Bemidji, The First
City on the Mississippi, Minnesota USA
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Birding
Opportunities
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 Snowy Owl
soaring over Bemidji
February 2001
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SPRING
- SUMMER - FALL - WINTER
- CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
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Bemidji is located at the confluence of three major ecological biomes
found in Minnesota. Situated in the northern conifer forest region, a diverse group
of birds make their home throughout each season of the year. The area offers a wide
variety of habitats for bird species as well as scenic beauty. Explore the abundant
waterways and lush forests by foot, boat or auto. Or take day excursions to
surrounding areas of deciduous forest or native prairie regions.
Brochure available with Birding
Hot Spots highlighted.
With over 200 species of birds in the area, including the largest nesting population of
Bald Eagles in continental United States, Bemidji's natural beauty provides endless hours
of observation and enjoyment. |
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| 2007 has been quite a year for SABINE'S GULLS.
One was reported from the city park in downtown Bemidji as it flew
over Lake Bemidji in Beltrami County on September 14th. |
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| Jerry Bonkoski found a EURASIAN WIGEON
in Beltrami County on May 17th, 2006. The bird was on the
rice paddies roughly eight miles northeast of Waskish. These
paddies are on Rice Paddy Road off of Beltrami County Road 40.
Look within the second pond on the west. |
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| Itasca
State Park |
| Within Itasca's 32,000 acres you will find the Headwaters of the
Mississippi River and more than 6,000 acres of old growth forest.
Special events are held throughout the year. Call 218-266-2100 for information. Look
at our events calendar for listings. Recreational equipment rental available. |
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| Lake
Bemidji State Park |
| In the pine-moraine setting on the north shore of 6,420 acre Lake Bemidji,
this state park affords visitors an enjoyable combination of Minnesota lake country
recreation and the natural experiences of the northern forest. The short hike to the
bluff at Rocky Point high above the blue waters, under a canopy of pine,
birch and maple, is both memorable and inspirational. Bog boardwalk,
paved bike trail, pontoon boat tours & birding
opportunities. For information, call 218-755-3843 Bird
Checklist |
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| SPRING |
| The migration of Warblers and other songbirds
is the highlight of Bemidji's spring bird watching. Also seen
are, Trumpeter Swans, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie
Chicken may be seen in the vicinity. Bald Eagles return
mid-February to March. |
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| SUMMER |
| Uncommon species to look for at this time of yhear
include the Yellow Rail found in the sedge bogs around
Leech Lake, the Short-eared Owl, spotted in the Red Lake
Peatland SNA, the Boreal Chickadee and the Blackbacked
Woodpecker found in many of the forest lands. The Connecticut
Warbler can be found to the north in the Beltrami Island State
Forest and Eagles are seen commonly at their nest sites at
the top of large white pine trees. Loons are also a
must see as they are found in most lakes in the Bemidji
area. Other favorites are Red-necked Grebes and Black
Terns, both species which nest in the shallow wetlands so
common in the northland. Also a favorite species for birders
to pursue, the Northern Goshawk is an elusive forest
dweller found nesting in the nearby Chippewa Forest. |
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| FALL |
| This season is a wonderful time to look for
migrating ducks. Lake Bemidji has Scaup, Golden Eyes,
Tundra Swans and an occasional rarity such as a White-winged
Scoter. Also seen during fall migration are the Songbirds,
Peregrine Falcons and Rough-legged Hawks. |
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| WINTER |
| Hawk Owls and Great Gray Owls
regularly cross the border to spend winter in northern parts of
the region. Good viewing sites are the tamarack woods
along Highway 72 north of Waskish. Other owl visitors
such as the Boreal Owl and the Snowy Owl can also be
seen in the vicinity, particularly in owl "invasion"
years. Other unique birds seen at feeders in the northland
include Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Pileated Woodpeckers, Pine
Grosbeaks and Purple Finches. In recent years,
large numbers of Bohemian Waxwings, Nuthatches, Pine Siskins,
Common Redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks have been
seen. Less common sightings include, Northern Goshawk,
Golden Crowned Kinglet and Northern Shrike. |
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