News - Springtime offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities

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By Kristi Coughlon, DNR northwest region public information officer

Springtime is upon us, and for Christine Herwig, it’s the beginning of a busy and opportunity-rich field season of research. As the Department of Natural Resources northwest region nongame wildlife program specialist, Herwig travels throughout northwestern Minnesota “checking in” on some of the state’s most fascinating, and often rare, wildlife species. 

Throughout her travels conducting nongame population surveys, habitat protection projects and research that benefits more than 800 species of nongame wildlife, Herwig enjoys the opportunities to experience the spring migration of hundreds of species of birds, large and small, game and nongame.

“Spring brings new life and is an excellent time for watching and listening to wildlife, especially birds,” Herwig said. “The forests, wetlands and prairie grasslands are now coming alive with the sights and sounds of trumpeter swans, bluebirds, raptors, ruffed grouse and prairie chickens, as well as frogs and toads.”

Herwig regularly receives calls from bird enthusiasts asking her to identify birds they’ve seen at their feeders or wanting information on how and where to view some of the rare or interesting birds found in Minnesota. The following is some advice she provides to wildlife viewing enthusiasts on where to go, what to look for and the ethics of wildlife viewing.

Where to go
Right now, hundreds of migrant birds, including songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors, are returning to their nesting and breeding grounds in Minnesota. Some, like the black-capped chickadee, hairy woodpecker and ruffed grouse never left. Just about anywhere you find trees, open areas and wetlands, there’s an opportunity to view birds and other wildlife.

A variety of field guides are available to help you learn about what to view, appropriate times of the year, and location. Viewing opportunities can include a day trip to a local park or a weekend hiking the trails in state parks, forests, wildlife management areas or scientific and natural areas. These places contribute millions of acres to Minnesota’s outdoor recreation system and are established to protect those lands and waters that have a high potential for wildlife production and outdoor recreation opportunities. They are managed to protect and enhance critical wildlife habitat.

Don’t forget the binoculars and camera, and consider a spotting scope to easily identify waterfowl and other species from a distance.

Consider a trip along the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail (www.mnbirdtrail.com/), which stretches over 200 miles with 45 sites to view birds from Fergus Falls through Pelican Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Thief River Falls and Roseau to Warroad. Some of the unique birds found along this trail include the northern goshawk, ruffed grouse, greater prairie chicken, several owl species, woodpeckers, Connecticut and mourning warblers, crossbills and grosbeaks.

View ducks and other waterfowl, toads, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians at various wetlands, rivers and other migratory stop-overs. Don’t overlook local lakes, water impoundments and wetland areas. Visit the various U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl production areas and refuges throughout the state. Many refuges have visitor’s centers where staff can guide people to the seasonal viewing hotspots.

Give them space
To avoid stressing birds and other wildlife or exposing them to danger, use caution while observing or photographing. Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, use a blind, hide and take advantage of natural cover, or use a spotting scope.

Give wildlife a wide berth, particularly larger animals. They are wild after all, and it’s not known how they’ll respond if approached.

Let them be
Wildlife need to remain wild. Leave baby animals alone; more often than not, the mother is nearby or has safely stashed the young while she is out foraging. Let wildlife eat their natural foods. Many of the things people feed wildlife don’t provide them complete nutrition.

Don’t just look
Many species of birds and other wildlife can be difficult to see or find. Stop and listen. Various birds make sounds to defend territories, attract mates or to convey information about food or predators. Even if you do not know what species you are hearing, if you hear “new” or “unusual” sounds, tracking down what is making the sound may lead to a species you have not seen before.

Use technology
Use a camera or phone to photograph animals, then enlarge them on a monitor. There are many good phone and computer applications similar to guidebooks to help people identify what they see. Other applications provide example sounds to help people identify what they hear. Drones are becoming common, but in some places such as state wildlife management areas, they are not allowed. The same viewing ethics apply – avoiding alarming or disturbing wildlife, particularly at sensitive spots like nesting colonies, nests sites and feeding areas.

Volunteer ppportunities
For those interested in volunteering, the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program offers many different opportunities to help out:

• Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program – An ongoing statewide survey on nesting success, number of loons observed and loon occupancy on individual lakes in the state.
• LoonWatcher – A program for lake residents to report the activities of loons they watch on their lake. This program provides additional information on the seasonal activities of these birds.
• Frog and Toad Survey – An ongoing statewide study of Minnesota’s frogs and toads. The results of this study will provide information on where species are located throughout the state, and how their populations change in abundance and distribution.

The Nongame Wildlife Program is funded by generous donations from citizens through the DNR’s website, on Minnesota income and property tax forms, or by estate donations.

For information on the Nongame Wildlife Program conservation projects or volunteer opportunities, or to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund.

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