Road; 

 • At the public access 3 miles west and 1 mile north of Shotley.

Koochiching County (p. 216-218)

County Road 13, the first back road recommended for exploration, was especially productive in 2004: American Three-toed Woodpeckers and Spruce Grouse were both seen 2-3 miles south of Lindford / County Road 1; Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees were also reported elsewhere along this road.

Itasca County (p. 218-219)

County Road 148, which leads to one of the access roads on Lake Winnibigoshish (2), is now named Williams Narrows Road, and the road which turns left off 148 to the lake is now named Bowen's Road. This road dead-ends at Bowen Lodge, which has allowed birders to scan the lake from their property.

Amended directions to the fish hatchery ponds at Island Lake: turn east off Highway 46 on Rearing Pond Road, 0.7 mile south of the county line.

There are small sewage ponds at Warba: 0.5 mile west on Highway 2, then north 0.2 mile on County Road 10.

Shawn Conrad located four new sewage ponds from aerial photographs of the county: 1) Big Fork – on Highway 38, 0.1 mile northeast of the hospital; 2) Deer River – 0.9 mile north on Highway 6, 1 mile east on County Road 128, and hike 0.5 mile north on the gated access road; 3) Grand Rapids – 4 blocks south from Highway 2 on Highway 169 to 1st Street S.E. / County Road 3 / River Road, then 1.6 miles east and southeast on County 3 to 23^rd Avenue S.E., then right (west) ¼ mile to the ponds; and 4) Nashwauk – on the south side of Highway 169, 1.1 miles east of Highway 65.

There is a new website with birding locations and other information in Itasca County: <http://users.2z.net/itasca_chippewa_birding/locations.html>.

St. Louis County (p. 220-231)

Unfortunately, the fields along the Sky Harbor Airport runway at Park Point in Duluth (A1) have now been fenced off and are inaccessible. Also unfortunate are indications that the Duluth harbor area (A2) may become less accessible to birders, as evidenced by new signs, fences, and security guards in the Port Terminal area and at the grain elevators and railroad yards along Garfield Avenue.

In some recent years, spring or fall, the St. Louis River has been low enough to expose mudflats for shorebirds in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Duluth (see p. 225). The entrance road into Morgan Park at the stoplight on Highway 23 / Grand Avenue is now named Arbor Street: turn here and then left on Beverly Street (the first left after the church), follow Beverly to the ballfield and small park by the river, and follow the path by the playground equipment through the trees down to the railroad tracks near the mudflats.

As mentioned in the Superior, Wisconsin section (p. 226), that side of the harbor is better in some winters for Gyrfalcons and Snowy Owls. Besides the vicinity of the harbor, also check Superior's municipal airport (follow Tower Avenue south from downtown to 46th Street) and the fields adjacent to Murphy Oil Refinery (from the airport, continue south to 56th Street, then east and northeast on Stinson Avenue).

The Superior, Wisconsin landfill is now closed to birding access (both driving and hiking) as of January 2005 because of liability concerns. Gulls flying over or resting on the slopes can still be seen from the road outside the gate. If the road is plowed east of the landfill, follow it to the first left which leads to so-called Gull Bluff, where gulls are often distantly in view roosting on the lake.

In the Sax-Zim Bog (inset C), a quite visible Sharp-tailed Grouse lek has been active the last few years near Meadowlands along the east side of County Road 29, 1.5 miles north of County Road 133. Non-displaying grouse (along with Le Conte's Sparrows, Bobolinks, both meadowlarks, and other field birds) can also be seen along the side roads adjacent to County Road 29 in this vicinity. Sharp-taileds sometimes frequent the brushlands farther northeast along 29: from the lek, go 1.5 miles north, 2 miles east, and 2 miles north.

In 2005, there were blinds available from the Department of Natural Resources to view Sharp-tailed Grouse in the Orr and Palo areas; for information, call (218) 744-7448 in Eveleth.

Amended directions to the Floodwood sewage ponds: turn off Highway 2 at the BP gas station on County Road 832 / 9^th Avenue / Floodwood Road, then go 0.7 mile west, 0.2 mile south to the gate, and walk in 0.2 mile.

There are sewage ponds in Tower: from Highway 1 / 169, go 0.3 mile north on Main Street, then 0.3 mile west on McKinley Park Road to the access road.

Lake County (p. 231-240)

In Two Harbors, the cemetery along Highway 61 on the west side of town often attracts fall migrant geese, Black-bellied and golden-plovers, pipits, longspurs, and Snow Buntings; also note the small settling pond near the southwest corner.

There are more than two ponds at the golf course in Two Harbors (inset A) with potential for shorebirds: they are a short walk east and mostly north of the parking lot. Later in fall, these ponds sometimes attract Snow Geese, with an occasional Ross's or Greater White-fronted among them.

There are now sewage ponds in Castle Danger: from Highway 61 go 0.6 mile west on County Road 106 / W. Castle Danger Road, turn right on Bunker Hill Road, and in 1.1 miles the road ends at the large gated/fenced ponds. Equally interesting is the extensive adjacent clearing with scattered brush, rocks, and small muddy pools; such open habitat with good potential for migrant shorebirds, sparrows, and other field birds is scarce in this part of the state.

Iona's Beach (3) is more clearly marked on Highway 61 by the "Twin Points Public Access" sign.

Just northeast of Silver Bay on Highway 61 (mile 54.9), the weedy and brushy clearing around the new AmericInn Motel is a good place to look for migrant pipits, sparrows, longspurs, Snow Buntings, and the like. This is a half mile before you reach East Lakeview Drive (mile 55.4), which leads to two water treatment plants, not one: continue past the first one until the road dead-ends at the plant at the edge of the Northshore Mining property.

Three navigation aids on inset B: 1) The construction at the intersection of County Roads 2 and 15 is now complete: to continue north on 2, you must still jog east, as shown on the inset B map and as signed on the road. 2) Forest Road 102 at the east end of the Whyte Road (B5) is also named the Snake Trail, and it comes out south of Isabella on Highway 1 at mile 330 (see inset D). 3) The Mitawan Lake Road turns north off Highway 1 immediately east of mile 319.

In recent years, birders have been having the best luck with American Three-toed and Black-backed woodpeckers along the Spruce Road itself (inset C), about 1/4 mile beyond the Endless Waters Road corner.

North of Isabella (see p. 238), the forest road which connects to Forest Roads 173 and 373 is numbered 369, not 396 (it is correctly shown on inset D).

Lax Lake Road, which leads to the west side of Tettegouche State Park (7), has been rerouted and renumbered as County Road 402. Coming from the south from Beaver Bay, County Road 4 now curves west in about 6 miles and becomes the beginning of County Road 15 / Forest Road 11. Here, look for the sign for Lax Lake Road / County Road 402, which now turns right (north) to the access to Tettegouche, 0.7 mile beyond Lax Lake. Coming from the north from Finland, the sign on Highway 1 indicating the Lax Lake Road junction still reads County Road 4, but the road is signed as County Road 402 after you turn right (southwest).

Cook County (p. 240-246)

Grandview Park in Lutsen at mile 93.7 on Highway 61 is a new location from which to scan Lake Superior.

The Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 has been rerouted through Grand Marais, and now intersects Highway 61 on the east side of town. To reach the Gunflint Trail from the west side of town, follow W. Fifth Avenue north to the stop sign at the Gunflint Trail, and turn left.

The Lima Mountain Trail is marked with a sign on the Lima Grade Road (C5), just north of the south tip of the "triangle"; Black-throated Blue Warblers nest along the hillsides about a half mile up this trail. Black-throated Blues, along with Philadelphia Vireo and Bay-breasted Warbler, have also been found in some recent summers along the Lima Grade Road about a mile north of the triangle.

St. Louis/Lake/Cook Counties (p. 220-246)

The North Shore Birding Trail is a new 64-page bird-finding guide to 52 sites between Duluth and Grand Portage, distributed by Adventure Publications (www.adventurepublications.net).

APPENDIX A (p. 247-248)

Documentation for unusual sightings should now be sent to the current MOU Records Committee chairman, Peder Svingen, 2602 E. 4th St., Duluth 55812; e-mail mourc@moumn.org.